Tailgate sticking

[69Sting]

Over the last month I have noticed that when I go to open my tailgate, I can hear mechanisms move but the tailgait doesn't open. I have to apply pressure then it opens. When manually opening, this isn't an issue, but makes the button in the cab and on the remote worthless. Any simple solution to this?

 

[Dusty1948]

Over the last month I have noticed that when I go to open my tailgate, I can hear mechanisms move but the tailgait doesn't open. I have to apply pressure then it opens. When manually opening, this isn't an issue, but makes the button in the cab and on the remote worthless. Any simple solution to this?

An application of white lithium grease on the latches should improve things. I used the spray version of Liquid Wrench White Lithium and I noticed a substantial improvement in closing action.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 17 July 2018. Now at: 030728 miles.

 

[upwindstorm]

I am having the same issue. Some days i really have to knock it around to get it to finally open. Plan on spraying some dry lube in the mech to see if they helps but havent gotten around to it.

 

[RamCares]

Over the last month I have noticed that when I go to open my tailgate, I can hear mechanisms move but the tailgait doesn't open. I have to apply pressure then it opens. When manually opening, this isn't an issue, but makes the button in the cab and on the remote worthless. Any simple solution to this?

I am having the same issue. Some days i really have to knock it around to get it to finally open. Plan on spraying some dry lube in the mech to see if they helps but havent gotten around to it.

Hi @69Sting & @upwindstorm - If you are not able to remedy this concern with the advice of fellow forum members and you decide to address it with your dealers, please do not hesitate to follow up with us privately for further support through that process.

Mark
RamCares

 

[Willwork4truck]

I am having the same issue. Some days i really have to knock it around to get it to finally open. Plan on spraying some dry lube in the mech to see if they helps but havent gotten around to it.

So now get it done...

I had a boss some 40 yrs ago that had several of the "wooden nickel" tokens that said "round tuit" on both sides. As I often used that remark, he'd slap one down on my desk and tell me to get working...

 

[JDBob35a]

Just had the same issue with mine. Someone here advised to use the white grease. I finally got "round tuit" LOL, and so far the issue has went away. AND the tailgate seems to close/latch easier than it ever has which was always a complaint of mine, had to basically slam it shut (Dealer Said that's how to close it ..

 

[upwindstorm]

**update** I used a healthy shot of DuPont Dry Teflon Lube. Seemed to make a immediate Improvement.

 

[69Sting]

Weekend got away from me and I wasn't able to 'round tuit' but this evening I plan to. Also do have an apt with my dealer as I needed an oil change anyway. See how this evening goes first then adjust the apt if needed.
As always, I appreciate the advise of this forum.

 

[RamCares]

Weekend got away from me and I wasn't able to 'round tuit' but this evening I plan to. Also do have an apt with my dealer as I needed an oil change anyway. See how this evening goes first then adjust the apt if needed.
As always, I appreciate the advise of this forum.

Please keep us updated, @69Sting!

Mark
RamCares

 

[69Sting]

Update. Had to bring truck in for an oil change so let the tech's look at the tailgate. They did find junk in the mechenizms that were causing sticking. They cleaned that out and works good now. Funny part is, the tech mentioned that the tenneu cover little rubber flap that rest on the tailgate was causing some of the issues. The flap puts like 2 oz of pressure on the tailgate. 'yep that is the issue"(eye roll).

Annual maintenance of cleaning the tailgate latch parts is added to the list of things to keep up on.

 

[RamCares]

Update. Had to bring truck in for an oil change so let the tech's look at the tailgate. They did find junk in the mechenizms that were causing sticking. They cleaned that out and works good now. Funny part is, the tech mentioned that the tenneu cover little rubber flap that rest on the tailgate was causing some of the issues. The flap puts like 2 oz of pressure on the tailgate. 'yep that is the issue"(eye roll).

Annual maintenance of cleaning the tailgate latch parts is added to the list of things to keep up on.

Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated, @69Sting! Glad to hear you are all good now. If you ever need any additional support down the road, please do not hesitate to give us a shout.

Mark
RamCares

 

[Travisks]

Over the last month I have noticed that when I go to open my tailgate, I can hear mechanisms move but the tailgait doesn't open. I have to apply pressure then it opens. When manually opening, this isn't an issue, but makes the button in the cab and on the remote worthless. Any simple solution to this?

Same happened to me I have to push it in to release it and then yesterday and the hydralic that slows it down when it drops gave out. The sound was almost nostalgic..

 

[jloops]

So after several trips to the dealer including showing them a video of it happening, they said they couldn’t duplicate and didn’t do anything to resolve the issue.

Thanks to a few members posting on a different thread I adjusted the passenger side striker bolt where the tailgate latches and haven’t had the issue since. I only had to move mine about 1/16th inch rearward and it took about 5 minutes.

 

[Willwork4truck]

So after several trips to the dealer including showing them a video of it happening, they said they couldn’t duplicate and didn’t do anything to resolve the issue.

Thanks to a few members posting on a different thread I adjusted the passenger side striker bolt where the tailgate latches and haven’t had the issue since. I only had to move mine about 1/16th inch rearward and it took about 5 minutes.

Well that‘s a pretty complicated fix for a service tech ya’ know. Might have to create a whole new specialist, “tailgate adjuster”.

 

[69Sting]

Update, had to bring it in for another item, had them relook at the tailgate sticking. The dealer said they are seeing more of this, especially with bed liners. The tech cut off a bit of the four rubber blocks and works great and consistent now. Apperently the tolerance of the rubber bumpers are so tight that the few MM's thickness of the bed liner makes the tailgate to tight for the mechanisms to release the gate.
luckily covered under warranty by 600 miles. I would have hate to have spent $200 for a no cost 10 min fix at home using a razor blade.

 

[mike_ct]

dealer blamed my cover as well, and couldn't help. I lubed and it didn't help. I then adjusted the strikers so they both "click" closed at the same time, and that seemed to help. From Factory, the driver side was latch first, then you'd have to push hard to get the pass side to latch...and make the dash warning go off..

this leaves all the closing pressure on the pass-side latch mech. once I evened them out, they seem to release much much better. usually 1 or 2 clicks. I can probably improve if I mess with it some more.

 

[69Sting]

i may just try that too. I hate it when the gate is closed but the dash says it isn't, now I know way.

 

[HeliPilot]

FYI, I adjusted the passenger side bolt 1/16-1/8 of an inch over 1.5 years ago, have never seen that message on my dash again.

 

[brotherGood]

i may just try that too. I hate it when the gate is closed but the dash says it isn't, now I know way.

Good, Im not alone. I feel bad for slamming the heck out of the tailgate trying to get the alert off.