Troubleshooting a 1999 Ford F150 That the Tailgate Won't Open
Question:
I have a 1999 ford f150 styleside v6 4.2 super cab, extended bed and my tailgate will not open. I read online to take it apart to be able to access the inside lock mechanism and to make sure the rods are properly in place in the plastic clips. Which I have done and all that is perfect. When I pull the handle both rods are pulled and the both pull on the latches on each side of the tailgate but it still wont come unhooked. Im not sure what is wrong, its almost like the metal hinge that the rods are pulling on arent releasing the latches. Please help, thank you so much.
asked by: Kayla A
Expert Reply:
My parents had a 1999 Ford F350 that became difficult to open the tailgate on it and I remember having to pull up on the handle and then use the palm of my hand to smack the top of the tailgate to get it to release. I have read that there is an adjustment on the rods that you referenced that if you tighten them up it should allow the rods to pull far enough to release the tailgate.
If that doesn't fix the problem then it sounds like it's time to replace the tailgate mechanism.
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on Tailgate Locks
