stuck tailgate

[tinknocker]

went to open tailgate yesterday and it was stuck shut! one side seems to be releasing but other side is stuck. anybody else have this problem, if so how did you fix it?

[greenz71]

sounds like the tailgate handle broke inside the tail gate and only pullin one side alose look between the handle and the cover around it and see if both sides move when you pull up

[jeverett]

Take off the plastic thing around the tailgate handle. Be careful, it will brak easily. Its only 7$ at a dealer.
Anyhow, when you get this off, you can see the two rods that unlatch the tailgate. One of them has probably come loose from the handle and is not releasing. THe little plastic retainer clip that holds it in could possible be broken. This is what was wrong with mine. After buying the replacement clip and the tailgate handle surround, it cost me a total of about 7.50.

[tinknocker]

hey, thanks you were right that little plastic chingedero was broken that holds the rod in place.

[JimIam]

Originally Posted by jeverett

Take off the plastic thing around the tailgate handle. Be careful, it will brak easily. Its only 7$ at a dealer.
Anyhow, when you get this off, you can see the two rods that unlatch the tailgate. One of them has probably come loose from the handle and is not releasing. THe little plastic retainer clip that holds it in could possible be broken. This is what was wrong with mine. After buying the replacement clip and the tailgate handle surround, it cost me a total of about 7.50.

Thanks for posting that info...Mine had the same problem.

[jeverett]

Sure dude, anytime.

[sportin83]

i think this is a common problem with alot of trucks, they use plastic clips to pull metal parts and they cant handle it. atleast it is easy to get to on these trucks to fix and cheap.

[jeverett]

Yeah. When mine broke I wasnt sure what it was, and I was sitting in the bed, kicking the tailgate while my friend tried to open it. After I found out what it was and how easy to fix, I felt kind of stupid

[petes97]

Anyone have the part number for the clips? My dealer says they don't come by themselves. The jerks are telling me I have to buy a new assembly for $42

Thanks,
Pete

[VA2500HD]

You don't need to get the clips from a dealer. Go to an auto parts store and get a variety pack of clips, not more than a dollar or two. Be careful if you have a spray in liner. The 3 tailgate handle bolts on the inside of the tailgate must be backed out or you'll crack the clips for the oval shaped cover that goes around the handle. I cracked 3 of them at $22/piece before figuring it out.

[jeverett]

Originally Posted by VA2500HD

I cracked 3 of them at $22/piece before figuring it out.

yeah, I learned the hard way too.

[tinknocker]

I took my broken clip to the local Napa auto parts store and found one for $1.25. I also cracked off one of the tabs that go on the plastic piece that goes around the handle. I fixed that with some J.B. Weld. I got off pretty cheap on that deal.