Hey guys this is my first post! If you have any comments/suggestions/questions please feel free to ask!
I know there are a few videos on YouTube on how to replace the handle and fix the handle but i wanted to post a few pictures and tricks i've learned from doing this job too many times.
If you are locked out of the truck and cant open the tailgate, you can do it from inside.
Start by removing the trim pieces on the rear hatch and then the ones on the side. These should come off fairly easily.
Next the larger plastic. This can be a bit of a pain and will require some tugging. First, remove the pull strap (10mm). I started on the sides at the top where I could put a finger or two behind it to yank. This requires force back and up.
Once the strap and plastic is removed, take the large black metal cover off. I usually swing this out of the way and gently let it hang by the wires.
Next, removed the two rubber grommets in the middle of the door along with the 4 nuts holding the window motor in place. This will give easy access to the back of the handle. Push the motor assembly in and down just a few inches to make some room.
Now, removed the two nuts on the back of the handle and your licence plate. Once those are out, you can CAREFULLY remove the plastic around the licence plate by squeezing the small tabs in the door and gently pressing out. This is the finished product.
There are two small screws that hold the handle in place, remove these and the handle should fall right out.
Old vs New
Reassembly is very simple and the opposite of what you just did! I always put some sort of lube on the cable and handle.
The Fix: I recently saw a video of a man who thought of a way to make these handle live a little linger. Over time the cable is stretched so each time the hatch is opened, you have to pull a little harder each time. Replacing the cable is a job but this fix gave the gentleman almost two years of trouble free use. Use some sort of spacer to take up the slack in the cable. I used small lock washers. I bent them open, put them on the cable and then closed them again. 3 washers seemed to do the trick and the handle feels better than ever. Feels like a brand new car! As soon as I apply pressure to the handle, the hatch opens! Just be careful, too many washers will result in the latch staying open and you wont be able to close it!
Hope this was helpful. If you have any question please feel free to ask!
I know there are a few videos on YouTube on how to replace the handle and fix the handle but i wanted to post a few pictures and tricks i've learned from doing this job too many times.
If you are locked out of the truck and cant open the tailgate, you can do it from inside.
Start by removing the trim pieces on the rear hatch and then the ones on the side. These should come off fairly easily.
Next the larger plastic. This can be a bit of a pain and will require some tugging. First, remove the pull strap (10mm). I started on the sides at the top where I could put a finger or two behind it to yank. This requires force back and up.
Once the strap and plastic is removed, take the large black metal cover off. I usually swing this out of the way and gently let it hang by the wires.
Next, removed the two rubber grommets in the middle of the door along with the 4 nuts holding the window motor in place. This will give easy access to the back of the handle. Push the motor assembly in and down just a few inches to make some room.
Now, removed the two nuts on the back of the handle and your licence plate. Once those are out, you can CAREFULLY remove the plastic around the licence plate by squeezing the small tabs in the door and gently pressing out. This is the finished product.
There are two small screws that hold the handle in place, remove these and the handle should fall right out.
Old vs New
Reassembly is very simple and the opposite of what you just did! I always put some sort of lube on the cable and handle.
The Fix: I recently saw a video of a man who thought of a way to make these handle live a little linger. Over time the cable is stretched so each time the hatch is opened, you have to pull a little harder each time. Replacing the cable is a job but this fix gave the gentleman almost two years of trouble free use. Use some sort of spacer to take up the slack in the cable. I used small lock washers. I bent them open, put them on the cable and then closed them again. 3 washers seemed to do the trick and the handle feels better than ever. Feels like a brand new car! As soon as I apply pressure to the handle, the hatch opens! Just be careful, too many washers will result in the latch staying open and you wont be able to close it!
Hope this was helpful. If you have any question please feel free to ask!
