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Fishful
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/15/2005
23:13:56
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 Subject: Tailgate latch & Cold Weather
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Message:
It was down below zero in Connecticut this morning. When I open the tailgate, (02 SLT Dakota extended cab) the latch won't catch when you try to close it. Park it in the sun for a couple hours and it is fine. Opening the tailgate is never a problem. I soaked everything down with WD-40, but still have the problem. Same issue on my previous 98 Dakota. It is a long, cold winter and I need to open the tailgate. Any ideas how to correct it. Thanks a lot--Fishful Thinking (Boat's name).
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ck98daksport
Dodge Dakota
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12/15/2005
23:25:26
| RE: Tailgate latch & Cold Weather
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Message:
Hate to tell you this but WD-40 freezes. I had the same problem with my lock on my tonneau cover. Try some synthetic lube. Silicone works too.
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Mopar318
GenII
12/15/2005
23:47:53
| RE: Tailgate latch & Cold Weather
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Message:
Pop off the little square cover on the inside of the tailgate and spray the inside assembly with white grease. Or grease it by hand. WD40 doesnt really lubricate it, It just soaks in.
My rice eater
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GB2000
GenIII
12/16/2005
00:49:25
| RE: Tailgate latch & Cold Weather
IP: Logged
Message:
My latches tend to stick when it's cold...what I do is with the tailgate down, manually pop the little latch on each side. There's a little piece of metal you flip to release it...hold that up and work the latch until it flips open and closes just fine. Then do it to the other side...and if all else fails, slam the tailgate a lil harder than usual. Make sure when you slam it to keep your hands there to catch it in case it still doesn't latch, otherwise it's gonna slam right back open and prolly bend something...or stress the cables.
Josh Blackshire - Founder, OhioDakotas.NET
Red 98 Dakota Sport - Check it out!
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caulk04
GenIII
12/16/2005
02:07:19
| RE: Tailgate latch & Cold Weather
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Message:
Is your handle sticking? On my 02', I had a problem even in warm weather where the handle would not pull back in correctly. The bellcrank/scissor mechanisim inside the tailgate was gummy. I removed the trim peice around the handle and sprayed the mech with some lube (don't remember what off hand...).
Has started to give me some problems now that it is cold here but I haven't done anything with it yet. Cold weather really keeps me from doing any vehicle work...come summer time you can't get me away from it though :)
'02 CC 4x4 4.7 HO
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2147050
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ponygirl
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/17/2013
01:11:16
| RE: Tailgate latch & Cold Weather
IP: Logged
Message:
OK..it's 3 degrees here and the tailgate won't latch
on my '03 Dakota. I haven't had it more than 3 weeks
so it's pissing me off! lol
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