GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2003 🢒 Vibe - AWD 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Body Rear End 🢒 Liftgate Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the roof and mid spoilers, if equipped. Refer to Rear Spoiler Replacement in Body Rear End.
  2. Remove rear wiper arm. Refer to Rear Window Wiper Arm Replacement .
  3. Open and support lift gate.
  4. Remove lift gate trim panel. Refer to Liftgate Trim Panel Replacement .
  5. Remove wiper motor assembly. Refer to Liftgate Wiper Motor Replacement .
  6. Remove the lift gate window struts. Refer to Liftgate Window Strut Replacement .
  7. Remove the lift gate window. Refer to Liftgate Window Replacement .
  8. Remove the lift gate window weather-strip. Refer to Liftgate Window Weatherstrip Replacement .
  9. Remove the lift gate applique. Refer to Liftgate Applique Replacement .
  10. Remove the license lamps. Refer to Rear License Lamp Replacement .
  11. Remove the lift gate latch. Refer to Liftgate Latch Replacement .
  12. Remove the lift gate window latch. Refer to Liftgate Window Latch Replacement .
  13. Remove the high mount stoplamp. Refer to High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement .
  14. Remove the lift gate harness. Refer to Liftgate Wiring Harness Replacement .

    15. Object Number: 876255 Size: SH
  15. Remove the rear wiper relay screws (3).
  16. Remove rear wiper relay (1) and bracket (4) from lift gate.
  17. Remove the lift gate struts. Refer to Liftgate Strut Replacement .
  18. Place protective coverings over adjacent body panels.
  19. Mark the location of the lift gate hinges to the lift gate with a grease pencil.

    20. Object Number: 876238 Size: SH
  20. Remove the bolts (1) from the lift gate hinges (2), with an assistant.
  21. Remove the lift gate from the vehicle , with an assistant and place outside face down on a clean padded surface.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 876238 Size: SH
  1. Position the lift gate hinges to the marked location points on the lift gate, with an assistant.

    2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the bolts (1) to the lift gate hinges (2), with an assistant.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the lift gate hinge bolts to 19.5 N·m (14 lb ft).

  3. Support the lift gate.
  4. Install the lift gate struts. Refer to Liftgate Strut Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 876255 Size: SH
  5. Install the rear wiper relay (1) with bracket (4), secure relay with screws (3).
  6. Install the lift gate harness. Refer to Liftgate Wiring Harness Replacement .
  7. Install the high mount stop lamp. Refer to High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement .
  8. Install the lift gate window latch. Refer to Liftgate Window Latch Replacement .
  9. Install the lift gate latch. Refer to Liftgate Latch Replacement .
  10. Install the license lamps. Refer to Rear License Lamp Replacement .
  11. Install the lift gate applique. Refer to Liftgate Applique Replacement .
  12. Install the lift gate window weather-strip. Refer to Liftgate Applique Replacement .
  13. Install the lift gate window. Refer to Liftgate Window Replacement .
  14. Install the lift gate window struts. Refer to Liftgate Window Strut Replacement .
  15. Install the wiper motor assembly. Refer to Liftgate Wiper Motor Replacement .
  16. Install the roof and mid spoilers, if removed. Refer to Rear Spoiler Replacement in Body Rear End.
  17. Install the lift gate trim panel. Refer to Liftgate Trim Panel Replacement .
  18. Close lift gate.
  19. Install the rear wiper arm. Refer to Rear Window Wiper Arm Replacement .