How To Replace Tailgate Handle 2004-12 Chevy Colorado
Created on: 2012-10-29
Learn how to remove, prepare, and install a tailgate handle on the 04-12 Chevy Colorado with this how-to video
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step 1 :Removing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
- Pry up any trim buttons on the liner with a flat blade screwdriver
- Remove the Phillips screws from the liner
- Remove the liner
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step 2 :Removing the Tailgate Handle
- Pry up the panel on the inner part of the tailgate with a flat blade screwdriver
- Unclip the latches from the tailgate handle rods
- Remove the two 10mm bolts from the tailgate handle
- Remove the tailgate handle
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step 3 :Preparing the Tailgate Handle
- Remove the lock bolt and lock mechanism
- Transfer the lock to the new tailgate handle
- Tighten the handle with a 10mm socket and ratchet
- Insert adhesive to the bolt holes on the tailgate handle
- Push on the grommets to the bolt holes
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step 4 :Installing the Tailgate Handle
- Insert the handle into place
- Insert and tighten the 10mm bolts to the tailgate handle
- Connect the latches to the tailgate handle rods
- Spray the hinges with rust penetrant
- Test the tailgate handle
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step 5 :Installing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
- Insert the panel on the inner part of the tailgate
- Push the liner into place
- Insert the Phillips screw into the liner
- Push on the trim buttons to the liner
Tools needed
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Socket Extensions
Flat Blade Screwdriver
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Rust Penetrant
Gasket Adhesive
10mm Socket
Ratchet
Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.
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.
If you need to replace your tailgate handle you're going to start by removing all the screws that hold this backing plate on. Some of the screws may be covered with little buttons here so you have to pry up and off. Okay, fast-forward here, and you can see I pretty quickly ditched the hand screwdriver for a power screwdriver. The flat blade screwdriver helps pry up on some of those screws if they don't come out easily.
Okay, it's right here. Pry up that panel. Okay, now you can see the back of the handle. It's held in by two bolts here. We're going to undo these clips which just clip onto these rods. Okay, take the clips off and take the rods out. It does help to remove this one as well. This is just a lock. Okay, take a 10mm socket and loosen the one that's on the lock just to get it loose while it's in here. Take out the two that hold the handle. Pull the handle right through and out. Now we got to take your lock bolt out like that.
A handle from 1A Auto is a very appropriate replacement, and you want to put your lock mechanism back in. There's a little key so make sure you put it in the right position. Okay, your new handle will come with a couple little rubber grommets, and what you want to do: take anything tacky or sticky I'm using a little bit of just gasket cement, ou can use regular household glue or whatever and just put a little bit right on where the bolts go in. Okay, just enough, and then just stick these little rubber grommets right on there. You just want them so they don't fall off. Okay, this on there. Just a little insulator to keep them from rattling.
Just like before put the handle up in, hold it up there, set your screws on, hook that there, push right over.
It's always a good idea to use some rust penetrant. Always spray it on your hinges. Do a quick test.
Now I'm going to fast-forward here. Then I put that panel back in place and screw it in. If you have a bed liner put the panel back in place. The panel does have a little triangle on it. Make sure it's pointing up, and if you have the bed liner put it on top and put all the screws in place and fasten it, and you should be all set.
We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
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