I have a 1991 Dakota with the tailgate stuck closed. I pulled the access panel and the driver side latch pole is still connected to the handle mechanism but is dangling loose on the side of the actual latch on the driver's side. How do I access this to fix it?

 

Is it possible to use some wire to make a hook? probably need a light and a mirror to see anything. ..... Not a fun job but only need it to work one time.
Once opened I imagine you can remove the latch and correctly connect it to the handle.

 

I tried but cannot see where to feed wire inside of tailgate. It seems the only way is to cut open the tailgate to access back side of latch. Seems pretty idiotic not to already have access to something that can break while shut.

 

I used to have a 1994 Dakota for a short time ... I really do not remember how everything works on it.
Here is a image of a replacement for a 87-2010 Dakota.


From inside the tailgate is the only way I see it coming open .... perhaps using the existing rod assuming it is not broke. Is a small hole to fish in.

 

I think trying to find that hole blind is going to be challenging, to put it mildly. Looking at the lever though, should be able to just hook it, and give it a yank.....

Another option would be to drill a hole in the right spot, stick a screwdriver through it, and trip it that way.

 

Would have to look at the handle and see which way it operates the rods ... I wonder if when you lift the handle, it actually pushes the rods away?
All would need to do is shove a stick in there and push.

I do like the idea of drilling a hole .... it would work fine if put in correct location .... drill it a precise size like 3/8" and get a rubber plug to fill the hole .... do same on other side and would look factory.

 

I was looking around and stumbled across someone else post from years ago on another site. Same issue on a GM. Anyway He never posted what he did but someone chimed in, in May 2023 with this solution that worked for them;
"i realize this is an old post but i have recently had the same problem . i fixed mine by using a small mini flash light and mirror the kinda you can get from parts stores removed handle to make more room shined light on disconnected latch used mirror to guide the latch rod the end with small hook looking at mirror was able to hook on to the latch then pulled both rods tailgate opened took few tries but was fairly easy this was on a 88 chev k1500 , Hope this saves someone some time . GOOD LUCK!"

 

I'll try the hole idea. Will probably be at least 3/4" to see the latch connection. Thanks.

 

I would drill a smaller hole, and just poke blind. The rod will pull the latch to release it. Once you have the tailgate open, you can take the latch off, replace the little clip that holds the rod in, (it DID let it fall out after all.....) put it back together. I might even go so far as to replace ALL the little clips, at the very least the outboard ones....