Good tip Dave , the new ones are a bit harder to work on , the mechanism is internal compared to yours being external. Seems everything older gets better with age. :)
I wish my tailgate was stuck shut. In my case, the latches both released and the tailgate fell open while I was driving down the road. I was leaving to go hunting and had my shotgun case in the bed. 4am, it's pitch black and my windows are tinted so I never saw the case laying on the road behind me in my mirrors. The case, and more importantly the contents, were eventually returned to me. However, now I ALWAYS secure my cargo and use a ratcheting cargo bar to confine things to the front of the bed. I'll never trust the gate to stay shut again.
Mine is not like yours. Instead of the side. Mine is right in front 1:53 will see on how to leave a video. Thanks again . Really did not want to take that trailer door down lol🎉
I have a 2010 Dodge Ram 4x4 SLT but the tailgate is shut and will not open. The video work great I'm sure if the tailgate if open but can't get it to budge while closed. Any advised?
You need to step into the bed of the truck with a flat screwdriver, looking backwards. From that angle you can reach the little snap you see me flicking upward. You can see the sheet metal of the tailgate has a small rectangular opening to allow you to get at it from that angle. If you have a locking rolltop like I did, you'll need to get that open first. These are designed that way to prevent theft, even tailgates are sometimes stolen. You're right, this view doesn't show me doing it with tailgate closed, but it clearly shows how the mechanism works. Understanding how these things work is the key to any repair.
Thanks! Finding out about those little levers just saved my back, as I had already lifted several hundred pounds of cargo over the stuck-closed tailgate before watching your video, and I had several hundred more pounds of cargo remaining in the bed. Now my tailgate is down and I don't have to lift things anymore! Now I just have to get a new clip for one of the handle rods, and I will have saved a bunch of money in repair (and doctor bills :) ) costs thanks to you!
This a ancient thread but...Thanks appreciate this, same didn't know about small sliding levers it's midnight but I think I may go try! lol I was trying to just pry the latch down but ended up lifting everything over the tailgate loading furniture
I think it heard the video playing because I got up on the bumper with the screwdriver to check things out and it opened right up on me😂😅😅 Just sprayed a buncha wd40 everywhere before shutting it again
OK. For all of us really really non-mechanical people- you can manipulate that little lever that needs to pushed up very easily, even with the tailgate closed, if you get into the bed of the pickup and mess with it from there. It sounds obvious but trust me - there are a lot of clueless old ladies out there like me who will stand on the other side of the tailgate with a thin flat screwdriver trying to manipulate the lever through the thin crack for like 10 minutes. It was only when I climbed into the bed of the pickup to unscrew those three screws that I glanced over to the side and realized the lever was easily accessible - took like 30 seconds and a little WD-40. Please - no mocking.
Still waiting to see HOW TO OPEN A STUCK TAILGATE. .Indirectly spraying of lube is not a solution that often works. Especially when you cant exercise the mechanism.
I understand your frustration. Any repair starts with understanding how the mechanism works, in this case that release mechanism is critical. The vast majority of these are caused by dirt occluding the mechanism, and it does, surprisingly, usually clear with cleaner and lubrication. I can see how if it were completely rusted and seized, or if the springs inside are broken, it would be a much more challenging task, maybe even requiring destructive effort. If you need to do a more aggressive repair, I'm sure others would be interested in how you solve your problem.
Theft of tailgates has become a trend, so in response automakers are making these more difficult to access. If it isn't obvious, I'd have a peek at the dealers repair manual for any clues they might offer.
Question. I just left the dealership. 2013 Dodge ram tailgate won't open...they say the actautor needs to be replaced. Does this make sense or are they trying to rip me off.
I haven’t worked on that model, but in general the problem can be mechanical, a module, an actuator, or wires/connectors in between. Proof that the actuator is bad may require exposure of components, so they might be guessing on probability. I did a couple of door lock videos that show how to do this for a side door. Good luck!
morning just watch your video on tailgate door , my Dodge 1500 tailgate door is broken, the long rod that contects both hinges came how do I or what can be, both brake bulbs are out need to change,,,, help . thanks
Thank you for your video, My tail gate was stuck shut for two months until I found your video and it took me about 10 minutes to open and lubricate the parts. Now it works like new.
hey i should have thought to do this but my mother has been having a lot of trouble opening her tailgate on her dodge as well and just tonight i sprayed the crap out of all of it with PB blaster and that thing is opening too well now. im actually afraid that it may come open if we hit a bump too hard but at least it is able to open a lot easier for her. she bought that truck new in 1997 with 1400 miles on it and she gets discouraged when things stop working as well as they should be so i thank you for the video because this should make her a lot happier as well as it has made me happier to be able to fix it without spending a ton of money trying to throw parts at it hoping to fix it.
what if it's crushed? turned into my campers propane tank with lift down. unloaded and put lift up and shoved it shut. now can't open to replace. just see mechanic?
I'm embarrassed to say that I did that once, too. Crushed the tailgate but I could still get it off. In retrospect it was an opportunity to try my hand at bondo and body work, and ultimately it worked out OK. In your case, a mechanic won't necessarily be any better than you will at getting the tailgate off. I would study the diagrams showing how this works, sleep on the problem and then have a go. You may need to bend some sheet metal away, but with any luck the working parts at the edge should still be OK. Good luck! You should think about doing a video, others will benefit. If you need to get professional help, I would ask for advice from a body shop, not a general mechanic.
So I'm not alone! lol. Big if you to admit. :) Saw some videos on here about taking out the handle first. I'll take your advice to study mechanics and sleep on it before going down the rabbit hole . Thnx
Thanks 1000!! Tip!!! I used a small paint can pry tool was perfect to reach down able to pull the lever up with ease. Thanks to this video I know exactly what I needed to pull on!!!
Also mine is rusted handle no longer works so was stuck shut when in need of a blinker light change gate has to come down! And this video saved me from sledge hammering my gate open haha
Excellent video. I was watching your video about all test lights are not created equal and wanted to know about the 80 ma test light such as where I could find one. Thanks.
Thank you! Even though my Dodge is a 91 with an older tailgate it has the same release. Your video gave me an idea of what to look for. The latches seem to work so I guess that I need to replace the handle. Thanks again.
+PlumCrazy4Mopar The handle attaches to a couple of long solid steel wires by an L-shaped connector. Those wires extend out to each latch on either side. As I recall there are a couple of plastic clips that hold the wires to the handle. You may just have a bad connection to those wires, usually right at the handle itself. I replaced my handle with a locking handle so I can't show you how the stock handle attaches, but I remember it was a pretty simple mechanism. My memory of the stock handle is that there is a plastic outer perimeter skirt that pries off, with molded plastic clips integral to the skirt, holding the skirt to the frame. When you pry it off, try not to break those clips. There are a couple of screws that are accessible from the inside of the door holding the handle in place. You want to study how the mechanism works before you take the handle off so you know how to put it together after the mechanism falls into pieces during removal. Good luck!
Helpful! I may need to know this someday. By the way, the transmission is holding up great after 3000 miles of use. I also picked up a '93 Accord for $350 and I'm fixing it up to daily drive.
The most common cause is debris and dirt jamming the mechanism. Now that you know how it works, use WD 40 with a spray nozzle and do your best to clean out and lubricate the area. It may take days for penetrating fluid to work. If all that fails, you'll have to go at the handle to be sure the rods that connect the mechanism haven't fallen apart.
tecnico Thanks for caring, I just haven't got around to completing one. I've come to appreciate how much work is involved in doing a video that meets a certain standard.
+patricknbrooks11 As always, a successful repair starts with an understanding of how the mechanism works normally and how it usually fails ie dirt and lack of lubrication. If watching the video and exploring the problem yourself doesn't work, then I'd get a copy of the dealers manual for more details of the internal mechanism (Alldatadiy is a reasonable inexpensive source). Many people prefer to get help from a pro, and there's nothing wrong with that.
WD 40 is a very special lubricant, it's more of a cleaner or penetrating oil than a long term lubricant. Expect any WD 40 to be gone in a few weeks. Silicone spray will last longer, is a better water barrier, and is about the same price. For dirty parts I use WD 40 to clean the area, then after I wipe everything dry I add in a longer lasting silicone-based lubricant that will help exclude water and prevent rust in the future.
spelunkerd I'll use some WD-40 until I can get a hold of some silicone lube. My problem is that my tailgate latch is stuck in the open unlocked position and won't lock shut when I close it. My Dodge Ram is 12 years old.
They look in really nice condition, im supprised the left one became a bit stiff. Nice simple fork design :-) ive used wd40 to loosen hinges, then real oil to lube it propperly, usually works ok then :-), boot/door locks i end up taking them to bits and cleaning the lock sliders and diddy springs, then a nice coat of oil on all surfaces and reasembly, keeps the corrosion away :D
You make a great point. Thin oil, maybe even penetrating oil to clean, then something thicker like silicone or lithium grease to follow. As you say, it's very likely dirt causing most hinges to seize. I think lithium is probably better than silicone but silicone is quite a bit cheaper here. Thanks for watching!
Good tip Dave , the new ones are a bit harder to work on , the mechanism is internal compared to yours being external. Seems everything older gets better with age. :)
Thanks Steve. Yeah, I'm going to be sad when I finally have to let this truck go. No plans to do that yet, but rust is getting to be quite a problem.
Great video, the other's just show how to fix it after you get it down, mine was missing the rod's when I bought it used
I wish my tailgate was stuck shut. In my case, the latches both released and the tailgate fell open while I was driving down the road. I was leaving to go hunting and had my shotgun case in the bed. 4am, it's pitch black and my windows are tinted so I never saw the case laying on the road behind me in my mirrors. The case, and more importantly the contents, were eventually returned to me. However, now I ALWAYS secure my cargo and use a ratcheting cargo bar to confine things to the front of the bed. I'll never trust the gate to stay shut again.
That's a great story. I'll remember it, for sure.
Thanks. Looking at it now
Mine is not like yours. Instead of the side. Mine is right in front 1:53 will see on how to leave a video. Thanks again . Really did not want to take that trailer door down lol🎉
Hey . Thanks for the video , do you know how to open a tail gate broken handle 2005 Ram
I have a 2010 Dodge Ram 4x4 SLT but the tailgate is shut and will not open. The video work great I'm sure if the tailgate if open but can't get it to budge while closed. Any advised?
Handy tip there man !! Thanks ..
Thanks, man.
Life saver, thanks!!
thanks that was helpful...........
The tailgate had bowel problems...
Okay but he did not show how to open it, the tailgate was already open...
You need to step into the bed of the truck with a flat screwdriver, looking backwards. From that angle you can reach the little snap you see me flicking upward. You can see the sheet metal of the tailgate has a small rectangular opening to allow you to get at it from that angle. If you have a locking rolltop like I did, you'll need to get that open first. These are designed that way to prevent theft, even tailgates are sometimes stolen. You're right, this view doesn't show me doing it with tailgate closed, but it clearly shows how the mechanism works. Understanding how these things work is the key to any repair.
Thanks! Finding out about those little levers just saved my back, as I had already lifted several hundred pounds of cargo over the stuck-closed tailgate before watching your video, and I had several hundred more pounds of cargo remaining in the bed. Now my tailgate is down and I don't have to lift things anymore! Now I just have to get a new clip for one of the handle rods, and I will have saved a bunch of money in repair (and doctor bills :) ) costs thanks to you!
Thanks for the feedback, it is gratifying to know that I occasionally hit the he mark.
Oh, me too!
THANK YOU!!!! 😂 I about broke mine trying to figure out a way to open it
This a ancient thread but...Thanks appreciate this, same didn't know about small sliding levers it's midnight but I think I may go try! lol I was trying to just pry the latch down but ended up lifting everything over the tailgate loading furniture
I think it heard the video playing because I got up on the bumper with the screwdriver to check things out and it opened right up on me😂😅😅
Just sprayed a buncha wd40 everywhere before shutting it again
OK. For all of us really really non-mechanical people- you can manipulate that little lever that needs to pushed up very easily, even with the tailgate closed, if you get into the bed of the pickup and mess with it from there. It sounds obvious but trust me - there are a lot of clueless old ladies out there like me who will stand on the other side of the tailgate with a thin flat screwdriver trying to manipulate the lever through the thin crack for like 10 minutes. It was only when I climbed into the bed of the pickup to unscrew those three screws that I glanced over to the side and realized the lever was easily accessible - took like 30 seconds and a little WD-40. Please - no mocking.
+Sarah Adams Good point, worth emphasizing. Thanks for your remark, I'm sure it will help many others.
Thanks so much! The little release tabs did the trick for my '02 Ram 2500. (Plus a few squirts of oil)
Still waiting to see HOW TO OPEN A STUCK TAILGATE. .Indirectly spraying of lube is not a solution that often works. Especially when you cant exercise the mechanism.
I understand your frustration. Any repair starts with understanding how the mechanism works, in this case that release mechanism is critical. The vast majority of these are caused by dirt occluding the mechanism, and it does, surprisingly, usually clear with cleaner and lubrication. I can see how if it were completely rusted and seized, or if the springs inside are broken, it would be a much more challenging task, maybe even requiring destructive effort. If you need to do a more aggressive repair, I'm sure others would be interested in how you solve your problem.
Thank You. Also subscribed :-)
How do you get it open if it sticks closed? I have a 2006 & the handle isn’t as easy to reach with just three screws, unfortunately. Thanks!
Theft of tailgates has become a trend, so in response automakers are making these more difficult to access. If it isn't obvious, I'd have a peek at the dealers repair manual for any clues they might offer.
Question. I just left the dealership. 2013 Dodge ram tailgate won't open...they say the actautor needs to be replaced. Does this make sense or are they trying to rip me off.
I haven’t worked on that model, but in general the problem can be mechanical, a module, an actuator, or wires/connectors in between. Proof that the actuator is bad may require exposure of components, so they might be guessing on probability. I did a couple of door lock videos that show how to do this for a side door. Good luck!
GM/Mercedes Lubriplate works excellent for this, also on obnoxious doors. Yeah, this truck is simply showing its age, it is a shame.
I have a GMC Sierra, and the latch is made of rubber and it is starting to break. Just wondering if I need to replace
Hey how's it going, you don't make videos anymore?
+hp11208 Thanks for noticing, just a brief hiatus. Probably back into it later this year.
Dave
Thanks! Still having trouble moving the tab on the left side, but I will try again tomorrow.
If silicone spray doesn't work, get a light and a screwdriver in there and poke around to see if you can dislodge a rock.
morning just watch your video on tailgate door , my Dodge 1500 tailgate door is broken, the long rod that contects both hinges came how do I or what can be, both brake bulbs are out need to change,,,, help . thanks
Thank you for your video, My tail gate was stuck shut for two months until I found your video and it took me about 10 minutes to open and lubricate the parts. Now it works like new.
That's exactly what I was aiming for, thank you for following up with feedback.
hey i should have thought to do this but my mother has been having a lot of trouble opening her tailgate on her dodge as well and just tonight i sprayed the crap out of all of it with PB blaster and that thing is opening too well now. im actually afraid that it may come open if we hit a bump too hard but at least it is able to open a lot easier for her. she bought that truck new in 1997 with 1400 miles on it and she gets discouraged when things stop working as well as they should be so i thank you for the video because this should make her a lot happier as well as it has made me happier to be able to fix it without spending a ton of money trying to throw parts at it hoping to fix it.
what if it's crushed? turned into my campers propane tank with lift down. unloaded and put lift up and shoved it shut. now can't open to replace. just see mechanic?
I'm embarrassed to say that I did that once, too. Crushed the tailgate but I could still get it off. In retrospect it was an opportunity to try my hand at bondo and body work, and ultimately it worked out OK. In your case, a mechanic won't necessarily be any better than you will at getting the tailgate off. I would study the diagrams showing how this works, sleep on the problem and then have a go. You may need to bend some sheet metal away, but with any luck the working parts at the edge should still be OK. Good luck! You should think about doing a video, others will benefit. If you need to get professional help, I would ask for advice from a body shop, not a general mechanic.
So I'm not alone! lol. Big if you to admit. :) Saw some videos on here about taking out the handle first. I'll take your advice to study mechanics and sleep on it before going down the rabbit hole . Thnx
Thanks 1000!!
Tip!!!
I used a small paint can pry tool was perfect to reach down able to pull the lever up with ease.
Thanks to this video I know exactly what I needed to pull on!!!
Also mine is rusted handle no longer works so was stuck shut when in need of a blinker light change gate has to come down!
And this video saved me from sledge hammering my gate open haha
Thanks, I'm glad it helped. When you get it done, if you think of anything that might help the next guy, please stop by and leave your thoughts.
Good info helped me out a lot!
Very helpful! Thank you
Thank you! Finally got my mom's tailgate open!
Excellent video. I was watching your video about all test lights are not created equal and wanted to know about the 80 ma test light such as where I could find one. Thanks.
Thanks, man! I appreciate the feedback.
Thank you!!!
Tks to your video I was able to fix my truck
Thank you It is a good instructive demonstration
Thank you! Even though my Dodge is a 91 with an older tailgate it has the same release. Your video gave me an idea of what to look for. The latches seem to work so I guess that I need to replace the handle. Thanks again.
+PlumCrazy4Mopar The handle attaches to a couple of long solid steel wires by an L-shaped connector. Those wires extend out to each latch on either side. As I recall there are a couple of plastic clips that hold the wires to the handle. You may just have a bad connection to those wires, usually right at the handle itself. I replaced my handle with a locking handle so I can't show you how the stock handle attaches, but I remember it was a pretty simple mechanism. My memory of the stock handle is that there is a plastic outer perimeter skirt that pries off, with molded plastic clips integral to the skirt, holding the skirt to the frame. When you pry it off, try not to break those clips. There are a couple of screws that are accessible from the inside of the door holding the handle in place. You want to study how the mechanism works before you take the handle off so you know how to put it together after the mechanism falls into pieces during removal. Good luck!
Eagerly awaiting more DIYs when you get the time, thank ya!
Helpful! I may need to know this someday. By the way, the transmission is holding up great after 3000 miles of use. I also picked up a '93 Accord for $350 and I'm fixing it up to daily drive.
Samuel Thomas That's nice to hear.
Thank you
Thank You, I did end up reaching under the cover and opening the hatch. The took the back of tailgate apart and lubed all parts. It works great now!
Thanks for the followup, I'm sure it will help others in a similar situation.
Would this be also the same for a 83 Dodge
What's about us gals out here ?😆
You're right, thanks for the feedback!
Thank you so much! Very helpful.
Thank you very much.!!! Makes more sense to try the spray before by all the parts to replace it!!
+Greg Stilts Thanks for the feedback.
what if its closed
The most common cause is debris and dirt jamming the mechanism. Now that you know how it works, use WD 40 with a spray nozzle and do your best to clean out and lubricate the area. It may take days for penetrating fluid to work. If all that fails, you'll have to go at the handle to be sure the rods that connect the mechanism haven't fallen apart.
Why arent you making videos anymore??
tecnico Thanks for caring, I just haven't got around to completing one. I've come to appreciate how much work is involved in doing a video that meets a certain standard.
spelunkerd yea its alot of work. But i really love your videos. They are very inspiring for the DIY person.
Thanks for your kind remarks, you've made my day.
The trucks are working fine and I bought a boat, which is taking most of my time. Thanks for stopping by, I hope to resume soon.
good one, thanks...
Good video
Thanks!
Thank you sir your video was helpful
You're welcome, thanks for the followup.
Nice tip Dave...
Thanks, Terry!
mine wont even unlock help
+patricknbrooks11 As always, a successful repair starts with an understanding of how the mechanism works normally and how it usually fails ie dirt and lack of lubrication. If watching the video and exploring the problem yourself doesn't work, then I'd get a copy of the dealers manual for more details of the internal mechanism (Alldatadiy is a reasonable inexpensive source). Many people prefer to get help from a pro, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Thank you, great help.
You're welcome.
Can I use WD-40 instead?
WD 40 is a very special lubricant, it's more of a cleaner or penetrating oil than a long term lubricant. Expect any WD 40 to be gone in a few weeks. Silicone spray will last longer, is a better water barrier, and is about the same price. For dirty parts I use WD 40 to clean the area, then after I wipe everything dry I add in a longer lasting silicone-based lubricant that will help exclude water and prevent rust in the future.
spelunkerd I'll use some WD-40 until I can get a hold of some silicone lube. My problem is that my tailgate latch is stuck in the open unlocked position and won't lock shut when I close it. My Dodge Ram is 12 years old.
Good idea.
They look in really nice condition, im supprised the left one became a bit stiff.
Nice simple fork design :-)
ive used wd40 to loosen hinges, then real oil to lube it propperly, usually works ok then :-), boot/door locks i end up taking them to bits and cleaning the lock sliders and diddy springs, then a nice coat of oil on all surfaces and reasembly, keeps the corrosion away :D
You make a great point. Thin oil, maybe even penetrating oil to clean, then something thicker like silicone or lithium grease to follow. As you say, it's very likely dirt causing most hinges to seize. I think lithium is probably better than silicone but silicone is quite a bit cheaper here. Thanks for watching!
Thanks this helped me get my tailgate open real life saver