hey

My tailgate doesnt want to open. the handle works but latch doesnt.
What are my options?
thanks

 

from my understanding dodge used plastic clips and metal rods in the tailgates and when the plastic clips break the tailgates likes to stop working. i was going to take mine apart eventually but i got things higher up on my list of things to do.

 

i ended up taking mine apart and one of the clips is broken which allows the rod to easily pop out.

you almost need something like this to stop it from ever happening again

edit
here is how i decided to fix mine. i used some thin stainless steel wire that i had. could use any small wire to hold the rod where it is suppose to be

 

i think they have these clips at any auto part store,under the help section. also they may be under dorman company wich they may also carry. good luck

 

My tailgate has the no-open blues too. I have to flip that little pin on the back of the tailgate. I took my handle apart and it has both clips but the actual handle that pushes the L shaped pivoting arm looks like the metal is worn out. I tried to bend it but that didn't work. That small flat spot that pushes the L shaped arm looks like it could probably be tapped with a screw. That way it pushes the L arm further down and unlocks the tailgate. Doesn't seem like it needs much more to unlock it, maybe just the head of the screw more. Anyone ever done this? The other option I was thinking of was to superglue half a jawbreaker but had some reservations when the jawbreaker broke by chisel. JK...

 

I am not sure about it where you live but I would think you could find a worthless bent tailgate to get a replacement latch out of at a pick & pull for very little money.

 

i have a spare tailgate so its not big deal, so want did u do CAZZYWOLFIE rip off the handle? need better pics if u have them?

 

all i did was unscrew the bolts on the back and pulled the handle down. the screws came out fairly easily with a bit of penetrating oil and a big screw driver. those plastic clips just turn 90* and then you can easily slide the rod out. need better pictures of what? there is not much to those handles.

 

thats i need todo cool, i wasnt sure what the pics were, no worries thanks