Tailgate latch and handle – removal and installation
1. Lower the tailgate and remove the plastic tailgate liner and the access cover (see illustration).
22.1 Remove the plastic liner (A) to reach the tailgate access panel (B)
Latch
2. Remove the latch mounting fasteners (see illustration). It may be necessary to use an impact-driver to loosen them.
22.2 Remove the tailgate latch retaining screws; they’re tight, so you may have to use the type of impact driver that is struck with a hammer
3. Disconnect the control rod from the latch (see illustration).
22.3 Reach into the tailgate to disconnect the control rod from the latch
4. Remove the latch from the tailgate.
5. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Handle
6. Disconnect the control rods from the handle (see illustration).
22.6 Disengage the handle-to-latch rods (A) and remove the handle retaining nuts (B)
7. Disconnect any wiring harnesses.
8. Remove the retaining nuts and remove the handle assembly from the tailgate. The lock cylinder can now be removed from the handle assembly (see illustration).
22.8 Remove these screws to separate the tailgate lock cylinder from the handle assembly
9. Installation is the reverse of removal.