Gm Locking Tailgate Handle

2008Sierra · February 20, 2009

I am wanting to get one of the GM accessories locking taillgate handles for my Sierra, but I have a question on how the lock is coded. I have heard two different things for the new body style truck locking handles. One being that all you have to do is insert your key and turn it in the lock a few times and it codes itself. The other is that it would have to be done by a locksmith or a dealer. Could someone that has installed one tell me how the lock is coded?

tobias · February 20, 2009

I am wanting to get one of the GM accessories locking taillgate handles for my Sierra, but I have a question on how the lock is coded. I have heard two different things for the new body style truck locking handles. One being that all you have to do is insert your key and turn it in the lock a few times and it codes itself. The other is that it would have to be done by a locksmith or a dealer. Could someone that has installed one tell me how the lock is coded?

All you have to do is put your key in and turn. I installed this a few months ago so I am speaking from experience. You have nothing to worry about whatsoever.

LawmanSS · February 20, 2009

x2...I installed mine last weekend. Put the key in and turn until it clicks...done.

I didn't really need the lock since I'm running a soft tonneau, but I needed another handle set to color-match and it is cheaper to buy the locking handle set than it is to buy the regular handle and bezel. True story.

pm26 · February 20, 2009

Does this mean that any NBS truck owner can use his key to open somebody else's tailgate?

mattgob86 · February 20, 2009

No, you buy the new handle set, the locking cylinder is an open unkeyed cylinder. You stick your key in, turn it and it sets the pins in the cylinder to match your key and it is done. Cannot be undone.

HawkeyeOC · February 20, 2009

Does this mean that any NBS truck owner can use his key to open somebody else's tailgate?

If you catch him before they put the key in for the first time if they are installing one of these, it's possible

07 CC Sierra · February 20, 2009

I bought one off ebay last xmas.

2008Sierra · February 21, 2009

Thanks everyone. I'll be getting one tomorrow.

Montana Bronco · February 21, 2009

I installed one in less than 5 minutes, and my mechanical ability is near zero.

Just take the bolts out inside the tailgate, and remove the old handle. Put the new handle on, and slide the side rods into the little plasic things. Put the bolts back on and you are done.

Stick you key in, and the microchip or whatever codes the new handle to your key. Slick.

Edit: I paid $42 at the dealer parts counter, no shipping. How can eBay be any cheaper (including shipping costs)?????????????

LawmanSS · February 21, 2009

Oh yeah, the instruction sheet that comes with the handle set is less than impressive. It states to first install the handle bezel, then to attach the rods into the plastic retainers...it doesn't quite work in this order. You definitely need to attach the rods to the handle before you put the bezel in place.

07 CC Sierra · February 21, 2009

I installed one in less than 5 minutes, and my mechanical ability is near zero.

Just take the bolts out inside the tailgate, and remove the old handle. Put the new handle on, and slide the side rods into the little plasic things. Put the bolts back on and you are done.

Stick you key in, and the microchip or whatever codes the new handle to your key. Slick.

Edit: I paid $42 at the dealer parts counter, no shipping. How can eBay be any cheaper (including shipping costs)?????????????

I think you answered that yourself. The dealer is not usually the cheapest place to buy from.

It's been over a year, but I think I paid about the same as you, shipping included. Another example. I just paid $60 shipping included for a set of brand new Weathertech front floorliners off ebay. Those usually go for at least $100. Good deals can be found on ebay.