Section 179 (Body - Interior & Exterior): Liftgate: Handle-Outside: Removal: Handle-Outside
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
- Remove the liftgate trim panel. See REMOVAL .
- Disconnect the liftgate wire harness connectors (1) and disengage the connector retainer from the liftgate latch control (3).
- Disengage the retainer clips that secure the linkage rods (2) to the latch control and disconnect the linkage rods.
- Remove the two bolts that secure the latch control to the liftgate and remove the control.
- Remove the four nuts (4 and 5) that secure the outside handle (1) to the liftgate (3).
- To aid in removal of the outside handle, use a heat gun and apply heat to the wings of the handle to loosen the double sided adhesive tape.
- Remove the outside handle from the liftgate. Rotate the handle as necessary to gain clearance for the lever pull arm (2).
- Clean off all traces of adhesive or double sided tape from the liftgate panel with a general purpose adhesive remover.