2001 GMC Sierra Tailgate Problem

FERGMEISTER003BGF

MEMBER
2001 GMC SIERRA
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
14,000 MILES

The handle will not release the tailgate to let it open. It feels like one side is releasing and the other side is not.

Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 12:39 PM

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

If this is a mechanical release, maybe you can get somebody to bang on that one side, while you work the handle. Try some spray lubricant on that one side and handle mechanism also. Maybe remove the handle mechanism, see if you can grab the linkage for that one side and pull?

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Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 12:57 PM

FERGMEISTER003BGF

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Tried the banging deal. Tried shooting some WD-40 on the release by the left edge of the gate. Didn't knoe if removing the three bolts on the inside of the gate would do any good.

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Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 1:47 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

I don't know if removing those bolts will help or not? Don't have any other ideas at the moment.

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Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 3:06 PM

WOODY RUDY

MEMBER
1 POST

THE plastic clip that holds the linkage rod to the handle bezel is probaly broken. REMOVE the handle bezel by prying gently on the upper retainer tabs. THE left and right clips are different colors so they need to be put on the right side. IF the rod has fallen, you can make a hook out of a clothes hanger and retrive the rod.

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Thursday, January 6th, 2011 AT 1:31 AM

JDL