Tailgate Release Handle: Service and Repair
RELEASE HANDLEREMOVAL
1. Open the tailgate and remove the tailgate liner, if equipped.
2. Remove the ten bolts (5) that secure the tailgate cover (4) to the inside of the tailgate and remove the cover.
3. Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the location of the actuator rods (3) at the control (2).
4. Disconnect the actuator rods from the control.
5. Remove the two nuts (3) that secure the release handle (1) and the control (2) to the tailgate (4).
6. Remove the control and the release handle from the tailgate.
INSTALLATION
1. Position the release handle and the control onto the tailgate.
2. Install the two nuts that secure the release handle and control to the tailgate. Tighten the nuts to 7 N.m (60 in.lbs.).
3. Locate the actuator rods (3) to the control (2) using the reference marks made during the removal procedure and connect the rods to the control.
4. Position the tailgate cover (4) onto the inside of the tailgate.
5. Install the ten bolts (5) that secure the tailgate cover to the tailgate. Tighten the bolts securely.
6. If equipped, install the tailgate liner onto the tailgate.