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Greg
Dodge Dakota
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12/05/2004
17:16:44
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 Subject: Tailgate problem
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I did a search with no help. My 97 tailgate latches don't reset after opening. I have to push the metal tabs back by hand on each side, pain in the neck. I dno't see an easy way into the guts of the tailgate. Any help would be appreciated.
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Ratdog
Dodge Dakota
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12/05/2004
20:32:47
| Sprayed some penetrating oil
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on 'em? Then some lubricant afterwards? I'd do the same with the release handle too.
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J-Rod
Dodge Dakota
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12/05/2004
21:00:48
| RE: Tailgate problem
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i thought i had a problem like this but what actually was happening was that the posts on the bed that the latches hooked on had loosened up and pushed forward a bit causing the tailgate not to hook. might want to check this and tighten them down in the right spot
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FloriDak
Dodge Dakota
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12/06/2004
11:15:45
| RE: Tailgate problem
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Greg,
I had the same problem with the tailgate on my 97. There is a "scissor" looking thing inside the tailgate attached to the back of the handle. That gets rusty and gets stuck so it doesn't move anymore. when that happens, the tailgate latches don't move either and you have to push them by hand to reset them.
I took all the guts out of the tailgate and soaked them in a bucket of WD-40 overnight. It cleaned off the rust and crud real well. After that i lubricated the moving parts with white grease. Works like new now.
To get the parts out, you'll need a big "star" driver bit to take out the bolts on the back of the tailgate. you'll also have to remove the plastic trim thing around the handle... just be careful not to scratch the paint or break the plastic if it's cold outside.
Hope this helps!
1997 Dakota Extended Cab
318v8 4x4
Dual Flowmaster exhaust
K&N filter
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