My Problem With My Tailgate!

BROCKTON · June 16, 2009

Hey everyone! I'm new to GMC trucks ( I just got an '04 Sierra Z71), and the forums. I have a problem with my tailgate....it won't open. The handle raises all the way up, but it's like it's locked or something. The pins on the sides of the tailgate will not allow the gate to be released. The are stuck in their place. Is there a trick to this?

Thanks guys!

stadt11 · June 16, 2009

There should be some torq screws on the inside of the tailgate to get at the handle/latch. Take them out and see if something came loose/off.

Stevens03 · June 16, 2009

Push in on the tail gate to release the pressure from the latch.. see if somethings blocking it from closing properly.

BROCKTON · June 16, 2009

There should be some torq screws on the inside of the tailgate to get at the handle/latch. Take them out and see if something came loose/off.

I'll give that a shot. Sounds like that might work. Thanks!

By the way, nice truck you've go there! I'm really loving mine so far!

BROCKTON · June 16, 2009

Push in on the tail gate to release the pressure from the latch.. see if somethings blocking it from closing properly.

Beautiful truck, man! I'll give that a shot as well! Thanks!

BROCKTON · June 16, 2009

By the way guys, any good suggestions on a nice air intake system? Or a "fuel economy enhancement system"?

Preciate it fellas!

Stylous · June 16, 2009

Couple things to try...

a) Pushing on the gate (towards the cab) can work.

b) Sometimes a rod clip breaks. You'll have to remove the handle then replace BOTH clips since your in there.

c) If the clips are in place and you still cant get it open you might have to pull on the rods with a pair of vice grips.

Maintenance: Grease those babies up with some white lithium to keep them working nice and smooth.

Stevens03 · June 16, 2009

Thanks, On your model year truck I like volant or S&B. Both have been dyno proven to provide nice gains and they are true cold air intakes.

Good luck

ColoradoSkiCountry · June 16, 2009

What he said! (no he is not stupid Those clips break off very easily from the silly cheap plastic handle, push in on the tailgate, and use a set of vice-grips for both rods (left side and right side that would connect to the handle) and give them a good firm tug twords you and that should do the trick. If it does not, then you probably have a broken rod(s) inside the tailgate itself. You shuld be able to get one side to budge at least when you pull on that rod so you can determine if the left or right side latch is moving as you pull the rod.