Does anyone else have to hold the tailgate handle open in order to close the tailgate and get it to latch shut? I'm trying to figure out what part needs replacing. I've noticed that the handle has sunken into the recess a little.

 

Mine would have to open in order to close it. Actually, mine does open, it just requires an act of God and the alignment of the planets. I'm sorry, I'm of no help tonight.

 

Might lube up all the metal-to-metal contact points, including in the mechanism and where the tailgate's latches meet the bed.

 

I agree with what Chris suggested and will add that I find it much easier to do this by removing the tailgate and turning it upside down [might want to place on an old blanket to protect the finish].

 

I lubed everything up pretty well and didn't notice a change. If I shut the tailgate without holding the handle in the open position the gate just bounces off the bolts. If I shut it holding the handle in the open position and release the handle when it's all the way closed then it will securely latch closed. I think the actual handle mechanism is broken, especially the way it's sunken into the tailgate the way it is.

 

Ours decides to lock itself so we will have to hold the handle and go to the right side and pull the lever up and then it closes fine

 

Mine is in good condition and out of habit, I always pull the handle before closing. I just hate to slam it. It doesn't close very well either when not using the handle.