Ford Tailgate Handle Replacement


1. Remove the screws that hold the sheet metal access panel on the inside of the tailgate with a torx screwdriver turned counterclockwise. Lower the panel and place it and the screws aside. Locate the tailgate handle holding screws inside the cavity after the access panel has been removed.

2. Back the screws out of the cavity, turning an adjustable wrench counterclockwise.

3. Remove the clips from the tailgate latch rods on each side of the tailgate handle by prying them off with a flat-blade screwdriver. Set the clips aside. Release the tailgate handle assembly from the tailgate by lifting the latch rods from the handle. Lift the handle from the tailgate access hole.

4. Place a new handle into the access hole on the back side of the tailgate. Make sure the front of the handle faces the outside of the tailgate and the mounting holes line up with the threaded fittings in the back side of the tailgate. Replace the holding screws and tighten with an adjustable wrench turned clockwise.

5. Push the tailgate latch rods onto the holes on each side of the tailgate handle assembly and press the holding clips until they snap into place. Test the operation of the tailgate, using the new handle. Place the access panel back over the cavity on the backside of the tailgate and tighten the holding screws, turning a torx screwdriver clockwise.