Over the last 2-3 months my tailgate will not latch. It doesn't matter how hard i shut it, it will not stay up. I've removed it quite a few times, but i don't see how that would mess anything up. Luckily i have my tonneau cover to keep it closed but it's starting to annoy me? Anyone have a similar problem? I'll be taking it apart in a few mins to see if the lock for the tonneau messed with anything.

Thanks

 

take the access panel off of the tailgate on the inside, spray the crap out of everything with WD40 or something like that and just keep working the handle until it frees up. I had the same problem and it was driving me crazy. I did what I mentioned above about a year ago and have had no problems since.

 

duct tape!

 

You may need to adjust the latches and pins. Maybe they're not lining up correctly. Also look for something obstructing the hinges. Sometime dirt and debris will get in the hinge area and bottom of the gate, causing misalignment. Happened to me on my Gen II several times after hauling dirt, mulch, etc,.

 

A++++++++++

I did just that and now it works perfect. I took the access panel off and noticed that it wasn't resetting after i pulled the handle. There was too much gunk built up on the latches for the spring to move them back to the locked position.

Thanks!

 

2010 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT, bought it a year ago, only used tailgate 2-3 times. This weekend had it down, when I put it up it wouldn't latch. Latches looked good, seemed to operate correctly. Took the inside cover off, WD-40 on parts, then notices hard rubber(?) disc on the rod going to each side latch. they were sitting on the rods in the open spaces so moved them on the rods back where they were under the inside sheet metal of the inside of the tailgate. Tried shutting it again, worked fine. I think that effects the tension of the rods making the side latches lock in place around the pins when you shut the tailgate.

 

Wow, holy necrobump, Batman!

I'm sure you just found the thread while searching for your own issue, but go ahead and post your dilemma in the 4th gen section, as this is a 9+ year old thread. Thanks!