Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Use a flat-bladed tool in order to remove the pickup box endgate latch handle bezel.
Remove the endgate bedliner. Refer to PICKUP BOX BEDLINER REPLACEMENT .
Remove the bolts that retain the pickup box endgate latch handle to the endgate.
Perform the following steps in order to remove the endgate latch rods from the endgate latch handle:
1. Position the endgate handle upward to gain access to the lower latch rod retaining clip.
2. Disconnect the retaining clip from the lower latch rod.
3. Slide the lower latch rod from the retaining clip and the handle.
  
  Fig 1: Pickup Box Endgate Latch Handle
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Position the endgate handle downward to gain access to the upper latch rod retaining clip.
5. Disconnect the upper latch rod retaining clip from the upper latch rod.
6. Slide the upper latch rod from the retaining clip.
Remove the endgate handle from the endgate.

Fig 2: Removing Endgate Handle From Endgate
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.