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How to open broken tailgate - 1993 S-15 Jimmy

Hi, The tailgate lock on my 1993 S-15 Jimmy is broken. A key fits in the lock. It normally is twisted CCW to release the glass, and is twisted CW to release the tailgate. The entire lock core is gone, as if it was drilled out. The remaining portion of the cylinder is still in the gate. I have a replacement core and cylinder from the dealer. I can't see any of the mechanism inside of the gate to open either the glass or the gate. I need to get the gate open to be able to replace the lock assembly. I've been inside the vehicle and there doesn't seem to be a way to disassemble or trip the latches. Are there any words of experience available? By the way, I went to the local Chevy dealer and bought the parts. The parts guy referred me to the technical specialists for advice. I described the problem to the guy (actually young kid). He had the classic deer in the headlights look and actually said to me....."I'm not very mechanically inclined". Needless to say, he wasn't able to help me, and was obviously not well suited to his position. Any insight would be welcome. By the way, I also replaced the drive motor on the drivers' window, and have posted some tips on that task.

Thanks, Brian

Reply to
FlyWithTwo
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Reply to
Shep

referred

Remove the inner plastic cover on the rear gate. There are screws around the bottom and sides, you should be able to get them with a good phillips head driver. Then release the latch from inside. Take it apart using the bolt in the center and pull the guts out.

Steve W.

Reply to
Steve W.

looks like you'll be replacing the tailgate cover as well, my 93 s-10 hase screws along the inside bottom that should be accesible from the inside but also has a screw on either side of the tailgate that are only accesible with the gate down but you could break the cover loose to gain access to the inner latch workings, looks like a trip to the junkyard is in your future.

Reply to
spectre750

The endgate of a Blazer/Jimmy can be opened without removing the inner panel. You may need to look at another S-10 with a working outer handle to see how its done. Look at it from the inside. On each side of the interior trim panel there should be "cut-outs" that let you see the latchs. You need to pry up on the upper metal piece that keeps the latch "closed". It is the piece that moves when you turn the handle.

--reed

Reply to
Reed

or when my tailgate broke and i tried removing the trim, you can't get to the final screws cause they are on the side of the tailgate.

Open your window and look down into the latch/lock area. you can use a screwdriver to turn or push down on the mechanism and get it to open. there is a slight indentation in the piece that turns if you push on it correctly it will turn and release. mike

Reply to
vwtopdown

ofcourse thats if you have the pushbutton release on the dash to open the glass part as i reread your post

Reply to
vwtopdown

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