2019 power down tailgate won't open

lothodon · December 11, 2020

I've read through as many posts as possible and most of them pertain to covers causing issues but mine has no cover. The remote, cab switch or tailgate switch does not open my tailgate without aggressive manual assistance, and then it can take 20-30 tries.

I've replaced the side latches and adjusted the posts as best I can and unless I remove one side completely it just won't work. It appears that the actuator just doesn't "pull" hard enough to release both sides. The tremendous amount of slop on the rod mounts seems strange to me but I assume that's so that bumps don't trip them?

Unfortunately I purchased a used 2019 with 60xxx miles, I assume it was traded due to the warranty expiring. Stupid me, yup!

Hoping for any input, or ideas, or if anyone knows if it's possible to convert back to a good old fashioned handle and retain the camera setup. I'm guessing for what dealer charged me for the latches the actuator is nearly $300 and I'd rather dump the entire thing once and for all if it's going to cost that much.

ANYONE?

steve841 · December 14, 2020

Im guessing it was in a rear end crash ....

Good luck.

ericarenee · December 14, 2020

On 12/11/2020 at 2:54 PM, lothodon said:

The tremendous amount of slop on the rod mounts

This is likely the reason. are these rod mounts mounted with plastic retainers , or something else that can be tightened or replaced. I have had a similar issue several times with the back doors on my Work Van. They get opened locked and unlocked Many times each day. I have adjusted them beyond there adjustment rods by slightly bending the rods to take up the slack due to all the parts being worn .

Hope this helps.. I do myself wish my new Truck had a handle instead of the electric thing. But i suspect its going to be a issue down the Road . Technology does not move everything forward.

lothodon · December 14, 2020

I don't think it was rear ended. If it was the tailgate was replaced and I don't think I'd then be having these issues. I don't think the aluminum tailgates can be repaired without showing signs of damage.

Can I ask how long the rod bending holds up on your van door? I have a machine shop/maintenance shop where I work, I would be able to take some of the length out and reweld. That might be my next attempt before springing for the actuator.

Thanks for the feedback!

SILVER SLED · December 14, 2020

There is a bulletin for this issue. It call for a new endgate latch actuator. PN 84873070

#20-NA-040: Pickup Box Power Endgate May Not Open on Initial Press, or May Not Open at All - (Mar 18, 2020)

Subject:

Pickup Box Power Endgate May Not Open on Initial Press, or May Not Open at All

lothodon · December 14, 2020

You are my hero. I found that part less than $50 which is a price I'm MORE than willing to pay for a working tailgate! Armed with an actual TSB I might even be able to talk the dealer into covering it under warranty.

Steve-2019 · December 14, 2020

Now you can send Silver Sled a few $$ for a couple of beers!

ericarenee · December 14, 2020

they are still working fine now.. But if you can get a part to solve this its a much better fix , My van is a 2004 3500hd that has worked every day of its life. If the locks and latches failed i would have them replaced all together. But like i said the van is Old but i hate to trade up because it does not have none of this stupid tech that breaks much to easily.

lothodon · December 30, 2020

I'm still waiting for the updated actuator but I did find it for just around $50 shipped (out of state dealership with online parts store). I had a few other things to get and it beat the $100 from my local dealership. Why do they gouge? Either way, I'll report back for anyone else looking for assistance once it works (or doesn't).

Thanks for the input everyone. Now to create additional threads for the other issues!

Vigilante375 · January 5, 2021

I went to my dealer a week ago and they ordered the part. I'll go in tomorrow for them to fix it, for free because it is a TSB for a factory defect.

This is why I wish GM had put a manual, pull release like all tail gates have had for situations where you can't get it to electronically unlock.

lothodon · January 5, 2021

You are fortunate that you've still got a warranty, mine has expired so I get to eat the cost. PLEASE let me/us know if it corrects the issue. I'm still waiting for shipping confirmation for my actuator.

Jeffed · January 8, 2021

I had the same issue with one of the 2019 Chev's. Sometimes the tailgate would not release, it was random. I have a cover, so was very annoying. Of course it was always "unable to replicate concern". Fortunately, it did it one time while talking to the service manager and owner of the dealership. The replaced the actuator and I have had not issues for the past year or so.

It was warranty, so I have no idea what the cost would be.

Slagiatt · January 8, 2021

On 12/14/2020 at 10:14 AM, SILVER SLED said:

There is a bulletin for this issue. It call for a new endgate latch actuator. PN 84873070

#20-NA-040: Pickup Box Power Endgate May Not Open on Initial Press, or May Not Open at All - (Mar 18, 2020)

Subject: Pickup Box Power Endgate May Not Open on Initial Press, or May Not Open at All

Interesting, from march 2020? My brand new 2021 trailboss is having this issue after owning it only 4 days. What the hell.

lothodon · January 8, 2021

if i had to guess you've got the old actuator, gotta use up the old stock first i would think. mine finally has a delivery date of monday.

i did discover that doing it from inside while the truck is running it opens far more often than when the truck is not on. that makes sense as is adressed in the bulletin. i now start the truck, rev the engine and hit the release on the dash and watch the mirror. repeat until it drops. monday can't come soon enough.