tailgate won't open on 2000 silverado?
 

hey all, i just got a 2000 chevy silverado and the tailgate won't open. i took the 3 bolts out from the inside and i saw a connecting rod from the left. on the right, i saw a hole where another one might need to be? is there normally a rod on the left and right? i assume these rods pull up the ends when the handle is engaged or lifted up.

anyway, i'm stuck here and don't know where to go. i don't have a manual either. thx for any help. BR

RE: tailgate won't open on 2000 silverado?
 

easy fix...take off the handle cover and you'll see the 2 rods that connect to the handle itself. they are connected by a red plastic piece on the drivers side and a green one on the other. chances are one of those little pieces broke. its like 7 at a dealer. then just snap it back on

RE: tailgate won't open on 2000 silverado?
 

thanks. yea i went to Oreily Auto parts here in Houston and they had a package of clips. unfortunately, i put the only good clip for my truck on wrong and it broke. gonna get another tomorrow. but i tried to pull the two rods together to open the tailgate but it would't open. hmmmm, i'll try the ole wd40 trick to.......BR

RE: tailgate won't open on 2000 silverado?
 

you gotta slide the clip in first..dont put it on the rod first

RE: tailgate won't open on 2000 silverado?
 

thanks j for your help, got it. actually, putting the clip on the rod first (and it was the black one in the package) was the trick. of coursesqueezin it in witha needlenose/and babysize channel locks helped.

now i got a new task and will start a new thread on my door lock.;)

RE: tailgate won't open on 2000 silverado?
 

haha good to know...glad you got it fixed...but thats where my know how ends..i looked t your other thread and im sorry to say i am no help.