Forum Discussion

Bobbo's avatar
Bobbo
Explorer II
Nov 19, 2013

Tailgate won't open

I am new to trucks. I have never owned one until DW inherited one when her father passed away.

Details - I have a Chevy Silverado 1/2 ton pickup. He bought it new in 2004, DW inherited it in 2010. I have never had a problem until now.

Problem - The tailgate won't open. When I pull the handle to open it, the left side unlocks, but the right side doesn't. I have tried spraying it full of Deep Creep by Seafoam, with no result.

Is there anything I can do, short of taking it back to the dealer, to remedy this situation?

Thank you
Tow Vehicles
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2013
    Very simple fix. Inside the handle, there are two steel rods that are connected to the latches with a little plastic clip. The plastic clips break but are very easy to replace. You can get them at the Chevy dealer. Until you get replacement clips, you can pull of the plastic bezel that surrounds the handle and move the right rod by hand or with a pair of pliers.

    Here's a youtube video on how to do it.

    Tailgate fix
  • danojeno's avatar
    danojeno
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2013
    It's an easy fix but you may break the bezel in the process of removing it. Now you will notice the millions of 2000-2007 Chevy and GMC trucks with missing bezels. The clip and bezel are both very inexpensive online.
  • camperpaul's avatar
    camperpaul
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2013
    I had that happen with two Suburbans.
    In both cases, the bends in the two rods had straightened slightly and all I had to do was re-bend them to the correct shape.

    20 minute job.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2013
    TucsonJim wrote:
    Very simple fix. Inside the handle, there are two steel rods that are connected to the latches with a little plastic clip. The plastic clips break but are very easy to replace. You can get them at the Chevy dealer. Until you get replacement clips, you can pull of the plastic bezel that surrounds the handle and move the right rod by hand or with a pair of pliers.

    Here's a youtube video on how to do it.

    Tailgate fix

    Gee, 4 whole minutes to get the right answer! Tailgate is fixed. (I live less than 3 miles from NAPA.) New plastic retainer clip and new bezel (yes, I broke it) for about $15. Good as new.

    Thanks guys (or gals).

    Bobbo
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2013
    Sorry Bobbo - I'll try to be faster the next time!:)
    Glad it worked for you.

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