Open tailgate with no power question
 

I'm wanting to replace my tailgate inside panel. However, at the salvage yards, all the rear windows are closed and tailgates up. Is there a trick to getting the window to open and the tailgate down with no power? I have tried putting power to the battery cables but most of the time, the motor compartment and interior is so torn apart no wiring is intact.

Thanks again.

2001 ZR2

This is for the "dropgate". First, remove the interior tailgate handle, it is held on with 2 Phillips screws. Then pull the trim panel towards yourself to reveal the latch, it may require some force.

Finally, poke a flat head screwdriver down towards the latch on the drivers side. There is a lever that if pushed down will open the rear glass. You may be able to see the lever with a flashlight.

The trim panel is supposed to be secured near the latch with a Phillips screw that is only accessible once the tailgate is open. So if you are worried about breaking the trim panel then don't use this method. However it seems to me that 9 out of 10 trims panels are broken at this location, and it doesn't seem at all noticeable.

Will give it a try next time at the junk yard. I am trying to save the trim panel to replace mine...

Have been practicing on my tailgate and got it down. The next question is how to unlock the window w/o power. Last time I was at the yard I had to shatter the window to get to the tailgate. But even with the screwdriver trick, and a shattered rear window, I would have to somehow cut the window seal to get the tail gate to open...

The window does not need to be broken. Operating the latch with a screwdriver opens the window so that the tailgate can be dropped open.

From the interior of the vehicle, there is a bump on the upper center of the trim panel covering the dropgate. This is where you pull the trim panel towards yourself to reveal the window latch. There is a small lever on the driver's side of the latch. Push down on the lever with a flathead screwdiver and the window will open.

Will give it a try.

Thanks again...

Well I practiced at home with a homemade tool. Seemed pretty simple. Went to the junk yard and could not do it. But knowing where to press the trigger, I broke the rear window and was able to open the door latch. Thanks/ May have to do it again as I could not match my color but got a good clean panel...