1. Raise the liftgate

2. Remove the 5 phillips screws securing the liftgate trim panel to the liftgate

3. Disconnect both rear window defroster wires, which are locked into place (See photo below).

4. Using a trim stick or equivalent, carefully pry the liftgate trim panel off the liftgate. There are 10 plastic fasteners used on the liftgate, with 3 different sizes used. These break easily so it is a good idea to have a few spares on hand.

5. To access the interior components, remove the black insulator cover from the liftgate. This is attached with a light adhesive and can slowly be pulled off.

Reinstalling the trim panel

1. Inspect all 10 of the plastic fasteners, making sure they are locked in place and straight, and that they are not broken or damaged.

2. If you have removed the black insulator pad, reinstall it, working from one side to the other, making sure that the cut-out holes are aligned properly. Take a small towel and rub around the edges to nicely seal it back in place.

3. With the liftgate fully open, lift the trim piece and hold in the approximate position up against the liftgate. Start by aligning the two yellow bottom fasteners into their holes, once both are lined up, hit the trim with your palm in the area directly above each fastener to lock them firmly in place. Next, align the next two plastic fasteners on one side, and then the other side, and snap them into place. You should now have all 6 lower connectors fastened.

4. At the top portion of the trim piece, check that the coiled defroster wires are routed through their slots that are cut in to the top of the trim panel.

5. Align each of the 4 top white fasteners, starting them in their holes and lightly holding the trim panel in place to keep them from slipping out. Also make sure the 4 spring clips are lined up as well. When everything is lined up, tap each area above the fastener firmly with your palm to seat them into place.

6. Check the entire perimiter of the trim panel to make sure it is seated flat against the liftgate. Install the 3 short lower phillips screws. Close the liftgate and open the liftgate window. This will allow easier access to line up the two long screws that are by the window latch. You may have to pull the trim towards you a little and move it as sometimes the screws are tough to align in their holes.

7. Carefully reconnect the two defroster wires, making sure they "lock" into place.

Liftgate interior components

Liftgate manual unlock / lock lever

Flip-up glass prop rods

1. Open the liftgate glass

2. Using a trim stick or equivalent, gently pry open the locking cap on the top end of the prop rod

3. Rotate prop downwards to disconnect it from the lower ball stud.

4. Install new cylinder in place

5. Compress locking cap to lock the rod on the ball stud. Lower window slowly to verify proper operation

Liftgate glass support rods

1. Open and support the liftgate. It easiest (and probably safer) to also have a second person help out and support each side of the liftgate as each rod is being changed. Rods should be replaced in pairs.

2. Remove the two Torx screws attaching the rod to the liftgate and vehicle body and remove the rod.

3. Install new support rod and tighten the Torx screws

4. Lower liftgate slowly to verify proper operation

55136965AA (2000-2004)

$34.50

55137023AB (left, 2001-2004)
55137022AB (right, 2001-2004)

$52.25
$52.25

55136053AD (2000)

55363160AA (2001-2002)

55363160AD (2003-2004)

$36.00

$38.75

$53.85

55135388AD (2002-2004)