my tailgate on my sierra pickup wont open?

Question

sounds like one side unlatches but the other wont.

ok, I did what yall said. now when I pull the handle I do see a rod on the left side moving and that is where I hear it open, but the rod on the right is not visible and the mechanism on that side does not move. i tried reaching in but cant feel it where it should be in relation to the left. So what next?

Answer 1

I just went through the same thing. My rod on the right side dropped inside the gate. I had to pull the latch assy to retrieve the rod and reset it to the handle, I also had to purchase new rod clips for it. This is a common problem for Chevy and GMC from 1988 to 1995.

Answer 2

lift the handle and look, there will be 2 rods, 1 from each side, see which one is not moving, if the both are then its at the latches on the side which requires a little more work. if you cant see 2 then theres your problem

Answer 3

The only suggestion , I have would be to try fishing for the missing rod with a straightened metal coat hanger. You may have to try a couple of times. Once you get it fished out, then you need to figure out why it came loose, it could be a broken clip or possibly replacing the whole handle assy.

Answer 4

I've seen this happen, the side that will not open has a broke piece inside the tailgate; you'll have to take to the dealer and have it fixed; it shouldn't cost over $70.

Answer 5

to remove your latch you remove 2-3 screws on the inside of your tailgate (side facing inside the bed)
otherwise if your in a pinch you can try to manually open that right latch using a long flat tip screwdriver

Answer 6

lift the handle and if ur good u can take a screw driver and pry the other pin out and open it then spray it with panter piss ot the rod inside the tail gate came loose

Answer 7

if you cant see a rod on both sides has a broken clip remove black plastic cover behind hander and replace both clips while you in there clips are only about a buck