2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE Owners Manual

The following are the main components of the midgate
system:
A. Latch Levers
B. Grab Handles
C. Glass-Catch
Release Button
D. Glass Lock KnobsE. Window
Retaining Tabs
F. Midgate Release
Handle
G. Window Alignment
ArrowsRear Glass Removal and Storage
{CAUTION:
If the removable rear glass is not stored
properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle
in a crash or sudden maneuver. People in the
vehicle could be injured. Whenever you store
the rear glass in the vehicle, always be sure
that it is stored securely in the midgate
storage pocket.
Do not remove the rear glass when the rear defroster is
on. If you remove the rear glass with the rear defroster
on, you may see a discharge spark coming from
the latch area.
To remove the rear glass do the following:
1. Fold the rear seats. SeeRear Seat Operation on
page 1-7for more information. The front seats
may have to be moved forward slightly to allow the
rear seats to fold completely.
Although the rear glass can be removed without
folding the rear seats, you will not be able to access
the rear glass storage pocket. Be sure to fold the
seatsbeforeremoving the rear glass.
2-15

2. Squeeze and pull down the latch levers (A), located
near the upper corners of the rear glass, to unlatch.
Once unlatched, the glass-catch release button (C)
will catch the rear glass and prevent it from
falling forward. Follow the next step to release the
button and remove the rear glass.3. While holding the rear glass in place, press the
glass-catch release button (C) and pull the top of
the rear glass toward you using the grab
handle(s) (B) located at the top of the rear glass.
2-16

4. With the rear glass tilted toward you, lift it out from
the lower window frame channel. Use the grab
handles to assist you in removing the rear glass.
5. Load the rear glass into the storage pocket in the
midgate, guiding the lower edge of the rear glass
behind the three rear glass retaining tabs (E).
Hold the rear glass at against the storage pocket,
with grab handles facing you, until the next step.
2-17

6. Turn both glass lock knobs (D), located at both top
corners of the storage pocket, to the locked
position. Push in on the corner of the rear glass to
allow the lock knob to engage more easily.Once both glass lock knobs are in the locked
position, the rear glass is securely stored.
7. Push both latch levers up to the locked position.
You should hear a click when each latch lever
locks correctly.
The rear seats can be returned to the normal
position when the rear glass is out and stored
properly in the storage pocket.
2-18

Reinstalling the Rear Glass
To reinstall the rear glass, do the following:
1. Squeeze and pull down the latch levers (A), located
near the upper corners of the rear glass, to unlatch.
2. Hold the rear glass in place with one hand and turn
the glass lock knobs, located at both top corners of
the glass storage pocket, to the unlocked position.
3. Pull the rear glass out from the storage pocket using
the grab handles.4. With the rear glass tilted at an angle, place the
bottom edge in the lower channel of the window
frame.
2-19

Be sure to align the rear
glass side-to-side using
the alignment arrows (G).
5. Apply a rm downward pressure and then push the
rear glass at against the window frame. Use the
grab handles at the top of the rear glass to
assist you.6. Push the rear glass at against the window frame
and push each latch lever up until it locks. You
should hear a click when each latch lever locks
correctly.
2-20

Lowering the Midgate with the Rear Glass
in Place
The midgate can be lowered to allow the cargo area of
your vehicle to extend into the cab. The rear glass
can be either installed in its normal position, or it can be
removed and stored in the rear glass storage pocket.
To lower the midgate, do the following:
1. Fold the rear seats. The front seats might have to
be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to
fold. SeeRear Seat Operation on page 1-7for
more information.
2. Standing outside of the vehicle, hold the midgate
securely so it does not fall forward. Turn the
midgate handle clockwise and pull the midgate
toward you.Rear Glass in Normal Position
2-21

3. Lower the midgate until it is at.
Lowering the Midgate with the Rear Glass
in the Storage Pocket
Rear Glass Stored in Glass Storage Pocket
2-22