I believe the handle mechanism on my tail gate is messed up. Anyone had this apart? Or have a diagram for the 97 Dakota mechanism. Is there a spring in the handle area? My latches will not stay locked. Latches are not bent, etc. The tail gate wants to fall. It was frozen the other day and I had to slam it shut, now it does not seem to be locking. The latches feel very free. Any help is appreciated, tips on dis-assembly and what to look for?

 

Disassembled everything last night. Did not find anything wrong. Came to the conclusion that the grease on the mechanisms was causing them to stick. Cleaned them and lubed them with a penetrant/lubricant and reassembled them, no grease. Seems to be working now.