2001 ram 2500. how do i get the latch to operate again guys?? is there an adjustment?? thnx

 

Did the handle break? Should be a panel on the inside of the tailgate you can take off, and manually pull the rods that operate the latches.

 

i don't know if they are the same anymore but on my 81 and 91 they have plastic clips the hold the rods into the mechanism. if the plastic clips break the rods can fall out.

 

Is there an adjustment for that latch? My tailgates a little difficult to open

 

I am thinking it may need grease at the operator as shown in the photoabove and at the strike latch. Don't think there is an adjustment, or it doesn't appear to show one in the FSM.

 

there was not any adjustments on my truck but you could put a bit of a curve in the rods to make the latch more responsive. as shown in the picture above all that holds the rods in is a plastic clip. when they are broke there is nothing to stop the rod from falling out just like in the picture above.
this place seems to have clips that look like they would work but you may want to do some measuring before you order.
http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Cli...ch=%20chrysler

or you could repair it the cheap way

 

I had an issue with my tailgate not opening. Once I got it open, I greased up everything that moved. Works great now. Maybe try that before you try bending anything (risking breaking the plastic clips maybe?)

 

My 99 Ram 1500 tailgate has no access panel. Inspection by removing the retaining bolts for the handle and the latches revealed the plastic clips holding the rods in place were intact, yet the right side would not release with the handle. The simple solution I used was to add a washer under each of the mounting bolts on that right side latch on the tailgate. Working fine now.

 

WD-40 fixed all my problems.

 

you won't find wd-40 in my tool box. so far so good with my tailgate. that small piece of stainless steel wire is still holding on and working good.