sokkernut

96 s10 blazer - My sons tailgate was hit and a small dent occured.
Now the tailgate will not open. When the lever is pulled, the left side
will release, but not the right. How can I get it open?

Thanks,

korndogg

did u try kicking it from the inside? that might work to get it down and then u can see what the problem is.

__________________
1968 Camaro 327
1999 Silverado 1500 Z71 LT
{o,o}
|)__)
-"-"-
O RLY?
http://www.cardomain.com/id/korndogg002

sokkernut

That will not damage where the latch is?

korndogg

well...is it kinda loose or its it just plain jammed in there and doesnt move at all?

__________________
1968 Camaro 327
1999 Silverado 1500 Z71 LT
{o,o}
|)__)
-"-"-
O RLY?
http://www.cardomain.com/id/korndogg002

sokkernut

For some reason the right side latch does not seem to be releasing. I tried holding the latch open and
shaking the tailgate, but it did not work. Is the latch like that of a pickup?

korndogg

yea i think it is....i had a problem similar on my 93 s10 but mine wouldnt close on the right side so i sprayed some white grease all over the latch and on the inside and its worked ever since. so maybe you would want to try to get some white grease in there?

__________________
1968 Camaro 327
1999 Silverado 1500 Z71 LT
{o,o}
|)__)
-"-"-
O RLY?
http://www.cardomain.com/id/korndogg002

sokkernut

Thanks.

korndogg

hey let me know if it works!

__________________
1968 Camaro 327
1999 Silverado 1500 Z71 LT
{o,o}
|)__)
-"-"-
O RLY?
http://www.cardomain.com/id/korndogg002

TopDogg

When you lift the handle one side releases right? You can hold the handle up while taking a thin long screw driver and using it on the other side to release the latch. You should be able to get to it with no damage.
once its open hold the handle up and push in the side that was stuck.
if it doesnt stay in then you have become unhooked between handle and the latch.






or you might have a bent rod in there. Try some spray on lithium grease too.

korndogg

yeah i was gonna say the screwdriver trick but i didnt know exactly how that tailgatte was put together. like if you could get a screwdriver in there or not.

__________________
1968 Camaro 327
1999 Silverado 1500 Z71 LT
{o,o}
|)__)
-"-"-
O RLY?
http://www.cardomain.com/id/korndogg002

movin2stereo

Sounds like one of your rods got knocked off.

sokkernut

That's what someone else thought. So how do you get it open now?

korndogg

i sprayed white grease bye the latch and then you can try to get a screwdriver in by the latch and pry it open...if a screwdriver fits..

__________________
1968 Camaro 327
1999 Silverado 1500 Z71 LT
{o,o}
|)__)
-"-"-
O RLY?
http://www.cardomain.com/id/korndogg002

sokkernut

That's the key word "if". It fits pretty snug. I
appreciate everyones input on this. I am new to this
forum and have been very happy with the quick responses, Thanks to all.

movin2stereo

If the screw driver doesn't fit you can take out the handle and fish for the rod(if it fell off the handle side).