Tailgate won't open...

[illucid]

Went to go open my tailgate and it just makes a sound like its actuating but it wont release. Tried unlocking from fob, no go. Anybody seen this one before or is this a new one? Kind of wish it just had a regular mechanical release like the old tailgate now....

 

[riccnick]

Just for clarity, you had the fob with you at the gate, right? Does your truck have the keyless / passive entry (Push Button Start)? Did you unlock the truck with the fob and then try the tailgate, or did you try to drop the gate with the fob? The devil's in the details when it comes to the gate operation

 

[Helzcat]

Went to go open my tailgate and it just makes a sound like its actuating but it wont release. Tried unlocking from fob, no go. Anybody seen this one before or is this a new one? Kind of wish it just had a regular mechanical release like the old tailgate now....

This happened to me recently on a very hot day after hosing the bed and tailgate down. Took about 30 to 40 clicks on different days to get it to open (finally did on a cooler day - might be temperature related). I was completely locked out because of my tonneau cover. Once I got it opened, I sprayed the latches on both sides of the tailgate heavily with white lithium grease and the problem seems to be solved.

Might be best to fix it yourself if you can. I was afraid the tailgate might get scratched at the dealer if they had to force it open.

 

[wwalljr]

I put a tailgate seal on and had this happen b/c the seal was too thick in a spot...which made it stick like that. It unlatched via the button o fob, but wouldn’t release until I pushed in on it. Then I fixed the seal... problem solved.

 

[illucid]

Just for clarity, you had the fob with you at the gate, right? Does your truck have the keyless / passive entry (Push Button Start)? Did you unlock the truck with the fob and then try the tailgate, or did you try to drop the gate with the fob? The devil's in the details when it comes to the gate operation

As I stated above, I did have the fob on me and I tried unlocking with the fob and everything. Yes I do have passive entry. I've had the truck almost a year and definitely know how to unlock the tailgate lol. Funny thing is I just went out again and it opened first try and several tries after that. Hopefully just a one off glitch. *edit I just read my response and hope I didnt come across rude. Sorry if I did.

 

[illucid]

Just went out and tried it again and it opened first try. Tried it a few more times and it was working. It was pretty hot here today so maybe like @Helzcat said, it could have been the heat because it probably cooled down a few degrees between my first post and now. Weird. Thanks for the input everyone, hoping it never happens again lol

 

[AndreiV]

Just went out and tried it again and it opened first try. Tried it a few more times and it was working. It was pretty hot here today so maybe like @Helzcat said, it could have been the heat because it probably cooled down a few degrees between my first post and now. Weird. Thanks for the input everyone, hoping it never happens again lol

Well, not likely but could be faulty battery in the remote or some kinda interferences.

 

[illucid]

Well, not likely but could be faulty battery in the remote or some kinda interferences.

I was thinking that but it made a noise like it was unlocking it just didnt open. Working again now.

 

[GoMango16]

It just had a brain fart!!!

 

[jkratze1]

This has happened to me on my Laramie twice since I have owned it. The tailgate makes a sound but the tailgate won't open when the latch is pressed. I've tried the overhead console release and the key FOB release and no luck as well. However, I have noticed that if I start the truck, then the tailgate will open without problem. After that, the tailgate will open with the engine off again, until it decides not to.

 

[Tom488]

I'd spray a healthy shot of WD-40 into the latch mechanism when you get a chance (door hinges, door strikers, and hood latch, too), then cycle it 5 or 6 times afterwards. I try and remember to do that on all my vehicles every 6 months or so.

 

[RamCares]

This has happened to me on my Laramie twice since I have owned it. The tailgate makes a sound but the tailgate won't open when the latch is pressed. I've tried the overhead console release and the key FOB release and no luck as well. However, I have noticed that if I start the truck, then the tailgate will open without problem. After that, the tailgate will open with the engine off again, until it decides not to.

Hi jkratze1,
Please let us know via private message if you decide to have your dealer look into this. We would like to have this documented and have a case escalated in your behalf so a Case Specialist can work with your dealer to help find a potential solution.
Lydia
Ram Social Care Specialist