Tailgate Latch Problems 1999 Tahoe

[2drTahoe97]

I just bought a 1999 Tahoe with many issues. Todays project is the tailgate latch wouldn't release when you pulled the handle. 1st problem was the striker pins didn't have the plastic sleeve on them (long ago crumbled to dust). I replaced the pins and still couldn't get the tailgate open. The guy I bought it from got the tailgate open by pulling the handle and simultaneously turning the key. I adjusted the lock rod that rotates the bell crank until there was no freeplay, still wouldn't open. I put vice grips on the lock rod that goes out to the latch and pushed, still nothing. Then I put the vice grips on the rod the electric actuator puls and worked it back and forth. Then things started working.

I noticed that the push rod that goes to the key also pushes up on the latch that the window latches onto. That part looks bent or definately not factory made. Is this right?

 

[exp500]

Not having seen one recently, I can't tell from the pic if it is damaged. How the rods fit is usually the most important. You may want to consult the manual for troubleshooting and other info. You have to go way in about post 77 or further for 99.

88-98 Service Manuals

Over the years I have collected a bunch of GM service literature. Links to PDF Scans of service and STG manuals and a links to the Parts manuals. You'll need the FREE Adobe Acrobat reader to open these files. Get it directly from Adobe here {http://get.adobe.com/reader/} If you're not...

www.gmt400.com

 

[the 18th letter]

This is what mines looks like. Sometimes it doesn’t fully release on the first try.

 

[GMCChevy]

On the ones I've messed with the handle is independent of everything. You use the key or power button to open the glass then you can pull the handle to put the tail gate down. Depending on temperature outside sometimes the glass doesn't release all thx way on the first press. Which is probably due to old dried up grease struts that ate also a bit weak when cold.

 

[2drTahoe97]

I adjusted the rod that pushes the latch up (to unlock the glass) and also operates the rods that go out to the tailgate striker bolts. That will allow the actuator to pop the window latch (using the push button on the dash). The key lock is either binding ayt the cylinder or the lever that pushes up on the window latch.

 

[YukonGTmaster]

Just by the pictures, I would start by giving it a good spray lube, then troubleshoot from there.

 

[Eman85]

After all of these years a little lube might be a good place to start.

 

[exp500]

I adjusted the rod that pushes the latch up (to unlock the glass) and also operates the rods that go out to the tailgate striker bolts. That will allow the actuator to pop the window latch (using the push button on the dash). The key lock is either binding ayt the cylinder or the lever that pushes up on the window latch.

Can you run the mechanism with your fingers on rod? That may help by determining if binding is always there or at beginning or end of stroke. An improperly bent rod can be frustrating. Like with most everything lube helps in the right place.

 

[2drTahoe97]

I did lube everything up and it helps but I'm still thinking that something is binding. The lock cylinder is really difficult to turn but I need to unhook the rod from the cylinder to check that. The latch that latches onto the glass looks bent and that could be the problem also. I am going to the Pick and Pull in a few days and I ll take a look at other Tahoe/Suburbans to see if they look like mine.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[GMCChevy]

Oddly going through pics on my phone last night I saw one that had perfect shot of the one on mine. Looks the same as 2drTahoe97's.

 

[2drTahoe97]

Oddly going through pics on my phone last night I saw one that had perfect shot of the one on mine. Looks the same as 2drTahoe97's.View attachment 450082

Mine is the the first picture:

My user name is 2drTahoe97 but the picture and the tailgate problems are from a 1999 that I just bought. Your latch and The 18th Letter look more substantial than mine and mine looks bent. What year Tahoe is the picture you posted?

 

[GMCChevy]

Sorry got the names mixed up with who posted what.
Mines also a 99. I can't tell from the pics if yours is a different latch all together or if that part that looks different rotates and is in the wrong spot. Do you have the black bracket to the left that the locating pin goes into?

 

[the 18th letter]

@2drTahoe97 latch looks like it’s missing a piece/bracket on the right side.

 

[2drTahoe97]

Went to the Pick and Pull today. I was looking for a console for the 99 I bought. Also looked at the tailgate latch but only found 1 tailgate Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban. It was a 1999 same as my "new" Tahoe. The junker has the exact same latch as mine including the little bracket hook that I thought was bent. Weird.