GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2002 🢒 SL 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Body Rear End 🢒 Fuel Tank Filler Door Latch Release Cable Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 865426 Size: LH
  1. Open the compartment lid.
  2. Remove the rear compartment side wall trim left side.

    3. Caution: Do not allow smoking or the use of open flames in the area where work on the fuel or EVAP system is taking place. Anytime work is being done on the fuel system, disconnect the negative battery cable, except for those tests where battery voltage is required.

  3. Open the fuel door and remove the latch retainer nut, releasing the fuel filler door release latch.
  4. From inside the rear compartment, disconnect the latch grommet from the structure at the rear wall of the rear compartment and pull the cable into the rear compartment.
  5. Remove the wheel house screws and the plastic retainers on the left half of the rear fascia and the lower left half of the rear fascia.
  6. Remove the tail lamp. Refer to Tail Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.

    7. Object Number: 867942 Size: SH
  7. Remove the seat belt from the guide loop on the seat.
  8. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) retainer and disconnect the seat belt electrical connector.
  9. Remove the 4 seat adjuster-to-vehicle attaching bolts and remove the seat from the vehicle.

    10. Notice: Use caution when removing the applique to avoid damage to the lift gate.

  10. Remove the hinge pillar garnish molding. Refer to Garnish Molding Replacement - Hinge Pillar in Interior Trim.

    11. Object Number: 863798 Size: SH
  11. Remove the release handle knobs by placing 1 end of a long flat tool behind the knob.
  12. While holding the opposite end, strike the tool near the knob with a hammer.
  13. Remove the rear lock pillar molding. Refer to Body Lock Pillar Trim Finish Molding Replacement - Lower in Interior Trim.
  14. Starting at the bottom, pull up on the center lower trim panel to remove from the body flanges.
  15. Disconnect the seat belt.

    16. Object Number: 865739 Size: SH
  16. Remove the rear seat cushion. Refer to Rear Seat Cushion Replacement in Seats.
  17. Fold the carpet back to provide access to the release handle assembly.
  18. Disconnect the harness cover retainers from the floor reinforcements.
  19. Remove the screw and pull the release handle assembly out of the floor reinforcement.
  20. Disconnect the latch from the release handle assembly.
  21. Pull the latch from under the rear seat cushion ramp.
  22. Pull the floor reinforcement out of the latch retainers and remove the latch.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 865730 Size: SH
  1. Connect the latch to the release handle assembly.

    2. Object Number: 865739 Size: SH
  2. Install the latch into the retainers and under the floor reinforcement.

    3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the release handle assembly into the floor reinforcement and install the screw and tighten.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the fuel filler door release handle-to-floor fasteners nut to 2.2-2.3 N·m (22 lb in).


    Object Number: 869277 Size: MF
  4. Guide the latch under the rear seat cushion ramp, then along the left side of the rear compartment.
  5. Push the grommet into place in the rear of the rear compartment.
  6. Guide the latch around the rear quarter bracket and into the hole in the filler opening.
  7. Turn the latch 90 degrees to lock into place.
  8. Tighten the nut.
  9. Ensure the proper function of the fuel filler release handle, the latch, and the door.
  10. Install the plastic fasteners to the rear fascia and install the bolts to the wheelhouse.
  11. Install the tail lamp. Refer to Tail Lamp Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  12. Install the harness cover retainers to the floor reinforcements.
  13. Position the carpet to the floor pan and release the handle assembly.

    14. Object Number: 863798 Size: SH
  14. Install the release handle knobs to the levers with a soft faced hammer.
  15. Install the seat belt to the center lower trim panel and install the panel.
  16. Install the rear lock pillar molding. Refer to Body Lock Pillar Trim Finish Molding Replacement - Lower in Interior Trim.
  17. Install the hinge pillar garnish molding. Refer to Garnish Molding Replacement - Hinge Pillar in Interior Trim.

    18. Object Number: 868449 Size: SH
  18. Apply Loctite 242® Threadlocker, or equivalent, to all 4 seat adjuster-to-vehicle attaching bolts.
  19. Position the seat in the vehicle and install the attaching bolts. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket in Seats.

    20. Tighten
    Tighten the seat adjuster-to-vehicle bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb in).

  20. Insert the lap belt through the guide loop on the seat.
  21. Reposition the rear compartment carpet and close the lid.