Need help, Tailgate will not go down.

[jaslo]

On my 2001 Silverado, the tailgate will not go down, it seems like the latch will not release the tailgate. Anybody have any good ideas how to fix this one?

[Btuggle88]

Take the bezel from around the handle and look at the rods to see if they are still connected, it sounds like the clip or clips broke and the rods have come loose. The clips are not that hard to replace but the bezel is a pain in the butt to get off without breaking, I have a 50 50 ratio with them of wether I break it or not. Good luck.

[maplesig]

This ^^^^^. I had this happen on my 2000 silverado. There are two little plastic clips that connect the rods. I broke the bezel when I did mine. I bought a new bezel at autozone for like $15. Good luck!

[Mike-1000]

I agree with Brandon that one of the plastic clips has probably broken. The clips connect the rods (that pull the latches) to the handle. I had to replace them on a 2003. Remove the bezel to get to the rods and you'll see the clip/s. With the bezel off you can also pull the rod/s if you need to get your tailgate open. It takes a different clip for each side and IIRC they are color coded. I got mine at the dealership since I was close by when the clip failed. Check the local parts store to see if they might stock them. Replace both while you are in there because if only one is broken (likely) the other won't last much longer. I've always thought that metal clips here could have saved us a lot of aggravation.

 

Mike

[jaslo]

It was one of those plastic clips, now to see if I can make it into the dealership before they close. I would have never thought those would be plastic also. Well the tailgate bezel did break. Cheap plastic.

[txab]

It was one of those plastic clips, now to see if I can make it into the dealership before they close. I would have never thought those would be plastic also. Well the tailgate bezel did break. Cheap plastic.

Auto parts store will carry all you need

[white1500]

If its actually broken buy one that locks.

[Gone Again]

Stuck tailgate latches are not new. Over time those tailgates suck up a lot of road crap. When they do, those rods pull awful hard and something needs to give-hence the broken clips. They need to be lubed occasionally. You'll be surprised how much easier the latch works.