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?
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2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn Tailgate won’t open
- Thread starter CMKOPPE
- Start date
RamCares
Spends too much time on here
Hi CMKOPPE,
I am sorry to hear this has happened! I understand that you are currently seeking advice from other forum members, but we recommend visiting your servicing Ram dealer for assistance with this. Please let us know if you are in need of additional support while your truck is in service.
Darlene
Ram Social Care Specialist
I am sorry to hear this has happened! I understand that you are currently seeking advice from other forum members, but we recommend visiting your servicing Ram dealer for assistance with this. Please let us know if you are in need of additional support while your truck is in service.
Darlene
Ram Social Care Specialist
CnyRver
Active Member
Just picked up mine a few weeks ago and my tailgate wouldn’t open a few times. I thought I didn’t unlock all the doors but that wasn’t the case. Had to keep forcing it till it finally opened. I have an appointment to replace my headlights that have water in them so I guess I will mention this issue as well. Hopefully this is it. I had a 2016 Ram that was perfect with no issues. I’m starting to regret turning it into the dealer and not buying it off lease. I do love the 2019 overall but hate wasting time at a dealer for warranty issues.
Djchrissypoo
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I have the same problem with my 2019 lonestar 1500. It just wont open sometimes, i cant think of any reason on why or when it happens, so I took it into the dealer, they cleaned it and greased it . Gee thank you i would have never thought of that.
Chuck19
Well-Known Member
I have had a similiar issue and it happens off and on. I thought that I hadn’t unlocked or something and that isn’t it. So now when it happens i just push on the tail gate like i am closing and then it opens right up. Not sure what the deal is but will take it into the dealer when i get a chance. However if someone figures out what the deal is i am all ears on a solution.
brian42
Ram Guru
I had the same problem. It started a few months ago.
Tailgate used to open just fine then it felt stuck. I had to push in on the tailgate, press the button, then the gate would open.
Took it to the dealership last week for them to look at several things, including this.
They couldn't find anything obvious but inspected and cleaned the grounds (per the tech manual). Now the tailgate opens just fine again.
Tailgate used to open just fine then it felt stuck. I had to push in on the tailgate, press the button, then the gate would open.
Took it to the dealership last week for them to look at several things, including this.
They couldn't find anything obvious but inspected and cleaned the grounds (per the tech manual). Now the tailgate opens just fine again.
RamCares
Spends too much time on here
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
FL Laramie
Active Member
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- Feb 2, 2019
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My tailgate is experiencing the same issue of random times it won't open/unlatch. Started doing this last month. Wondering if I need to fork over the $$$ for an extended warranty.
PorBoy
Spends too much time on here
^^^. Make sure that extended warranty states it will cover issues such as this.
RamCares
Spends too much time on here
I apologize for the trouble, @TimMikel & @FL Laramie. If you decide to address this further with your dealers, I am more than happy to escalate cases for further support through that process. Our team is always a private message away to get the process started.
Mark
RamCares
Trooper4
Ram Guru
Hadf the same problem with miy Limited, but found that it was a problem wit setting my bed cover just a little too tight to the tailgate. Reset the cover just a touch forward, and all is well. If it works when you push on it, then it may be nothing more than an adjustment issue.
2019 Bighorn having this same issue. I took the tailgate panel off to see if there was anything that can be lubricated but it seems like the latches are solenoid motors for each side. Im going to spray some wd40 and see if that makes a difference. I do haul dirt from time to time so I'm thinking dust could be holding these "little" motors from proper operation. The push on the tailgate works but only half of the time. RAM, this is clearly an issue that needs addressed.
JimD007
Active Member
I am in the middle of adding the factory lock that probably you all already have. I have an aftermarket electric actuator too but I think I will send it back. I don't mind manually locking and unlocking the tailgate and I have a tonneau cover so I wouldn't have access if it decided not to work. There is some adjustment via slotted holes where the handle on the outside connects to the mechanism within the tailgate. I don't know how much that would affect the operation. Mine is totally manual but it works fine. The lock should work too once I get one more part.
If the tailgate won't unlatch have you tried using your key to unlock it? The way the mechanism works is fairly obvious once you remove the panel on the inside of the tailgate. There is a lever that has two positions, one for locked and one for unlocked. When the tailgate is locked, using the handle on the tailgate does not move the two rods (one to each side) to unlatch he tailgate. The lever has to move to the unlocked position and then the rods move and the tailgate unlatches. I wonder if your issues might be the solonoids that move the lever between the two positions. If you remove the panel, you could see if they routinely move the lever. You need a torx, I think it is 27, bit for the screws. The key lock just moves the lever manually. I don't see why it would not work regardless of what the solonoids are doing - but I do not have them.
If the tailgate won't unlatch have you tried using your key to unlock it? The way the mechanism works is fairly obvious once you remove the panel on the inside of the tailgate. There is a lever that has two positions, one for locked and one for unlocked. When the tailgate is locked, using the handle on the tailgate does not move the two rods (one to each side) to unlatch he tailgate. The lever has to move to the unlocked position and then the rods move and the tailgate unlatches. I wonder if your issues might be the solonoids that move the lever between the two positions. If you remove the panel, you could see if they routinely move the lever. You need a torx, I think it is 27, bit for the screws. The key lock just moves the lever manually. I don't see why it would not work regardless of what the solonoids are doing - but I do not have them.
I have a 2019 I ordered a year ago. It has the same problem of occasionally having the tailgate not open with the manual latch. I took it to the dealer but they of course couldnt duplicate it and I got the usual grease job. I have found that if you pull the latch and at the same time bump the gate "in" with your hand it opens. I have also had issues with it shutting and not shutting the cab light off and I get the alert on the dash. I have to go back and really slam it hard and that gets it.
RamCares
Spends too much time on here
Hi @9thRamMan - If you would be willing to address this with your Ram dealer, I would be more than willing to escalate a case on your behalf for further support through that process.
I apologize that you were not able to resolve this with your dealer, @Cudapower. If you would be willing to try and address this further with your dealer or a different local Ram dealer, we are more than willing to escalate a case for you as well.
Our team is always a private message away.
Mark
RamCares
JimD007
Active Member
I now have a manual lock thanks in part to a friend from church who is a locksmith. The mechanism is pretty simple with rods (as opposed to cables) to actuate. I can see the electric lock/unlock possibly being stubborn but unlocking or locking with your key should allow the tailgate to be locked or unlocked.
midfleet
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I am currently at my dealer for exactly this item. After driving, if you get out if the truck (after turning off) and go to open the tailgate, it just clicks when you pull the handle. If you push in on the tailgate while pulling the handle, it will open. Once it opens the first time, no problems on successive pulls.
I'm wondering if it has to do with the lock mechanism of some sort? Unfortunately, the diagnostic is going to cost me $120!
I'm wondering if it has to do with the lock mechanism of some sort? Unfortunately, the diagnostic is going to cost me $120!
mikeru82
Legendary member
Do you have a classic Big Horn (4th gen)? Because on 5th gens, you don't pull anything to open the tailgate. It's more of a switch you push. It's not a mechanical lever like on earlier pickups.
