GMC tailgate problem.

[AccordRanger]

Hey guys this problem is on my dad's 2001 GMC sierra.
The plastic clips that hold the connecting rod in the handle and the latch broke the other day. Usually if it happens we can pull the rod and still open it. But this time the clip that broke was on the latch and not the handle so pulling the rod doesn't do anything.

Does anyone know a way we can get the tailgate open?

[Brody]

Sorry, without a pictures or a Sierra handy, most of us that may be able to provide an answer won't be able to offer too much input. Also need to know if it is an electrically operated tailgate latch or manual. Too much basic 'junk' on the internet about many different problems. Also you have you garbage answers from places like 'wiki answers' and 'E How' (totally worthless information sites in my book, although since they are sponsored sites they crop up all the time) where the information starts with "open the latch".

[AccordRanger]

Its a manual latch. Ill try to get some pics up later this week.

[Brody]

Maybe:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZpjPUsyukw

You may have to sort of reverse engineering from the video....

[Popsgarage]

Remove the rod from the offending side of the handle. Should be a rod with a 90 degree bend in it. Very carefully guide it in through the hole for the handle and feel around until you find the arm that controls the latch. now that you've found the arm, try to feel around the arm until you locate the hole in said arm. Insert the rod into the hole and pull until the latch pops open. After that's open, disassemble the problem side and fix with a new plastic clip. I'm 99 percent sure on this one.