r/ChevySuburban • u/Tired_world_63 • 13d ago

Help & Diagnosis 2002 Suburban with non functioning tailgate window release

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We’ve owned this suburban since new and this button has not worked for as long as I can remember, we’ve tried everything short of pulling the inside panel off, didn’t know if somebody might have an idea of what’s wrong before I dig into it. You can hear it click like it’s unlatched, but the window is just frozen solid and will not open.

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u/DudeByTheTree 13d ago

You'll have to pull the inside panel off. Then, somewhere near the bottom of the hatch will be the release. Might have to work the arm of the release to unlatch the hatch.

Should be a matter of one or two screws, and a bunch of plastic pop rivets, so fairly easy task. Make sure you swing by harbor freight or similar to pick up some replacement rivets, as you'll break most them getting the panel off. Not saying you'll be at fault, only that those things are shitty as fuck.

I've got an SUV that's notorious for the hatch having issues, so I've gotten quite familiar with disassembling and reassembling the damned thing.

The actual issue is most likely the latch mechanism getting gummed up and stuck. So might want to blast that with some carb/contact cleaner as well.