My tailgate will not unlatch. It is stuck in the up position. How do I get it unlatched?

 

If your tailgate is similar to mine, you can get to the latch by removing the panel on the inside of the tailgate. Six screws hold it in place. You will then have full access to see what's wrong and will be able to remove the tailgate handle if that's required.

 

I just had the same thing happen on my 98. Tailgate won't open, pull the handle, does nothing. Try spraying WD-40 or similar in the tailgate crease near the taillights at the top. You need to grease up the springs that open and close the gate. I pulled the cover off the tailgate and found that it was fine. Just needed to oil up the latches that hold the tailgate to the "striker" What looks like a door striker latch on the doors.

WD-40 with a spray nozzle will probably reach in there.

 

There are also plastic clips that hold the rods that go out to the side latches. They are a clamp style clip, mine fell out of adjustment and gave me trouble with openning the gate. Open these clamps and readjust the rod so it will be pulled futher when moving the handle. And yes, lube everything good when you are in there....

Sled...