Having some issues with my tailgate handle/latch. When I life the handle to let the tailgate down nothing happens. You've got to jostle it around and push it in and out to let it down, sometimes not even that will work. What can I do to fix this?

//UNL1M1T3D

 

start by taking the inside cover off, you should have 6 torx screws, i want to say they are T30
Feel free to lubricate all moving parts on the latch and handle while you have that back plate off. Should help things out, and would be a good place to start.

Do you have a key'd lock on your tailgate handle?


there are two metal rods that go out to the latches to pull them open. Watch handle operation and verify those are pulling correctly, they have adjustments on one end, it will look like a plastic clip wrapped around threads, you can loosen the clip and take up some slack if needed.

 

Doing this today.

 

Doing this today. I do have the keyed lock. What is recommended as a good lubricant? WD-40?

 

I would use silicone spray or lithium grease. They would last longer than WD40

 

don't use WD-40 causes issues. use a good lithium spray lube.
This problem happend to me a few times also. Follow what Patman said. once you have it open the little clips that hold the threaded rod need to be opened up and adust the rods so the TG will open easy. test it a few times to get the adjustment right,snap the clips back down on the rods and lube the latches and linkages up good.

 

They have lub just for that at your auto supply. Little blue can with a straw. Can't recall the name dangit.

 

It's a Graphite grease. Might be lithium graphite. Did someone say that ? Ahh, he's not important.

 

Tailgate now fixed and better than ever! Thanks Patman for the great instructions and buck, str8, and jbrew for the lube advice. Used graphite grease and smoothed that sucker out!

 

No problem

 

glad you got it!