Hi,

I have a 2005 Dakota quad cab. Lately the tailgate won't close until I slam it about ten times. I put lithium grease on any exposed parts but that didn't fix the problem. Does anyone have any idea how I could fix this problem.

 

i also would love to know

 

Is it hitting the tonneau cover possibly, if you have one? Or if you have a pop n lock tailgate.

 

Try a cleaning lube like wd40 or pb blast. Maybe the rubber stoppers are too old and hardened, its their give that holds the door back against the latches, if there's no give then it may not latch or it can latch too much... if none of that works, maybe its inside the shell.

The tailgate isn't bent at all is it? Some people often rest heavy loads out of an open or closed gate.. that can mess it up to.

 

Theres a latch on each side of the tailgate, that clips shut every time you close the tailgate. When you release the lever, these latches open. Sounds like they may be sticking open when you open the tailgate. You should be able to take your finger and clip these latches shut with the tailgate laying down.

 

Yeah its probably the latches staying stuck and they're being forced to lock. Happened to me once and I jabbed a flathead in to pop the clips open

 

Certainly a good idea to use a different lube then, lithium is great on clean stuff but it doesn't soften up rust and oxidation enough like wd40 or an penetrating lube like pb blast. I would clean it good with something like that and then use a grease.

 

Lift the tailgate handle. You'll see a round metal 'button' where a pin goes through the rods which pull on the latches . Spray the center of this apparatus with PB Blaster. Work the handle several times to loosen it up.

 

All the parts are moving well. Nothing is close to being seized or hard to manoeuvre. The tailgate is bent so that may be the problem. Any suggestions on how I can straighten it out? If I get a chance I'll add a pictures.

 

Ignore this post. Posted the same thing twice.