My 2006 stopped working yesterday. TH-cam has become my 1st stop. Appreciate the brief and clear video (especially the advice to check for debris in the lower gap). Hoping mine is as simple of a fix as yours. Will LYK. 👍🏽
thank God i found this video. my 2003 Tundra stopped opening a few years ago with same exact issue. i didn't need to haul anything major where i needed to open until recently. thanks for this Video
I just tried doing this and In my case everything was attached as it should be. What I did was just spray WD-40 all over the mechanical parts and it work perfect now!
I should have done that BEFORE breaking my lift handle. The part you slip your fingers under is just cheap plastic, and repeatedly lifting it while the works got more and more gummed up eventually broke it. No big deal though as the entire unit can be bought aftermarket for about $20.00. The Toyota OEM handle assembly is about $140, and it really doesn't look much stronger than the aftermarket one. You can buy seven for the price of one.
If it’s popping those little clips off the rods it might be caused from closing the gate to hard. What I do is to pull the handle out while closing the gate and then give it a little push to make sure the latch’s engaged on the sides. The parts are only plastic and will wear out over time. But they can be purchased at your local auto parts store.
I didn’t have quite the problem as you but I did need to remove covers. That gave me access to the latch mechanisms so I could spray lube adequately to open gate again. Thank for this video!
Tailgate will also not open if the latch mechanism on either side gets loose. They're held on with two bolts apiece. If that is the problem, to open the tailgate you need to hold the mechanism in place by pushing on it with a screwdriver while opening the latch. Once open you can tighten or replace the loose or missing bolts.
Try to pull the latches and see if they engage or if they will open it. The latches might not be aligned or something in there. Or the clips could be broken or too loose since they are plastic. If you can you could lubricate it with wd40 just to make sure it’s working well. Thanks for watching. Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos. Thanks!
Right to the point, except when I got in (bed liner in the way) I found the little plastic piece that broke was out at the latch on the left side. Went to two auto parts store and they didn't have the part. The dealer wanted to sell me the entire latch mechanism (boo!) for $100. Found the plastic parts on Amazon. Ordered them and hope they work.
The clips linked in here do not fit on my 2006 Tundra, they are much too big to fit in the hole, at least for the rods at the sides, I believe the one's at the handle are the same size. You can get the part at NAPA though, part # 735-2786 .
Great video. My issue is that my tailgate is locked, when I insert the key it only turns to the lock position but it won’t turn to the unlock position. Do you think it’s a similar issue as your video?
My side latches bolts were lose on my tailgate causing it to get stuck closed. The didn’t look lose but we’re. Tighten them up and my tailgate never open so good.
@@TryThisDIYFix I know I would never think they’d come loose. I guess from slamming it so many times. I might add some blue lock tight on the torx bolts. Thanks for the video. 👍👍
I’m not sure. I would recommend getting new ones. They are only $6. I’ve had a few pop off as well……… I don’t recommend it but I’ve heard JB weld works well on holding things together.
@@TryThisDIYFix so far so good man. Just molded some of that JB weld around those plastic clips to hold the hooks in place. Not sure if its gonna be a long term solution but worked in a pinch
Btw the problem can be that the latch spring is binded up from gunky grease / debris over the years. When I pulled the handle on my Tundra, the right latch release, but the left didn't. Had to unbolt it and give it a good cleaning.
I think there have been some answers in the comments but you can try to pull it back some so you can get to the other side. Or can you unlock the cover?
No unfortunately the hard cover is only unlocked from under when the trunk is open. However i found out that i might have to just take off or break off the handle the trunk.
Update i got the cover open. My situation is that the door can lock but the latch to unlock it is not working. Im going to go ahead and spray WD40 for the mean time.
Great video. This just happened on my 2004 Tundra. Any idea what size those STAR/TORX screws on the access panel are? I'm guess they're a #27 as my largest is a #25 and it's just a bit too small for the job. My plastic handle broke as well, but that's a secondary repair after I get the latch operative again.
@@TryThisDIYFix You're very welcome, and I really appreciated the feedback. I'll buy a full set of STAR bits just to be on the safe side. They're pretty cheap. I did do a little more research just now, and it would appear to be a T30 STAR bit. No guarantee's on that till I try it. Hopefully I see the same situation that you encountered when I pull the access panel.
@@TryThisDIYFix When I followed your link to the clips at Amazon it linked me to an aftermarket handle assembly, so I went ahead and ordered that, plus the clips even though they're included with the replacement handle. It gets good ratings from those who have bought it. At $20 you could buy seven of them for the price of an OEM handle. Most say that it doesn't feel quite as stout as the original. I doubt that I'll need it to last 18 plus years like my original has. In the future I'll pull that access panel off once a year and lube the linkages, which ought to help it's operation over time.
@@Frank-oz1gm nice! Yeah Amazon is a game changer. And yeah you are right my truck is an 04 as well so it’s been around the block as well! Thanks again.
My handle latch broke right at the right side latch connected to the mechanism. I can see the mechanism. Is there a way to open it from the outside to drop the tailgate?
@@TryThisDIYFix I have a tonneau cover that is on very tight. Cannot open the cover without opening the tailgate. Or I wonder for the bigger guys that will not fit through the topper? Lol
@@jasony724 Yeah I was thinking that might be the issue. I think if everything is tight, it will be tough. There might be other videos that can help. But on my truck the tailgate is a little loose and i might be able to finagle it loose. Feel free to like and subscribe for more helpful videos. thanks for watching!
@@TryThisDIYFix some forums suggest tearing apart the handle to get to the 2 latch and physically pulling them inwards. Guess that’ll the the only option here without destroying the cover. Thanks for your response! Only video I don’t see here is how to replace a handle with a back up camera already in place.
That’s tough. I think people have said they were able to get in from the side or open it enough to get to the panel. Another option is to try and remove it from the latches. Check the other comments. I think I saw one where some had the same problem. Lmk if you are able to fix it.
@@TryThisDIYFix Yeah man! Im I got a 04 so it’s just old and the last owner did a bunch of customizations that are super confusing now but it’s a journey 😆
@@TryThisDIYFix nope. Actually trying right now. I cant pull the back piece off to look inside. Seems I have to open tailgait to even remove the inside plastic piece. I yanked it back enough to look in & try & mess with it. I use the battery key & unlock & hear a noise but its not unlocking anything. The regular key does nothing. Thats so weird. I have a right side taillight going in & out like something with wiring. Half the light turns on & when i brake it works. Just blank when im in park with lights on. Trying to see if needs new bulbs but now cant open tailgate. I have always been able to use the regular key to unlock. Now it does nothing.
@@TryThisDIYFix Might be a fuse as I can hear a little sound in the tailgate when I unlock it but it doesnt unlock. My taillight might be wiring issue not bulbs as the light is all the way off until I brake or use blinker. Half of the brake light lights up but if im in park the entire light is off. I have only opened my tailgate literally like 3 times no joke. I never use it & its so weird how its not working. I get if its been used 1000 x but I never use the tailgate. Thanks for the ideas.
Right to the point. I love short videos like this.
Too many vloggers like to hear themselves rattle on.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you. And yes, I try to keep them short! Thanks for watching!
My 2006 stopped working yesterday. TH-cam has become my 1st stop. Appreciate the brief and clear video (especially the advice to check for debris in the lower gap). Hoping mine is as simple of a fix as yours. Will LYK. 👍🏽
Awesome! Yeah keep me updated! Thanks for watching! You can subscribe for more helpful videos. Thanks again!
thank God i found this video. my 2003 Tundra stopped opening a few years ago with same exact issue. i didn't need to haul anything major where i needed to open until recently. thanks for this Video
You got it! Glad it could help!
I just tried doing this and In my case everything was attached as it should be. What I did was just spray WD-40 all over the mechanical parts and it work perfect now!
Thanks for letting me know! That’s another great thing to know! Please feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos! Thanks again for watching!
That’s what I did. Blew out the dust and then greased it all up. Works great now!
@@KDMantz that’s good to know!
I should have done that BEFORE breaking my lift handle. The part you slip your fingers under is just cheap plastic, and repeatedly lifting it while the works got more and more gummed up eventually broke it. No big deal though as the entire unit can be bought aftermarket for about $20.00. The Toyota OEM handle assembly is about $140, and it really doesn't look much stronger than the aftermarket one. You can buy seven for the price of one.
@@Frank-oz1gm yeah that’s a good point. Thanks!
Thank you. I have been needing to do this and now I know what I'm looking gor
@@buddapest3437 awesome! I’m glad it helped!
Life saver. Thank you very much!
You got it!
If it’s popping those little clips off the rods it might be caused from closing the gate to hard. What I do is to pull the handle out while closing the gate and then give it a little push to make sure the latch’s engaged on the sides. The parts are only plastic and will wear out over time. But they can be purchased at your local auto parts store.
Yeah good call. I do the same when I shut it. But if someone else does, that’s usually when it sticks.
Thanks! I have a 2002 tundra. I was able to remove the back panel and fix the problem without having to take it in. Thank you!
That’s awesome! Thanks for letting me know. Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos! Thanks again.
I didn’t have quite the problem as you but I did need to remove covers.
That gave me access to the latch mechanisms so I could spray lube adequately to open gate again.
Thank for this video!
That’s great I’m glad it helped. Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos.
Great video! I’ve definitely had issues with my Tundra tailgate.
Thanks man. Yeah it’s given me a few troubles as well. But it wasn’t as big a fix as I thought it might be.
Excellent - concise , Highly informative. Thank you
You got it! Thanks for watching! Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos.
Just fixed my 2002 tailgate! One side had slipped out of the attachment on the right side above the latch. Thanks for the advice!!
You got it! I’m glad it helped! Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos.
Pro tip - see if the tailgate opens before you put the cover back on :)
Yes! So true! Ha.
Great video! This looks like the issue I'm having and will take the panel off when I get back home and see what's going on. Thanks!
You got it! Thanks for watching. I hope this helps. Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos.
Great video, thanks!
You got it. Glad it helped. Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos.
Tailgate will also not open if the latch mechanism on either side gets loose. They're held on with two bolts apiece. If that is the problem, to open the tailgate you need to hold the mechanism in place by pushing on it with a screwdriver while opening the latch. Once open you can tighten or replace the loose or missing bolts.
Yes that’s a good call thank you!
Awesome, thank you 😊
You got it! I hope it helped!
Simple video, big help. Will check for this when I get home. Thank you!
You got it! I hope this works! Thanks for watching!
Just what I needed, thanks!
You got it. Thanks for letting me know! Feel free to subscribe for more helpful information.
Awesome. Easy enough. Thanks
Yeah it’s not too bad. Lmk if it works.
Edit (Had a problem - figured it out.) Was an arm rod miss seated in the latch area. Thanks for the video!
Try to pull the latches and see if they engage or if they will open it. The latches might not be aligned or something in there. Or the clips could be broken or too loose since they are plastic. If you can you could lubricate it with wd40 just to make sure it’s working well. Thanks for watching. Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos. Thanks!
Right to the point, except when I got in (bed liner in the way) I found the little plastic piece that broke was out at the latch on the left side. Went to two auto parts store and they didn't have the part. The dealer wanted to sell me the entire latch mechanism (boo!) for $100. Found the plastic parts on Amazon. Ordered them and hope they work.
That’s great! I’m glad you were able to get it fixed. I usually have links in the description as well.
Well I'm curious if they worked and what they are called
@@cards8733 they are in the description. Thanks!
What is little plastic piece called, in case I have to order it?
The clips linked in here do not fit on my 2006 Tundra, they are much too big to fit in the hole, at least for the rods at the sides, I believe the one's at the handle are the same size. You can get the part at NAPA though, part # 735-2786 .
Oh sorry about that. And thanks for the info! I appreciate that!
Thank you for the good video
You got it! I hope it helps!
Lifesaver! Thanks man!
Awesome! I’m glad it helped! Thank for letting me know!
I’ve had to forearm whack my tailgate to get it to open for a while now, so I’ll be checking this later today. I’ll update when I do
Ha. I hear ya! Yeah let me know if this worked! And thanks for watching!
Thanks
You got it! Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos.
Thnx bud
You got it! I hope it helped!
Brilliant
Awesome! I’m glad it helped!
Thx for the video -- very helpful
You got it. Thanks for watching!
Another great video, sir! It actually makes me miss my old truck.
Thanks! Yeah my daughter asked why do I have a truck just yesterday. Ha.
Thank you, this just happened to me, and especially thanks for the amazon links!
You got it! Thanks for watching! You can subscribe for more helpful tips. Have a great day.
Thanks so much probably that's the problem of mine too
You got it! I hope it is and you can fix it! Good luck. Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos. Thanks
Great video. My issue is that my tailgate is locked, when I insert the key it only turns to the lock position but it won’t turn to the unlock position. Do you think it’s a similar issue as your video?
Possibly. You can get a replacement tailgate handle as well, that might help.
@@TryThisDIYFix thanks for the quick response!
@@cesarsaucedo5110 you got it!
My side latches bolts were lose on my tailgate causing it to get stuck closed. The didn’t look lose but we’re. Tighten them up and my tailgate never open so good.
Wow! I’ve never seen that before. Thanks for the help!
@@TryThisDIYFix I know I would never think they’d come loose. I guess from slamming it so many times. I might add some blue lock tight on the torx bolts. Thanks for the video. 👍👍
@@WatchRichRebuildsChannel you got it!
Any advice on a type of adhesive to use to secure those little pieces of plastic in place? Just had one of mine pop off and wont stay in place
I’m not sure. I would recommend getting new ones. They are only $6. I’ve had a few pop off as well……… I don’t recommend it but I’ve heard JB weld works well on holding things together.
@@TryThisDIYFix okay! It just looks like the adhesive used dried out on one and made it pop off. But ill head over today. Thanks!
@@jacobfunkhouser6600 hmmm. That’s a good call. Let me know how it goes.
@@TryThisDIYFix so far so good man. Just molded some of that JB weld around those plastic clips to hold the hooks in place. Not sure if its gonna be a long term solution but worked in a pinch
@@jacobfunkhouser6600 that’s great!
Great video. I hope mine is that easy
Me too! Thanks for watching and feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos. Let me know if it worked.
Awesome. Thanks!
You got it! Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos. Thanks
Btw the problem can be that the latch spring is binded up from gunky grease / debris over the years. When I pulled the handle on my Tundra, the right latch release, but the left didn't. Had to unbolt it and give it a good cleaning.
That’s good to know! Thank you.
Thank you!
You got it! Thanks for watching!
it worked just fixed my tailgate
That’s awesome! Feel free to subscribe for more helpful videos. Thanks again for letting me know!
Thanks!
You got it!
Man this just happened to me , but its stuck while its locked and i got a hard cover tonneau cover. Any ideas on what i should do?
I think there have been some answers in the comments but you can try to pull it back some so you can get to the other side. Or can you unlock the cover?
No unfortunately the hard cover is only unlocked from under when the trunk is open. However i found out that i might have to just take off or break off the handle the trunk.
@@ivann8311 dang that stinks. Sorry about that!
Update i got the cover open. My situation is that the door can lock but the latch to unlock it is not working. Im going to go ahead and spray WD40 for the mean time.
@@ivann8311 dang man that stinks. Keep me updated!
Great video. This just happened on my 2004 Tundra. Any idea what size those STAR/TORX screws on the access panel are? I'm guess they're a #27 as my largest is a #25 and it's just a bit too small for the job. My plastic handle broke as well, but that's a secondary repair after I get the latch operative again.
I’m not sure the size. It’s a drill bit that came w a box of screws for me ha. It probably is a 27. But thanks for watching! I hope you get it fixed.
@@Frank-oz1gm yeah I hope so! There isn’t too much going on in there. Even if it’s a broken clip, they aren’t too expensive. Good luck!
@@TryThisDIYFix You're very welcome, and I really appreciated the feedback. I'll buy a full set of STAR bits just to be on the safe side. They're pretty cheap. I did do a little more research just now, and it would appear to be a T30 STAR bit. No guarantee's on that till I try it.
Hopefully I see the same situation that you encountered when I pull the access panel.
@@TryThisDIYFix When I followed your link to the clips at Amazon it linked me to an aftermarket handle assembly, so I went ahead and ordered that, plus the clips even though they're included with the replacement handle. It gets good ratings from those who have bought it. At $20 you could buy seven of them for the price of an OEM handle. Most say that it doesn't feel quite as stout as the original. I doubt that I'll need it to last 18 plus years like my original has. In the future I'll pull that access panel off once a year and lube the linkages, which ought to help it's operation over time.
@@Frank-oz1gm nice! Yeah Amazon is a game changer. And yeah you are right my truck is an 04 as well so it’s been around the block as well! Thanks again.
Ty for video
You got it! Thanks for watching!
im in trouble. i have a truck bed hard cover
Yikes. That does stink. Are you able to get in there?
My handle latch broke right at the right side latch connected to the mechanism. I can see the mechanism. Is there a way to open it from the outside to drop the tailgate?
Hmmm. I’m not sure. Why can’t you do it from the inside?
@@TryThisDIYFix I have a tonneau cover that is on very tight. Cannot open the cover without opening the tailgate. Or I wonder for the bigger guys that will not fit through the topper? Lol
@@jasony724 Yeah I was thinking that might be the issue. I think if everything is tight, it will be tough. There might be other videos that can help. But on my truck the tailgate is a little loose and i might be able to finagle it loose. Feel free to like and subscribe for more helpful videos. thanks for watching!
@@TryThisDIYFix some forums suggest tearing apart the handle to get to the 2 latch and physically pulling them inwards. Guess that’ll the the only option here without destroying the cover. Thanks for your response!
Only video I don’t see here is how to replace a handle with a back up camera already in place.
@@jasony724 Yikes I hear ya! Let me know how it goes! And I might have to look into that one as well!
what happens if my tonneau cover is closed and I can't open the tailgate from the back?
That’s tough. I think people have said they were able to get in from the side or open it enough to get to the panel. Another option is to try and remove it from the latches. Check the other comments. I think I saw one where some had the same problem. Lmk if you are able to fix it.
@@TryThisDIYFix thanks so much for the reply! I will keep researching!
@@MTOCZY yeah let me know if you find something. Thanks.
You’ve had this happen twice and you aren’t going to tape the rod to the clip?
Yeah that’s probably a good call for next time!
Went to take my back panel off and the screws were different type 🥴
Yep. I just replaced mine. We’re you able to get it off?
@@TryThisDIYFix Yeah man! Im I got a 04 so it’s just old and the last owner did a bunch of customizations that are super confusing now but it’s a journey 😆
@@justintomlin9378 yeah good luck with that man. Thanks for watching!
My tailgate door has a cover that is locked from the side. Help!!!!
Can you get it open at all? Maybe able to squeeze your hand in there?
If you can get in there, you might could use this idea: Tool tip. Power Drill Extension Tip.
th-cam.com/users/shorts8SRtykzimYE?feature=share
My 21 is stuck. Cant even open with key. The battery key does nothing. I hate new vehicles
Hmmm. Can you open it up?
@@TryThisDIYFix nope. Actually trying right now. I cant pull the back piece off to look inside. Seems I have to open tailgait to even remove the inside plastic piece. I yanked it back enough to look in & try & mess with it. I use the battery key & unlock & hear a noise but its not unlocking anything. The regular key does nothing. Thats so weird. I have a right side taillight going in & out like something with wiring. Half the light turns on & when i brake it works. Just blank when im in park with lights on. Trying to see if needs new bulbs but now cant open tailgate. I have always been able to use the regular key to unlock. Now it does nothing.
@@d3xasmr hmmm. Could it be the battery, a connection issue or fuse? Sometimes those will throw everything off.
@@TryThisDIYFix Might be a fuse as I can hear a little sound in the tailgate when I unlock it but it doesnt unlock. My taillight might be wiring issue not bulbs as the light is all the way off until I brake or use blinker. Half of the brake light lights up but if im in park the entire light is off. I have only opened my tailgate literally like 3 times no joke. I never use it & its so weird how its not working. I get if its been used 1000 x but I never use the tailgate. Thanks for the ideas.
@@d3xasmr yeah man sorry about that! You can probably take it back to the dealership as well.
👍🏼