2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn Tailgate won’t open

[hamburgram]

I adjusted the passenger side striker bolt by moving it backwards slightly and now mine closes every time, either by hand or with the remote. You can loosen the striker bolt with a Torx 40 bit and a socket wrench.

 

[Slimmons]

I know this thread has been going on a while, but I have a 2021 having the same issue. I have the standard tailgate, and unfortunately I have a tonneau cover on it. My dealership couldn't get to me for a couple of weeks, and I need in the bed as I left all my work equipment in the back. If I cut into this thing, what are the odds Ram or FCA or whoever, will replace it? None of the tips here have fixed it from the outside (pushing/pulling). I'm afraid my only option is to cut into the tonneau cover now, before the dealership can get to me. Any advice?

 

[brian42]

You have to get in there somehow.

I'm surprised that pushing in on the tailgate while pushing the button doesn't release the latches. That seems to work for just about everybody that has had this problem.

There is a chance that the dealership might reimburse you for the cost of whatever you have to do to get in there but it's not much of one. The answer is always 'no' unless you ask.

I have read of some people getting reimbursed for rear window tint when having it replaced for the crack issue so it is possible.

 

[Slimmons]

I got the truck to the dealership, and they are saying the BCM isn't sending enough power to unlock the tailgate. They said it is sending the signal, and it's just not enough power. They have also implied that they're not going to replace the tonneau cover. I'm still going to try and convince them to, since it's 100% the truck's fault that the tonneau cover got stuck on there. If they don't cover it, I'd be afraid to put anything on it again.

 

[klotz50]

Similar issue with 2019 Limited. Gate opened fine, now seems to stick.

19 Limited here too. Seems to only happen when there is something putting slight pressure on the tailgate from inside. I can hear the actuators. With a slight push in while lifting handle, it will release. Got a few thou miles left under warranty, wonder if I should have it looked at???

 

[midfleet]

After 4 trips to the dealer, here's where I'm at. The actuators are still clicking, but the plastic bit that actually traps and opens is broken. I can still open if I push in on the tailgate while pushing the actuator button.

This time, when they brought the truck out there was a rattling sound. Dealer said that was the broken plastic piece that had dropped into the tailgate and they can't get it out without taking the tailgate off. They also said they can't get replacement parts (I'm sure because of some Covid supply chain issue). This has all been going on since it was in warranty, but now they're pulling the its not in warranty card since they didn't determine the issue until it is out of warranty... They also told me there is a service bulletin forthcoming, for whatever that's worth for everyone.

Unfortunately, the dealer sucks and it looks like I'm going to have to pay to get it fixed. I'll keep fighting, but will keep updated if it ever gets fixed.

 

[NorthStar]

40+ years driving pickup trucks. I never thought I’d say this but give me a 1977 dodge D100 with a 318, 3-on-the-tree, a mechanical linkage tailgate and a solid glass rear window with a gun rack for my 30-30. I’d be one happy owner as those trucks were much simpler to own, operate and repair. Screw the power windows and doors, the vented seats, the electric tailgate, the mongo stereo system and all computerized crap that drains batteries faster than I can drain a can of Coors on a Friday night!

Come on Ram! Bring back the real trucks and not this sissy garbage with all the bells and whistles!

 

[brian42]

Too many people want the bells and whistles...and more of them each year to entice you to get rid of your "old" truck and get a new truck with all the new tech.

I like some of the features but which I could order them individually so I only get (and pay for) what I want.

I miss my 2003 Ford F-250 that never went to the shop because I could fix it with actual tools instead of a laptop and special software with PINs and passwords.

 

[cwallace]

I just got my Big Horn in September, and my tailgate just suddenly stopped opening. I tried locking and unlocking several times, and it seems to just be stuck in the locked position (or just closed). Anyone else having this problem?

I sure am , it seems to happen after getting dirt and mud on the tailgate on my 2019 ram Bighorn, wahing the truck seems to solve the problem . taking it in to get it delt with I wouls have a big hairy coniption if this happened trying to off load my quad in the middle of no where

 

[MxRacer965]

My 2019 is also having intermittent releasing problems. I thought it was because my tonneau cover but the wife just had an issue with the cover off and I’m 1,000 miles from home so I can’t help. Doesn’t seem like anyone has found a definitive answer. I’ll try the striker I guess and go from there, working my way from least expensive part to most expensive. Dunno if I feel like dealing with the dealer anymore. It’s a time suck to go there and back all the time.

 

[RamShow13]

Hi @Djchrissypoo & @brian42 - If you experience this concern any further, please be sure to follow up with us via private message. I would like to make sure we have this documented and provide you with the additional support of a specialist if you end up working with your dealers again.

Hi @Chuck19 - If it would be of interest, I would be happy to escalate a case on your behalf as you work with your dealer. This will provide the dealership and yourself with an individual who will review your concern, then assist you and the dealership in exhausting all available resources to have the concern addressed and resolved.

Mark
RamCares

I had the same problem today (2019 Ram 1500 longhorn), could not unlock tailgate with key fob, latch on tailgate. looked on this site and found where you push in like you are going to close and then it would open. I called dealer and they said spray a lot of WD40 on latches and see if that will help ! I'm also on my 3rd Radio. back on May 7th left message for tech to call,,,,,but no call, May 8th left message with service writer to give to tech......it now 6/14 and no reply !!!!! it's great fun sitting at the dealer and not getting answers.

 

[WildBillDodge]

My 2019 is also having intermittent releasing problems. I thought it was because my tonneau cover but the wife just had an issue with the cover off and I’m 1,000 miles from home so I can’t help. Doesn’t seem like anyone has found a definitive answer. I’ll try the striker I guess and go from there, working my way from least expensive part to most expensive. Dunno if I feel like dealing with the dealer anymore. It’s a time suck to go there and back all the time.

Had both of my latches replaced under warranty just last week and everything works perfectly as designed.

 

[JES965]

My 2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab is having the same intermittent problem with the tailgate lock not wanting to unlock. I have to push on the tailgate while cycling the lock/unlock on the key fob several cycles before it will open. It is really quite frustrating, especially when you are picking up cargo away from home. I was imagining have to cut the OEM tonneau cover.

 

[RamCares]

I had the same problem today (2019 Ram 1500 longhorn), could not unlock tailgate with key fob, latch on tailgate. looked on this site and found where you push in like you are going to close and then it would open. I called dealer and they said spray a lot of WD40 on latches and see if that will help ! I'm also on my 3rd Radio. back on May 7th left message for tech to call,,,,,but no call, May 8th left message with service writer to give to tech......it now 6/14 and no reply !!!!! it's great fun sitting at the dealer and not getting answers.

We're sorry to hear that this has been your experience and would like to step in and offer some additional support regarding your key fob concerns. Please send a private message our way, we would love to assist!

Hannah
Ram Cares

 

[gwatt86]

I bought the torx 40 socket and adjusted the passenger side just slighty by moving it rearward, works like a charm now. Go buy the socket for $3-$4 and take literally 5 minutes and fix it.

 

[RamShow13]

We're sorry to hear that this has been your experience and would like to step in and offer some additional support regarding your key fob concerns. Please send a private message our way, we would love to assist!

Hannah
Ram Cares

it is not just trying to open with key fob, also have problem getting tailgate open by using latch on tailgate. first time it happened I had groceries in the back and called dealer and did not have answer, then used my cell phone and found out that if you push on it while you use latch it should open. that worked, I called dealer back and advised service rep. that I talked to and he advised to use WD40 and spray latches to see if that would help. done that and now problems getting it to open !

We're sorry to hear that this has been your experience and would like to step in and offer some additional support regarding your key fob concerns. Please send a private message our way, we would love to assist!

Hannah
Ram Cares

 

[RamShow13]

see attachment - this might help????

 

[Stony0604]

Mine started doing this. I found I just need to push the tailgate closed a little harder first then it opens up

 

[rbrunner]

Also having an issue with my 2019 Ram Bighorn. Tailgate will randomly not want to open and will just keep clicking like it's trying. Took it to the dealer and paid them to tell me nothing was wrong. Hope this ends up getting recalled and fixed.

 

[DeV]

Started on me today. Kept hearing the click while trying to open it and it wouldn't open. Tailgate opened after starting the truck.

2nd time, after trying to open it 5 or 6 times, I started walking to the door to start the truck, and as I got to the driver door, it opened for wifey...

Only thing I've been wondering is if LASFIT cargo/ brake lights have had anything to do with it...