I have a tonneau cover that requires tail gate to be opened in order to open. All of a sudden, I can't get the tailgate to unlock. Thankfully, I was coming out of a motel with my bags instead of having them all locked in there. Any ideas?

 

Does the key turn in the cylinder? Or is the cylinder frozen?

 

Yes, it does. Turning toward lock, it feels like it's doing something, but towards unlock there is no resistance.

 

Just based upon what you stated it sounds like the linkage in the handle assembly is loose. It's relatively basic in there...rods connected to a rotating chunk of metal. You'd have to access and remove the tailgate panel from the inside to diagnose. The other way is to pry the handle out from the outside but you'll likely destroy the assembly in the process.

 

I think I've figured this out. I went back out later and my tailgate was down. I think it was frozen, and when it thawed it came open. Now ain't that something?

 

"I think it was frozen, and when it thawed it came open."

Happens all the time with my cover. Seams like the rubber seal gets iced up and will not release the tailgate. I just take an old credit card and slide it from side to side to break the seal. This works much better than using a heat gun like I had done in the past.

 

The rubber seal on mine ices up in the winter and it's hard to open the tailgate. So in the winter I place my lunch pail and water cooler behind me in the truck and leave my tailgate alone.

 

Spray silicone on the seal. That should help keep it from freezing.

 

I've heard that and never remembered to do it. Thanks for the reminder!

 

I have to remember to do that on my windows and door weatherstrip so I can open my doors when I get off work in the morning.