Tailgate won’t Unlock

[4weight]

On 2017 Sierra.  Really weird it’s always been a bit tight to open I lubed a couple of days ago and now won’t unlock with FOB or with key.  Any ideas?  If not looks like I’ll use my extended warranty for the first time.  

 

Thanks. 

 

Merc

[Mike GMC]

Are you sure it's locked?  It may be the actuator rods.  Pull the panel an the inside of the tailgate and make sure both the left and the right rods are connected to the center handle mechanism.  I had one side pop off on a road trip earlier this year.  Simple fix, but aggravating and I had no tools with me, I so I had to stop at a dealer before I could continue my trip.

[4weight]

Thanks Mike I’m not sure how to pull that panel.  Are taking about where the handle is?

[MaverickZ71]

Mine likes to stick.  If I haven't had the tailgate down for a while, I have to lock and unlock the lock several times while thumping around on the tailgate before the latch will catch and allow you to open the tailgate.  

[Mike GMC]

No, the large panel inside the tailgate, facing into the bed.  There are a bunch of goes head screws.

[4weight]

Just now, MaverickZ71 said:

Mine likes to stick.  If I haven't had the tailgate down for a while, I have to lock and unlock the lock several times while thumping around on the tailgate before the latch will catch and allow you to open the tailgate.  

Mine acts the same way.  Just went and messed with it and it unlocked twice manually with the key but won’t from the fob.  Weird

[Mike GMC]

Sorry, auto correct sucks.  TORX head screws.

[4weight]

Thanks Mike !

[4weight]

Quick update for everyone.  I bought my truck used.  It originated in Canada.  What I noticed when I got it it, was a layering of light sandy dust on the under carriage, lower engine parts and other areas.  This obviously was the sandy salt that they coat roads with up there in the winter.  When I got the tailgate panel off, the entire assembly was coated in this dust.  Bottle of air wouldn't even help.  I had to take a hose and spray off the entire assembly.  Waiting for it to dry and will lubricate with lithium grease.

 

Thanks for all who replied, this saved me a trip to the dealer as all the rods etc are fine.

 

4W