Gm Parts Locking Tailgate Handle Assm

[Metro12]

I bought my 2007 Silverado GMT900 in October 2007, and installed the locking GM tailgate in December 2007. I've had to take the cover off probably 5 times since then, to lube and free up rusted parts in the mechanism. Well, now the lock has froze up, as well as the mechanism(won't break loose). Its outside of the parts warranty, so I ordered a new one. Has anyone else had problems with the mechanism or lock rusting up? Also, I have a cap on, so there is nothing but the outside handle exposed to the weather.

 

 

The assembly is wet from PB Blaster, not moisture.

[elcompalaline]

Have mine on since new and had no issues, then again I don't live in an area with much moisture/rain etc.....

[Metro12]

I live in NE Ohio. Its not humid like Florida, but we do get a lot of road salt with all the snow in winters.

[jryan51]

My lock just stopped working...jammed or something...wouldn't say it was rust...finally the chinzy locking piece broke off and fell into the tailgate....it took awhile to fish that out.

 

The dealer wanted huge dollars....a little time on ebay and I got the full bezel/handle etc., for $45 shipped...suprisingly from a dealer. Follow the directions and it set to my key.

[Metro12]

So, when the new one comes in, should I use white grease to coat everything? Any ideas, on what might protect the metal better?

[nickvrebel]

So, when the new one comes in, should I use white grease to coat everything? Any ideas, on what might protect the metal better?

coating white grease would have been my suggestion, but I don't know much about dealing with salt... I've only driven on snow twice in my life lol

[CalixEros]

I have the same issue with mine. Replacing it is on my list of things to do this spring...

[imollison]

I added the locking tailgate handle to my 2008 over a year ago and never had a problem with it. That being said, I spray WD40 inside the lock mech in the fall and spring.....other than that no other maint and I currently live in Ontario where we can get lots of rain, snow, cold weather and salt on the roads.....

[700 sportsman]

I agree, my dad put one on his 08, and we're in Ohio with lots of snow and salt, and haven't had any troubles

 

I added the locking tailgate handle to my 2008 over a year ago and never had a problem with it. That being said, I spray WD40 inside the lock mech in the fall and spring.....other than that no other maint and I currently live in Ontario where we can get lots of rain, snow, cold weather and salt on the roads.....

[sboxchevy07]

Same problem. Out of warranty. I'm in Mass. Now the tailgate drops open if I hit a bump. Can turn the key lock. I opened it up and Wd40'd it. No change. I assume even though its a known issue, GM won't be accountable so is the only option to buy a new one? Is it me or has Gm mastered the art of making things last 39 months?

[Metro12]

I used WD40 to lube it up at 2-3 times a year. The mechanism has frozen up before, and I would take the cover off and use more WD40 to loosen it up. This time it is the lock and mechanism. I lube my doors, hinges, door lock receiver, tailgate, tailgate handle, and hood hinges 2-3 times a year. They are all fine, so I do not think its a lack of maintenance on my part.

[Metro12]

What do you guys think about cosmoline? I sprayed the inside of my doors with it when I first bought my truck. I'm thinking spraying the mechanism two times a year might work.

 

http://www.cosmolinedirect.com/?gclid=CKGj...CFdY65QodpUQfVQ

[LawmanSS]

I haven't had any problems, but my coworker had the same problem on his '07 Silverado.

[nickvrebel]

Same problem. Out of warranty. I'm in Mass. Now the tailgate drops open if I hit a bump. Can turn the key lock. I opened it up and Wd40'd it. No change. I assume even though its a known issue, GM won't be accountable so is the only option to buy a new one? Is it me or has Gm mastered the art of making things last 39 months?

if your tailgate is falling open I think you might have other issues. The lock merely disables the tailgate handle rendering the tailgate unopenable, but doesn't "lock" the tailgate. You need to inspect the latching mechanism on each side of the the tailgate.

[sboxchevy07]

Same problem. Out of warranty. I'm in Mass. Now the tailgate drops open if I hit a bump. Can turn the key lock. I opened it up and Wd40'd it. No change. I assume even though its a known issue, GM won't be accountable so is the only option to buy a new one? Is it me or has Gm mastered the art of making things last 39 months?

if your tailgate is falling open I think you might have other issues. The lock merely disables the tailgate handle rendering the tailgate unopenable, but doesn't "lock" the tailgate. You need to inspect the latching mechanism on each side of the the tailgate.

 

 

 

Thanks Nick. The tailgate opens fine if not locked. You have to close it 2 or 3 times to get it to catch and stay shut. When I lock it I feel like my key is going to snap. Then the gate doesn't open. When I couldn't get it to unlock was when I took it apart and sprayed it. Now i won't ever lock it.