Tailgate Won't Open!

pkpouttu · December 1, 2014

The handle will move if it is locked or unlocked so I'm guessing the cable is messed up inside? Is it time to call the dealership?

Silverado-Hareek · December 1, 2014

The handle will move if it is locked or unlocked so I'm guessing the cable is messed up inside? Is it time to call the dealership?

This happened to my 2007. Some cable on the inside snapped so the handle basically wouldn't operate the latch mechanism anymore. I think it was a $50 fix.

pkpouttu · December 1, 2014

This is something that should be cover under warranty yet correct?

Silverado-Hareek · December 1, 2014

This is something that should be cover under warranty yet correct?

Yes unless you have my luck, then it snaps at 36,001 miles.......

pkpouttu · December 1, 2014

I got around 3600 miles on it. My 2011 Sierra had a couple issues right after 36,000 miles. I think right around 36,800 if I remember right. I'll try call the dealership later today. Thanks.

Silverado-Hareek · December 1, 2014

I got around 3600 miles on it. My 2011 Sierra had a couple issues right after 36,000 miles. I think right around 36,800 if I remember right. I'll try call the dealership later today. Thanks.

Whatever your odometer said when you drove it off the lot, add that number to 36,000 and that should be when your warranty expires. The dealer may throw you a bone if it's close too. Good luck!

pkpouttu · December 1, 2014

No this one has 3,600 so I'll be good.

Silverado-Hareek · December 1, 2014

No this one has 3,600 so I'll be good.

Woops sorry misread. You should be covered then.

fondupot · December 1, 2014

The handle still moves when it is locked. Make sure its unlocked using your key.

chuckl1218 · December 2, 2014

My son's 2010 Silverado had this happen...handle would move...it was unlocked...but wouldn't open.

There are plastic keepers that hold the cable in the latch assembly on either side. One of the plastic keepers was broken...went to AutoZone...purchased plastic keeper kit for $5....fixed in 5 minutes.

He found a writeup somewhere on one of the forums that showed exactly what to do. I think the 2014 still uses the plastic keepers, just a different type.

Perhaps the extra strain on the cable from the thickness of the bed liner caused the plastic to break? Just a thought.

Silverado-Hareek · December 3, 2014

My son's 2010 Silverado had this happen...handle would move...it was unlocked...but wouldn't open.

There are plastic keepers that hold the cable in the latch assembly on either side. One of the plastic keepers was broken...went to AutoZone...purchased plastic keeper kit for $5....fixed in 5 minutes.

He found a writeup somewhere on one of the forums that showed exactly what to do. I think the 2014 still uses the plastic keepers, just a different type.

Perhaps the extra strain on the cable from the thickness of the bed liner caused the plastic to break? Just a thought.

This is exactly what happened to my 2007 except I paid the dealer to fix it......

pkpouttu · December 3, 2014

Ended up just being frozen. I thought for sure the cable was busted as the handle would move up and down even if it was locked. I'm surprised it was that frozen considering I tried it Tuesday of last week, Friday and Sunday. Tried it last night when it was a tad warmer and it opened. My tonneau seems to be way tight to the tailgate compared to my last truck.

Silverado-Hareek · December 3, 2014

Ended up just being frozen. I thought for sure the cable was busted as the handle would move up and down even if it was locked. I'm surprised it was that frozen considering I tried it Tuesday of last week, Friday and Sunday. Tried it last night when it was a tad warmer and it opened. My tonneau seems to be way tight to the tailgate compared to my last truck.

Keep an eye on it. I wanna say my 2007 worked on and off a few times before finally breaking for good. I still think you have an issue with the latch release mechanism like I did. A tailgate handle shouldn't freeze.

darkfox1 · December 3, 2014

The handle will move whether the tailgate is locked or not, there is a lever inside the tailgate handle that disengages the handle from doing anything.

I have one in my shop, if you'd like I can take a pic so you can see how it works.

If yours turns out to be a problem child or something I have one I dont need, but it doesn't have a camera output.