GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cargo Area Water Flow Direction and Cleaning of the Drains

The cargo area has the ability to operate in many different configurations (endgate, midgate and roof opened or closed), allowing the cargo and passenger area to be open to the environment. To allow the vehicle to operate in these configurations, it is equipped with features to help resist the elements and protect the cargo inside the cargo area. Parts of the water management system, which are designed to quickly direct water out of the cargo area, are the cargo floor mat, front and rear floor drains, wheelhouse drains, midgate drains, and the midgate sliding hinge panel.

To ensure that the water management system performs properly, ensure that all parts of the water management system are clean and not blocked with debris.

Important: All drain valves are removable for cleaning of the valve and the drain channel. Note the position of the drain valve to the vehicle before removal. Improper installation of a drain valve will allow improper draining of the water and possible excessive water intrusion into the cargo/cab area.

In the graphic below, the gray arrows show water flow direction in the cargo area and the cargo area cover system.


Object Number: 1344412  Size: SH

Cargo Area Floor Drain Cleaning

The cargo area has floor drains located under the cargo mat near the sides of the cargo area.

  1. Remove the cargo floor liner. Refer to Rear Compartment Liner Replacement .
  2. Clean the drains of all debris blockage.
  3. Flush the cargo area floor drains out with clean water.

Midgate Drain Cleaning

The midgate drains are located under the midgate.

  1. Fold and tumble the rear seats.
  2. Remove the rear floor trim panel.
  3. Clean the drains of all debris blockage.
  4. Flush the midgate drains out with clean water.

Wheelhouse Drain Cleaning

The wheelhouse drains are located on each side of the water management trough, under the midgate sliding hinge panel.

  1. Fold and tumble the rear seats.
  2. Open the midgate.
  3. Lift up the midgate sliding hinge panel. Lock into place with the integral retainers by sliding the retainers up.
  4. Remove the rear floor front trim plate.
  5. Clean the drains and trough of all debris blockage.
  6. Flush the wheelhouse drains out with clean water.