Tailgate Issue

[Fenn]

I'm having a problem with my tailgate. It won't shut. It takes me a few minutes of messing with the handle to get it to lock shut. I tried today to remove the bezel but was unable to get it out.

 

I removed the 3 bolts on the back of the tailgate and got the top part off but the bottom refused to budge.

 

I was able to see inside and both metal bars were still in the plastic clips. I Sprayed down the mechanism with fluid film but it didn't help much. It feels like the handle only grabs very close to the end.

 

any ideas?

[98 Z71 SLT]

Replace the handle

 

The mechanisms rust

[jdubya]

Replace the handle

 

The mechanisms rust

 

+1 I had mine replaced a couple of months after I purchased my truck used for the same issue. The dealer replaced the handle mechanism...

[Fenn]

How do i get it out? I can't figure out how to even get the bezel completely out.

 

It seems that the handle mechanism is only 26 bucks but i'm not sure if i need any other parts.

 

[rog_ski]

I'm having a problem with my tailgate. It won't shut. It takes me a few minutes of messing with the handle to get it to lock shut. I tried today to remove the bezel but was unable to get it out.

 

I removed the 3 bolts on the back of the tailgate and got the top part off but the bottom refused to budge.

 

I was able to see inside and both metal bars were still in the plastic clips. I Sprayed down the mechanism with fluid film but it didn't help much. It feels like the handle only grabs very close to the end.

 

any ideas?

 

I had a similar issue with my 06. I took the plastic trim off and shot the mechanism with wd 40. Not the perfect solution but it closes and stays closed now

[jro909]

buy something called PB blaster...shoot it into the mechanism under the handle and on the hooks on the ends of the gate...had same issue of it rusting up and ever since i used the blaster it has worked great

[jake1530]

+1 on the PB Blaster.

[jdubya]

How do i get it out? I can't figure out how to even get the bezel completely out.

 

It seems that the handle mechanism is only 26 bucks but i'm not sure if i need any other parts.

 

I never took one apart, there is an access panel on the backside of the tailgate did you remove that?

[ocbasbalburg]

Remove the three bolts like you previously did. Then pull straight out on the bezel. There are three clips (if I remember correctly) that you have to "pull" to get the bezel to become loose. Then you should be able to remove the rods that attach to the handle and pull the entire handle assembly out. It's easy.

[Autonut]

If you need a latch I have one for sale in the for sale forums.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=129067

 

Autonut

[Fenn]

anyone have the part number for the handle without lock?

[jro909]

YOU DON'T NEED A NEW ASSEMBLEY....BUY PB BLASTER

[chas0218]

+1 for PB Blaster/WD-40 both will work but spray a lot and spray everything. My fiancee's father's 02 was doing this and we sprayed it and worked the handle, and it has worked fine ever since. I spray mine regularly and haven't had any problems yet.

[kook]

I've been having the same issue. In looking at the diagram, is there anything that should be sprayed besides #5?

[chas0218]

You should spray #8 as well but your real problem is #5. There are 2 cams that are opening and the springs aren't strong enough to pull them back out (because of corrosion/rusting) for the locks to engage against the studs mounted on the truck bed.