my 01 tailgate closes but won't latch closed. prior to this, I'd have to slam it closed 2 to 3 times before the tailgate actually latched.

i did a search...couldn't find any usable information.

any help, please.

thank you

 

Mine would not open
Try taking off the handle cover. Not the handle itself the cover the handle sits in. It just snaps in place. May take a small screwdriver to pop it off but it comes off pretty easy. Then you have access to the inside mechanism. Try lubing up the various points inside and even the outside latches. I used a graphite type spray powder but I am guessing most any lube would work. I had to work it a bit to get everything to loosen up but now it opens and closes easier than it even did new.

 

Lube, Lube, Lube every where hopefully you have not stretched the rods

 

There are little "levers" right near the latches on the inside of the tailgate. With the tailgate down they are on the outermost edge of the gate facing up. They are supposed to spring back down after you release the handle, mine would get stuck so often. You can usually move them back with a screwdriver. Lubed them with the little red straw inside the groove the levers slide in and all was well for a few months.

 

Took cover off, lubed all pivot points. It did take quite a bit of moving and relubing. But works now.

It's pretty warm where I am right now. The one thing I can suggest is when removing the cover, take off bottom first. If it were taken off in the winter, the plastic probably would've cracked.

Thanks gents

 

There is a little tab of metal running alongside the catch pawl just inboard and next to the mechanism frame. If you push it forward it will let the catch pawl latch.

Mine is doing this again so I will be taking it apart and cleaning all the road sludge out of it cuz I am sick of it not closing tight. I have been doing this about every two years now....

 

Update- I removed and cleaned the latches today and found most of the drag is in the pivot at the handle due to some stiffness from corrosion. I lubed it up but it isn't returning very smartly so I may try to get some new springs for the latches....