My tailgate worked but I couldn't lock it. After watching this video I was convinced it was going to be a simple fix... and it was. Thank you kindly.

Just followed your instructions and worked like a charm... Now I don´t have to put all suitcases in the truck when we are traveling..IT LOCKS !!!! worked like a charm! Thanks!

I know this video is old.. but it is forever timely for those that need to see it. My dilemma, was more severe; One of the (white) plastic retainers that "grab" the threads on threaded rods shattered, (age related embrittlement I assumed) thus letting go of the rod and not disengaging / operating the drivers side latch My solution: I replaced both (plastic) retainers, added lock nuts on the end of the rods, then used 'zip ties' on the (new) retainers to hold the plastic retainers together. The parts cost was VERY minimal. The skills to do the work moderate (just as in your video) the frustration level until I figured it out was significant. TIP: don't forget to lube the latches also.

@DamonCaskey

Жыл бұрын

Always glad to know my videos (even the old ones) helped in some way. My Avy is still around. It's a clunker box these days, but still works. We use it as a local runner for the family business. Glad you got yours fixed!

My wife was out of town when the latch failed. After she called me, I found your video and it made the repair seem easy, so I had her watch it and it only took her 20 minutes to fix it. Thank you !!!!!!

This really works! Fixed my tailgate on my 2005 Avalanche. My lock was real stiff / not locking or unlocking. There were two things going wrong - 1. the lock was sticking very bad su to rust and no lube. 2. the lock tab on the tumbler was bend as I had tried to lock / unlock it many times because of the first problem. So followed the instructions - gave the lock a couple squirts of lithium grease, straighten the arm on the lock and everything now works like new. Thanks!!!!

I encountered the same problem with my tailgate last week. I was so aggravated! I searched for a solution on the internet looking at various forums and such and then decided to look on here. I am so glad I did! I followed these instructions and presto!!! The tailgate mechanism operates as it should! Thanks so much for this informative video!! Also, I added a little lubricating spray to the lever hook things, lol on the left and right side of the tailgate to help those operate smoother as well. Thanks again!!

Thank you for your fix. It saved us $350 that the Chevy dealer wanted to charge to replace the lock

Thank you for the video. My Avalanche tailgate wasn't jammed but was heading in that direction. Your video made it easy to pull the cover off, clean the parts and re-assemble. I wouldn't say my tailgate is like new but it's pretty darn close without having to replace any parts. Thanks again.

Damon, Thank you! I love my Avalanche! It's a 2004 and I've put 191,000 miles on it. Occasionally, I have an issue like any vehicle with high mileage. When I think I have to spend money on it, I start thinking its time to sell it. You just saved me several hundred dollars....and postponed my sale considerations. Thanks a bunch! Your video was very well done. The lock and latch now work better than they have for years.

I just had it happen to my 2005 avalanche and this video helped me fix it in about 30 mins. Thanks for posting

Thanks for taking the time to post this helpful video. I had the bed loaded so had to unload everything through the mid gate. It opens now and works like if we’re brand new.

By far this is the best video on youtube dealing with this issue. I appreciate your time and effort for posting this. Clarity was what I needed and your explanation served it up well. TWO THUMBS UP...PEACE!!!

Damon, great instructions! Just repaired the stuck tailgate on my Escalade Ext. Thanks!

Thanks. This is what happened to my Avalanche. The repair literally took me 5 minutes.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Was told by Chev dealer that cables were broke. Watched a few Video's claiming latch needed replaced-- $69.00 for new part. Before watching video's, I was about to take 6-8 bolts off, remove tail gate, take out screws along bottom of tail gate, remove plastic inner panel and see what was up. Watched your video, hit the thing with PB Blaster, moved stuff around with a screw driver til it moved freely, then applied some grease lube spray And like they say in the movies VOILA!! I'll bet 90% of those other videos show replacement-- could have saved a lot of time-- and money if they saw yours first!~! Thanks--

@DamonCaskey

7 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks friend!

Just purchased a 2005 Avalanche LT after 1 week tailgate latch failed, finding this was right on time.........Thanks

@terriel41

5 жыл бұрын

I'm abt to get an 06 z71 avy now

Thanks for the quick easy fix. If anybody else is curious you need a T30 bit to remove the cover. At least on a 2004.

Super thorough vid. Nice job. Also, you have some tight vehicles there, and I like how you keep them clean!

Thanks,great video. one of the few that don't recommend taking a rotary tool to the tailgate shell.Sweet Chevy collection you got going there also.

And another thanks for this. Awesome video and saved a few hundred bucks from a Chevy dealer.

99% perfect. TYVM! All that was missing was bit sizes

Dude I have this same problem. U just saved me over $300 dollars! Thanks ×3!!!

Very helpful video. I was a bit confused on where the locking pin to release the latch was since it was obscured in the video, but I was able to figure it out (after I put my reading glasses on for a better look). Once that part was solved it was free sailing from that point on.

This is the best video to unlock your Avalanche. thanks a lot.

@DamonCaskey

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped

This video helped me diy my sticking lock problem. Thanks.

Fixed it. Thanks.

finally someone shows how to get the outer shroud off' ..Thank you ! ..every other video it was off already ..looks like im crawling through the box with a flashlight & a philips screwdriver.. should be cold.. freezing out

@DamonCaskey

7 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful!

Thanks... I been trying for months to get this tailgate open your video help me out a lot now I can finally put my truck to use

just did exactly what you did, thank you very much. your vid was very useful.

This saved me big cash today. Thank you

Thanks! You saved the day! Mine is a 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT (an Avalanche in Cadillac clothing)

Very helpful. Thanks you making this! 👍

@DamonCaskey

4 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Very clear and detailed thank you.

This was a very helpful vid

Great video!

Yeah man thank you I appreciate this perfect fixed it in about 20 minutes this thing was so bad I had to keep spraying it with WD-40 how to use a screwdriver to get it loose and then once I did I was able to grease it

@DamonCaskey

Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

Awesome helped me fix it :)

I wish I would’ve found this video months ago

Appreciate the video sir

hey this video help me alot i thought i couldn"t removed the plastic cover and i was doing it the hard way

That was a good vid.

Holy CRAP you saved me!

Thank you this really helps

@DamonCaskey

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to friend!

Thanks so much for the great video. In my case, I found that the plastic handle had broken on the passenger side, causing the release lever not to be activated. I was able to glue it back together, using Loctite SF 770 primer + 401 since this appears to be PBT plastic. Lubricated afterwards. Not sure how long it will hold so will keep an eye out for a new tailgate/mechanism next time I'm at a junkyard. I have a 2002 Avy with 250k+ miles... bit of an eyesore but it just keeps on running.

@DamonCaskey

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you got it worked out. Same deal with mine these days. I bought a new Silverado and left the Avy back on our farm as a utility bomber. 300K, sunroof is off track, bottom rusted out, basically a junk pile, but she still runs like a top.

Thank you

My tailgate isn’t jammed. A little history about it. I let my nephew borrow my truck because he was moving. They put a bed in my truck that was a little to big. He force closed my tailgate and it has been jammed ever since. What do you think is the problem? How can I fix it? I have a 2010 Chevy Avalanche. TIA.

Very Helpful, however I had to replace the entire assembly and the left rod fell inside. Any ideas on how to retrieve it? Will it stop prior to hitting the bottom?

@DamonCaskey

8 жыл бұрын

Ugh. In the most extreme case, you'd have to remove the whole inner cover, but try fishing it with a wire coat hanger first. Someone else here had the same thing happen and the coat hanger worked for them. Good luck!

Just suggestion. Rather than laying in the bed under the covers, you could unlatch and pop them off from the inside while you are in there. Then you can have full light and easier access to the screws.

@DamonCaskey

7 жыл бұрын

That's not a bad suggestion, but you have to start with the last (closest to gate) unless you want to force it. By the time you slide that far under there, those retainer screws are so easy to work with you can get them out in the same time it takes to open a cover. I'll keep it in mind for anything tougher though - thanks for the idea!

@michaelbartkowiak8003

7 жыл бұрын

You have to pop the locks on front two covers, push them up in the middle to move them. The locks on the last one won't turn far enough to release it with the gate in the way. I did it that way when one of the little plastic latches popped off of the actuator bars that go down to the latch on each side of the gate. The handle was fine, and luckily ours has the full internal housing with the little holes in it for the bars, so it didn't fall way down inside and have to fish it out.

Damon, I have a 2008 Avalanche where the hatch locks with the remote. I dont even hear the hatch locking or unlocking when I press the button. I also have a rear view camera. Do I follow your video or is there a different approach? Thanks

@DamonCaskey

9 жыл бұрын

Hey David, sorry for the late reply. There were a lot of changes made between the 2005 and 2006+ model years so I cannot say for sure. My guess is the mechanism is similar, but with a solenoid or servo motor linked in. The camera is very small, but there will be a wire harness attached so be careful when you remove the bezel.

Is That a New year model chevy or did you restore the plastic cladding recently it looks very black. I have an 2002 avalanche which we tried to darken back with wipe new. For the most part it worked but only to a dark gray. If that is painted or restored somehow i'd love to know how.

@DamonCaskey

10 жыл бұрын

It's a 2005, all original and like all Avalanches has gone grey. I just try to take good care of it. I used to put a product call Spray & Shine on it. Two minutes to spray on, rendered it black as coal dust and lasted a couple of months. Problem is it took a whole can per treatment and the stuff is almost impossible to find here. Now I just make sure to rub it down with Armor All around once a month. Bigger pain but works if you are consistent with it and also stops the covers from leaking. Hope that helps.

What kind of tailgate lock do you use? I've looked all over and can't find one for an Avalanche. I want to make sure I can get one before I purchase one.

@DamonCaskey

9 жыл бұрын

Averitt I didn't replace or modify it. All Avalanche models come standard with a factory locking tailgate. 2006+ models are powered with the doors.

Any idea how to get the upper moulding off the upper part of the tailgate

@DamonCaskey

8 жыл бұрын

+Dreya Baker I'm only guessing, but I would imagine it is held in place by molded pins. To access them, you will most likely have to remove the inner housing of the tailgate.

Any clue what to do if you cannot crawl inside the bed? It’s full of items including a ladder that are too large to be removed through the back seat

@DamonCaskey

2 жыл бұрын

@Collen Doss You can force one of the tonneau covers open by prying at the corners until you are able to reach a handle, but I'd try my very best to squeeze in through the cargo before I risked that.

Thank you everyone, I'm happy to know you found this helpful! It's been nearly a year, but I'll hopefully be posting a new chapter soon.

I ended up taking it to a collision shop to have it fixed. The handle was corroded and rusted. I ended up getting rid of my avalanche a couple months ago cuz it was a money pit.

@DamonCaskey

9 жыл бұрын

Aww, that's too bad. They do have high cost of ownership, but I'll miss mine a lot when I finally have to get rid of it, because there is no better do it all machine for "weekend warrior" types like yours truly. Pickup: -Haul your dirty gear, kayaks, skis, etc. and spray the bed (or not) when you're done. -Carry work loads of dirt, hay, tools, whatever else. SUV: -Keep your luggage, groceries, whatever under roof without taking seat space. -When the camping trip goes wrong or just need a place to take shelter, three 6'+ adults can sleep comfortably in a Tahoe. Avalanche: -All the above. It may not haul quite as well as a pickup, and the sheltered space isn't fully on par with an SUV, but having a single vehicle in your driveway that can do a respectable job at both is pretty darn cost effective when you think about it. The closest you'll get is a tricked out crew cab with aftermarket lining and bed covers. Even then you'll still be missing a lot of the Avy's features. Here's hoping some of them get ported to the CK line. I don't expect the mid-gate to get ported, since that requires bed and body to be a single unit. But there's no reason the others couldn't be made available as options. Rear boxes, self storing bed covers, self-draining bed, factory bed lining, and so on. If Dodge can copy half of it into their pickups and air two minute bore fests of Sam Elliot crowing about "innovation", why can't GM do the same darn thing to themselves? /rant

How he get inside

How do you keep your black plastic so shinny

@DamonCaskey

7 жыл бұрын

No great secret I'm afraid. Just an occasional scrub down and Armor-All. 1. Lay out the tonneau covers on the ground. You need free access to them and the wing bar. 2. Grab a good towel and a 28oz spray bottle of Armor All original. You'll be using most of it. 3. Hop up in the bed and rub down every last bit of plastic. Spray it right on the plastic, use plenty, and rub it in good. When in doubt, use more. The plastic (and you) should be practically lubricated when finished. Don't worry if you get it on the paint, it won't hurt it. In fact I don't even bother watching myself around the roof since it's just a bit of extra wax up there, but you do want to avoid getting it on the sides - it can make a mess. 4. Do the same thing for the tonneau covers. 5. Don't forget all the little bits of plastic around the truck. Bumper strips, step guards, air dam... 6. I like to rub a little touch of WD-40 on the gaskets before I put the tonneau covers back. Whole process takes ~hour and a lot of elbow grease. It won't look great while you're doing it, but ~30 minutes or so after that plastic will be black as coal dust and last 2-3 months depending on weather. I don't bother with any of the fancy stuff. Most of it works fine, but no better than my method and isn't nearly as cost effective.

@RALPH531967

7 жыл бұрын

DC Current thanks so much very appreciated.

The bars dropped into the door. Any suggestions on how to get them? We cannot open the tailgate.

@DamonCaskey

8 жыл бұрын

+J Mac You'll have to take the whole cover off to retrieve and reattach them. 'Hate to say it, but unless you are really confident with your hands at this point I'd recommend heading to a dealer.

@razeph1

8 жыл бұрын

+Damon Caskey thanks. with a little patience and a coat hanger they found the bars and taped them up...

@DamonCaskey

8 жыл бұрын

+J Mac I stand corrected! Glad you could get it fixed.

@razeph1

8 жыл бұрын

Me too! Thanks for the rest of the info, it helped

Torx

@DamonCaskey

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I know. T30 IIRC. I misspoke bigtime in the video, but it's a few years too late now.

(5 people...still locked out of their beds :D )

My LOCK isn't working correctly. Your title is " Avalanche Tailgate Lock". If my latch goes out, I now know how to fix it.

@DamonCaskey

8 жыл бұрын

Perhaps you read "latch" in the description and were misled - I just corrected that to avoid any more confusion. The video explains thoroughly what to do about the lock.

You’re so cute 🥰 handsome… I have a 2005 avalanche 👍 😘

You’re so cute 🥰 handsome… I have a 2005 avalanche 👍

My 4th Chevy truck first Avalanche Why can't Chevy make a tailgate that lasts ???? I've had a problem with everyone very frustrating

@DamonCaskey

9 жыл бұрын

Every company seems to have design flaws they either don't acknowledge or outright refuse to fix. Just looking at the domestics, Ford has their idiotic starter design and general electrical fails, Dodge can't seem to get wheel bearings right after 100 years, and GM clings to certain faulty parts (Fan relay, tail gate latch) like a dying relative. They all have advantages over each other too though, so it just boils down to personal preference. I'm a Chevy guy, but they're all good trucks in their own way.

Mine broke twice already. Cheap garbage. I just use my finger tips to open it on the sides now & if anyone tries to open it by the handle it seems locked. Sorry thieves.