tailgate won't close without slamming

**stickershock** · 08-10-2009, 12:04 PM

our 2006 1500 has a tailgate that won't close unless you really slam it or repeatedly slam it. The handle mechanism will open the tailgate ok. Two things: is something adjustable where the tailgate latches to the truck? Also, the handle doesn't make the latches (on either side of the tailgate) move when you work the handle, could something be sprung or broke, or should they move?

**Darknesss23** · 08-10-2009, 12:36 PM

Maybe the latch on the side of the tailgate is just stuck... spray it with some lube to loosen and then apply some grease? white lithium grease?

**stickershock** · 08-10-2009, 12:45 PM

I sprayed one of the latches to no effect. Its like there is no spring action to it. I know the latch connects to the center handle because we can open the tailgate if it indeed closes. Maybe one side works and the other side does not?

Just how difficult is it to spray the center handle mechanism or worse, replace it?

**Darknesss23** · 08-10-2009, 03:45 PM

shouldn't be too hard... people replace them with aftermarket ones all the time

**stickershock** · 08-11-2009, 09:54 AM

This was just a case of a rusty mechanism. Once we sprayed the tailgate release handle mechanism with WD40 the tailgate closes with no effort at all. You don't need to slam it shut at all, just make contact and it latches fine. Thanks for the suggestions, but this fix turned out to be a simple lube job.