Tailgate Won't Lock Closed Without Closing It Twice

[Reject]

If I close my tailgate, doesn't matter if it's gentle or I slam it, it will fall right back open. The second time I close it, it locks almost every time. I think the hinges that lock around the pins are sticking or something, if that makes sense. Is there a way to lube the latch mechanism or something to fix this issue? Or is there a spring in the handle that needs to be replaced?

[rmy660r]

My truck did the same thing. Very annoying. Mine was still under warranty and the dealer replaced the inside mechanism. It was rusted. Service guy said it was a very common problem.

[desrtrat]

take the 3 bolts that hold the handle louse enough to get the basle off. if you loosen them to much, there is 3 spacer/washers behind the latch that can/will fall into the bottom of the tail gate if your not careful..ask me how i know. after you get the basel off the latch is right there and you can spray WD-40 of what i used was white lithium spray. also spray the end latches and rod ends and you should be good, unless a part is broken..this is also a good time to check your rod clips for cracks, they only last a few years with a lot of use. if they look bad they only cost a few dollars at a part store..

 

good luck

[Reject]

take the 3 bolts that hold the handle louse enough to get the basle off. if you loosen them to much, there is 3 spacer/washers behind the latch that can/will fall into the bottom of the tail gate if your not careful..ask me how i know. after you get the basel off the latch is right there and you can spray WD-40 of what i used was white lithium spray. also spray the end latches and rod ends and you should be good, unless a part is broken..this is also a good time to check your rod clips for cracks, they only last a few years with a lot of use. if they look bad they only cost a few dollars at a part store..

 

good luck

 

 

Awesome thanks, I'll try it this weekend.