Tailgate Latch - Sticking On Nbs Sierra

[grogol]

I have a 2007 NBS Sierra Ext. Cab 1500 with the locking tailgate latch. I had trouble opening the tailgate latch one day and discovered that if I pull in the center of the handle, or on the right side of the handle, the tailgate will not open. But, if I pull on the left side of the handle, the tailgate will open. It wasn't always like this.

 

I took it to the dealer. They checked it out and said that most of the new trucks on their lot have the same issue, so it seems just that is just the way the GM tailgate latch works. (I didn't try the other new trucks myself.)

 

Is this true? Does anyone else have this issue? Is there any TSB on this? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Ranger]

Does it on mine too, I've had it "relubed" like 4 times now and last time they had to replace my lock and still needs to get the bezel replaced...

[2000DV4.8]

Try pushing in on the tailgate a little bit as you pull the handle.

[Ranger]

That works but it shouldn't be that way...My last truck never did that and neither does most any newer trucks I've tried out.

[THE SILVERADO]

Mine feels like it doesnt pull evenly at times. It hasnt really prevented me from opening it yet! The opening is much smaller than the 800s which is funny since they like to advertise how "easy to operate, even with gloves" and "large grab" handles. It does shut smoothly and feels solid so I cant complain, yet.

[kutu]

I have a 2007 NBS Sierra Ext. Cab 1500 with the locking tailgate latch. I had trouble opening the tailgate latch one day and discovered that if I pull in the center of the handle, or on the right side of the handle, the tailgate will not open. But, if I pull on the left side of the handle, the tailgate will open. It wasn't always like this.

 

I took it to the dealer. They checked it out and said that most of the new trucks on their lot have the same issue, so it seems just that is just the way the GM tailgate latch works. (I didn't try the other new trucks myself.)

 

Is this true? Does anyone else have this issue? Is there any TSB on this? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

My 07 SD has the same issue.

[sgrah230]

My tailgate does the same thing, where one side will open before the other. I don't like how it does that at all. It is on my list for the dealer to check when I go in for warranty service.

[dmcdufford]

Yes mine does the same thing. I am just living with it.

 

Dave

[LAGA]

Mine also. I just push in on the tailgate itself and it opens easier.

[jrrod2004]

I would see about adjusting the striker forward (in the direction of the back of the cab). My buddy's was off by 1.5 millimeters and we played with it for several mins, his had to be moved 'forward" (towards the back of the cab) and had to move it up...after that, it was easy as pie to open the tailgate. Adjust BOTH strikers and yours should work like new.

 

 

 

 

Service Information

 

2007 Chevrolet Silverado - 2WD | Sierra, Silverado (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1834093 Pickup Box Endgate Striker Replacement (Pickup Box)

 

Callout

 

Component Name

 

 

Preliminary Procedure

Remove the tail lamp. Refer to Tail Lamp Replacement .

 

1

 

Pickup Box Endgate Striker Nut

 

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

 

Tighten

35 N·m (26 lb ft)

 

2

 

Pickup Box Endgate Striker

 

© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

[jrrod2004]

hope it helps

[saxdogg]

Mine works perfect, 08 w/ 6700 mi. You should take it somewhere else...they'll probably wait for a tsb to admit they can fix it.

[grogol]

Thanks, Cueva! I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Zembonez]

Has to be an adjustment thing. Mine works smoothly but neighbor across street has this issue.

[grogol]

Update - when I had the dealer check out my sticking (poorly working) tailgate latch, I had primarily taken the truck in to get the tires rotated. When I got home and started the truck the next time, I used the remote start and from outside the truck could hear a noticable exhaust leak under the driver door. I crawled underneath and found a "bright metal" scuff mark on the exhaust near the frame under the driver door. I called the dealer and told him I would need to bring the truck back to fix the exhaust leak they caused when they put my turck on the lift. The dealer then mentioned he could also replace the tailgate latch when I brough it in.

 

I had the exhaust fixed (needed a new doughnut and a new bolt) and a new tailgate latch installed. The new latch works a lot better. If I pull "smartly" it will open the tailgate no matter where I pull the handle. If I pull "gently", I still need to pull on the left side of the handle. Oh, well, it's an improvement.

 

I'll have to try the striker adjustment one of these days when I have spare time.