Soft-open tailgate sticking

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 14, 2021 | 10:08 AM

lwk362393

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 344

Likes: 5

From: North Shore MA

Soft-open tailgate sticking

My tailgate won't open automatically (will unlatch but won't drop) when using the fob and even when I go to open it manually it requires some pulling to overcome the struts that support the soft-opening functionality. Seems like they might be sticking/not compressing properly. Any ideas?

Apr 14, 2021 | 02:00 PM

Kingofwylietx

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 1,634

Likes: 72

Maybe remove the tailgate and liberally apply some white lithium grease to the tailgate hinge points...and anything else that moves.

Apr 15, 2021 | 11:35 AM

lwk362393

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 344

Likes: 5

From: North Shore MA

Thanks. I have already greased the hinges to little avail. Was hoping there might be another solution that didn't involve having to get at the strut/damper itself, seems like a PIA to do since it's behind the passenger tail light.

Apr 15, 2021 | 11:49 AM

CR172

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2017

Posts: 1,597

Likes: 83

From: N. Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwk362393

It's not that bad. I installed the OEM damper on my XLT and I didn't even remove the tailgate completely. I used a couple of saw horses and a blanket and undid the right side and laid the tailgate on the saw horses. Easy peasy.

Apr 15, 2021 | 11:50 AM

Kingofwylietx

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 1,634

Likes: 72

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwk362393

There are a couple of rubber bumpers that keep tension on the tailgate.
When you unlock the tailgate, that allows the bumpers to push the tailgate out jus enough to make it open.
If yours are there, maybe they have lost their spring/rebound over time?

Apr 15, 2021 | 06:15 PM

KC8RXQ

5th Wheeling

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 48

Likes: 12

From: Grandview

I saw in your profile that the truck is a 2019. Has the factory warrany already expired?

Last edited by KC8RXQ; Apr 15, 2021 at 06:17 PM. Reason: Spelling

Apr 16, 2021 | 09:53 AM

lwk362393

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 344

Likes: 5

From: North Shore MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC8RXQ

I saw in your profile that the truck is a 2019. Has the factory warrany already expired?

It's still under warranty, so I'll probably be taking it to the dealer if anything needs to be replaced. Just wanted to know if anyone else had experienced this.