Section 39 (Body Structure): Tailgate: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Isuzu Axiom. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Remove the rear roof trim cover.
- Pry the six clip positions free from the body panel.
Remove the tailgate upper covers (RH/LH).
Remove the roof spoiler (if so equipped).
- Refer to the ROOF SPOILER .
Remove the tailgate upper center trim cover.
- Pry the four clip positions (1) free from the tailgate.
Remove the tailgate pull box.
- Pry the tailgate pull box from the tailgate assembly.
Remove the three clips.
Remove the tailgate lower trim cover.
- Pry the thirteen clip positions (1) free from the tailgate.
Remove the tailgate upper side trim cover.
- Pry the three clip positions (1) free from the tail gate (RH/LH).
Fig 1: Removing Tailgate Upper Side Trim Cover
Courtesy of ISUZU MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the high mount stoplight and rear defogger and tailgate lock harness connectors.
Pull out the washer hose.
Remove the tailgate hinges (RH/LH).
- Remove the two bolts.
Remove the tailgate stay assembly (RH/LH).
- Remove the two bolts.
Remove the tailgate assembly.
- Remove the tailgate assembly may require two people.
- Carefully remove the tailgate assembly not to damage the hinge.
Remove the dove tails (RH/LH).
Remove the vent grills (RH/LH).
Remove the high mount stoplight.
Remove the rear wiper arm.
- Refer to REAR WIPER ARM/BLADE .
Remove the rear wiper motor assembly.
Remove the tailgate lock assembly and outside handle.
- Refer to TAILGATE LOCK AND OUTSIDE HANDLE .
Remove the tailgate molding (1).
- Remove the two nuts (5) and the three screws (2).
Remove the tailgate bracket.
- Remove the four screws (3) and the clip (4).
Fig 2: Removing Tailgate Bracket
Courtesy of ISUZU MOTOR CO.
Remove the license plate light.
Remove the tailgate harness.