2003 GMC Safari back hatch won't open?

Answer 1

I experienced the same issue with my 2003. What i did, get in the van, go to the back door. Take a "philip & flat" screwdriver" with you. Remove the covers on the handle ends using the flat screwdriver. Then using the philips remove the screws, and the handle will come off. Use the flat screw driver, to "gently" pry the plastic window trim. It won't come off completely, but enough for you to see the locking control arms. These are metal bars running to both sides of the hatch. Look at the main body, where the arms meet. The ends of these bars are bent 90 and they must be inserted into the holes of the moving bars. What happens is the contol bars pop out and therefore the door will not release. When you reconnect them, it will. Simple fix. Do it yourself. Put the handle back on. Note : before doing press the button, you should hear the actuator working, if not replace the actuator. Easy to do.