ENDGATE WINDOW LATCH INOP. OR ENDGATE OPENS WITHOUT KEY

Subject: ENDGATE WINDOW LATCH NOT RELEASING OR ENDGATE OPENS WITHOUT KEY

Model and Year: 1983-91 S/T TRUCKS

Some owners of 1983-1991 S/T utility vehicles may experience difficulty releasing the rear endgate window latch and/or the endgate may be opened without a key.

These conditions may be caused by an endgate window latch which has dirt contamination, a deformed spring leg, a missing or broken spring, a bent release lever, a bent frame or a latch which is misadjusted.

To correct this condition, it is necessary to properly adjust the endgate window latch assembly and/or replace it.

ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE:

1. Check for proper window latch assembly adjustment by performing the following steps:

NOTICE: To open the end gate, insert the key into the lock assembly and rotate the handle COUNTERCLOCKWISE. Turning the key/handle clockwise and exerting excessive force may result in a broken lock assembly.

o Hold the window/glass handle and try to move the glass in and out. If the latch is misaligned to the striker, a rattle condition will exist.

o Inspect the endgate glass for a snug fit against the top and sides of the body opening.

2. If the latch is misaligned and/or the endgate glass is not snug against the weatherstrip, remove the endgate inner trim panel and loosen the latch assembly by adjusting the nuts located on the side of the latch assembly (Figure 1, Item 4). Adjust the location of the latch and tighten the adjusting nuts to 8.5- 11.0 N.m (6-8 lbs. ft.).

3. Check the endgate window latch for proper operation. If necessary, repeat steps 1 and 2.

REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE

If the latch assembly is properly adjusted and the condition still occurs, the latch assembly should be replaced by performing the following steps:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Open the endgate to the horizontal position.

3. Remove the inner trim panel.

4. Remove the bolts retaining the endgate inner panel reinforcement and remove the reinforcement (Figure 1, Item 2).

5. Disconnect the right and left endgate lock rods from the endgate window latch assembly (Figure 2).

6. Remove the adjusting nuts securing the window latch assembly to the endgate. (Figure 1, Item 4)

7. Disconnect the power window release actuator cable, if equipped.

8. Remove the window latch assembly from the endgate and discard.

9. Preassemble the lock rods to the new endgate window latch assembly (P/N 20367780) and install. DO NOT force the lock rods into position. The lock rods should line up with the attaching hole or stud on the window latch lever.

NOTE: The temporary lock rod positioning fastener must be in place for this procedure. (Figure 2, Item 4)

If the rods do not align with the attaching hole or stud, adjust the rod(s) by turning to either lengthen or shorten as required.

10. Remove and discard the temporary lock rod positioning fastener.

11. Reconnect the power window release actuator cable, if equipped.

12. Check for proper endgate operation. If necessary, readjust the lock rods.

13. Reattach the endgate inner panel reinforcement.

14. Adjust the latch assembly as described in steps 1-3 of the "Adjusting Procedure".

15. Reinstall the inner trim panel.

16. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY ----------- ----------- -------- 20367780 Window Latch Assembly 1

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

For vehicles repaired under warranty use:

Labor Operation: B5880

Use applicable labor time guide for labor hours.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.