taigate switch removal

[michael bustamante]

ok I need to remove the lock switch assy. in the center of the tailgate of my 84 Blazer that rolls down the window with the key. I took off the back and it looks like I need to remove the glass and the regulators. is that right or am I making this too hard?

[BLE 'BURBAN]

1. Roll down back window and open tailgate.
2. Remove all screws from access panel.
3 Insert a screwdriver into the passenger side latch mechanism on the tailgate and press downward (towards the ground) to close the latch completely. Doing this will enable you to roll your window up(out)
3a. To open the right side latch back up simply pull the handle like normal. Be sure to do this BEFORE you close the gate!!!
4. With the key, raise the window until you can access the 4 bolts at the base of the glass (7/16 hex-head).
5. If equipped with heated glass, disconnect the power lead for the defroster on the drivers side of the gate. This can be a real P.I.T.A. Then unbolt the ground strap from the lower right regulator mounting bolt. (7/16 hex-head)
6. Unbolt the glass from the regulator and CAREFULLY remove the glass and lay it inside the cargo area out of the way.
7. There are 2 holes in the regulator that you line up with the nuts/shafts for the escutcheon. (3'8 or 7/16 hex-head.... I forget)
8. Using the appropriate socket, dab a little bit of grease inside the socket to help hold onto the nut so it doesn't drop and get lost inside any impossible to reach crevices,(been there done that and it's still there!!!) remove the nuts and the escutcheon will drop out.
9. once the escutcheon is out, remove the wiring harness retainer and carefully disconnect the harness from the switch/lock cylinder.
10. At the base of the cylinder there is a spring steel lock ring that has to be depressed and rotated at the same time to release it. I did this by placing the escutcheon in the palm of my hand and using a flat tip screwdriver CAREFULLY press down on one side of the spring while pushing it around the cylinder. I got lucky and didn't slip and ram the screwdriver thru my hand.

11. The cylinder/switch will now drop out of the escutcheon.

12. Repair what needed and reinstall in reverse order.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE RIGHT SIDE LATCH!!! I did....once no fun getting the tailgate back open. BELIEVE ME!!!!

[Rogue_Alphonse]

BLE 'BURBAN, you are a big help... now I actually have ambition to remove my key switch on my 1980 tailgate. Thing is, the key only goes halfway in and because of that [I'm guessing] it won't turn.

...unless the door locks are different from that of the tailgate. The Blazer the gate and doors came from had been repainted....

[BLE 'BURBAN]

Originally Posted by Rogue_Alphonse

BLE 'BURBAN, you are a big help... now I actually have ambition to remove my key switch on my 1980 tailgate. Thing is, the key only goes halfway in and because of that [I'm guessing] it won't turn.

...unless the door locks are different from that of the tailgate. The Blazer the gate and doors came from had been repainted....

Thanks glad to be of help.

I went back and did a little bit of editing to it so you may want to re-read it.

have fun and good luck.
Dave

[michael bustamante]

THANK YOU very much man I really appreciate it. now I got a weekend project. damn thieves thought they`d mess up the lock to get in the tailgate!!! any idear where to get another lock other than e bay?

[BLE 'BURBAN]

I don't know if they're available thru work still or not. (G.M. Dealership) I'll check tomorrow if not, chek with a locksmith or even LMC.

[michael bustamante]

Ok man thank you

[BLE 'BURBAN]

Switch is still available from G.M. part # 06259467 inlcudes lock cylinder and switch as one unit.