Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Aztek and 2003 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Open the liftgate.
Remove the endgate sill plate. Refer to DOOR SILL PLATE REPLACEMENT -- END GATE .
Pull the liftgate weatherstrip from the liftgate opening pinch-weld flange.
Clean all the adhesive from the liftgate opening pinch-weld flange using GM P/N 8984 adhesive remover or equivalent.

Fig 1: Removing Procedure Of Weatherstrip Replacement - Lift Gate (Aztec)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.