I recently started having trouble with the tailgate on my '97 F-150. At first, I had to pull the handle a few times to get the tailgate to open. Now, however, it refuses to open at all. I thought that maybe the plastic pieces holding the spring loaded bars were broken, but when I popped open the guard of the tailgate, the pieces are just fine. Instead, when I pull the handle the bars won't move at all.

Could it be a problem with the latch itself that's causing this? Any ideas or help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Is yours a locking tailgate? Mine is and sometime is will lock its self so I have to un lock it. If not, just open the access panel and see whats going on in there.

 

Look on the inside of your tail gate. There is a panel that is screwed on. Take it off and you can see the mechanism on the inside of the handle.

There are two rods that go to either side that are attached with clips at the mechanism in the middle.

Since you were already having to jerk on it I would suggest tightening them up a little. I do mean a little. Try it out before you close it up.

 

Yes mine is a locking tailgate. I opened the access panel and made sure it was unlocked. When I tried pulling the handle, it's like the latching mechanism doesn't go all the way, so the bars sit in place.