How to Open Stuck Tailgate 1998-2003 Dodge Durango
Created on: 2010-12-27
Check out this video showing you how to open a tailgate that is stuck closed on a 98-03 Dodge Durango.
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step 1 :Accessing the Latch Mechanism
- Pull the top tailgate trim panel down and off
- Remove the two Phillips screws from the lower tailgate trim panel
- Pull back the lower tailgate trim panel
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step 2 :Repairing the Latch Handle
- Apply rust penetrant to the latch mechanism
- Open the latch with a flat blade screwdriver
- While pushing the tailgate open
- Disconnect the latch rod from the handle lever with a flat blade screwdriver
- Lift the handle lever
- Push the latch rod into place
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step 3 :Reinstalling the Tailgate Trim
- Push the lower tailgate trim panel on
- Insert the two Phillips screws into the lower tailgate trim panel
- Push on the top tailgate trim panel
Tools needed
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Flat Blade Screwdriver
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Rust Penetrant
White Grease
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Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.
On our 1998 Durango here, the tailgate was stuck. It wouldn't open with the outside handle. So we used a Phillips screwdriver and a regular screwdriver, and some penetrating oil and grease. I will show you how we got in there and got it to open up.
First you have got to pull down on this trim here. I already did this once. It also has clips on the side here that you will need to pull out. You pull it down, and then pull it out this way. Then on the lower panel, you can see right here there is a screw. There are two Phillips screws. I have already removed them. There is one there, and then obviously in the same spot on the other side. You remove those two Phillips screws. Then basically you can just take this and pull it like that, so you can see down in there.
It would appear on this truck that everything is just kind of really rusted and dry down there. What I'm going to try and do first is . there is the latch mechanism right there . I am going to just spray a bunch of penetrating oil on there. Then once you are inside and you can see the latch mechanism like this, you are looking to take your screwdriver and move this part of the latch to the side. Force it as far that way as you can, and push on the tailgate at the same time. And it should open for you.
Once you get it open, what you want to look at it is up higher, this rod right here that connects your handle down to the latch. You can pull it out. Take your screwdriver and pull it out. What you want to do . A lot of times what you will see is that it is kind of down. You want to pull it up as far as you can. Then reinsert it. That will kind of preload things for you, and hopefully get your gate to open up better. And obviously you want to make sure that you put a lot of grease, both on the latch mechanism and up here on the handle and everything too.
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