2000 B3000 Tailgate latch sticking
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2000 B3000 Tailgate latch sticking
The tailgate latch on one side is sticking in. I have sprayed WD40 on it and it doesn't free it up. Any suggestions on how to fix this problem? Thank you in advance.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Is the linkage on the tailgate itself sticking when you operate the latch with the tailgate open? If so, you should be able to remove some access panels on the tailgate and have a look. If it sticks when closed, you might want to adjust the striker that is mounted to the bed on the affected side.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
I just began having this problem last fall on my 99.
Like Bill suggested, I thought when I tried to open mine only to find it firmly stuck shut, that it was my internal mechanism, but it was in the tongue & striker plate area,that had rusted ever so slightly.
Firmly pushing IN on the tailgate & then lifting the handel opened it right up.
So far, lightly buttering both sides tongue's & the srtiker plates with "Super Lube" GREASE, has proved better than the SPRAY, or "Door Ease" stick lube.
Like Bill suggested, I thought when I tried to open mine only to find it firmly stuck shut, that it was my internal mechanism, but it was in the tongue & striker plate area,that had rusted ever so slightly.
Firmly pushing IN on the tailgate & then lifting the handel opened it right up.
So far, lightly buttering both sides tongue's & the srtiker plates with "Super Lube" GREASE, has proved better than the SPRAY, or "Door Ease" stick lube.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Any progress with this?
My Mazda B4000 is having the same problem. The tailgate opens and closes (marginally) but only one latch is working. The dirver's side latch is stuck "in" as though I had the handle pulled up to open the gate.
I tried some wd-40 as well to see if it was sticking, and gave the latch a few pokes and prods to see if it would pop free but no luck.
I suppose taking the assembly off with a big TORX bit is the next step?
Any help on this?
P.
My Mazda B4000 is having the same problem. The tailgate opens and closes (marginally) but only one latch is working. The dirver's side latch is stuck "in" as though I had the handle pulled up to open the gate.
I tried some wd-40 as well to see if it was sticking, and gave the latch a few pokes and prods to see if it would pop free but no luck.
I suppose taking the assembly off with a big TORX bit is the next step?
Any help on this?
P.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
I'd first determine if it's actually the latch itself sticking or if the striker simply needs adjustment. I can't tell from the post which it is. The striker adjustment should be quick and dirty; on the latch I'd remove it and soak it in solvent while working it to free it up prior to reinstallation.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Well, Im not sure what a "striker" is but the piece that is sticking is the tongue that moves in and out (or doesn't in this case) when I pull on the tailgate handle.
I can push the "tongue" in but can't get it to pop out. its as though something internal is jammed and preventing it from popping out. The tongue itself seems to be clean and I cant see anything jammed in that area.
If you have any suggestions, shoot them my way. Ill probably go get a TROX bit tonight to take the assembly out.
P.
I can push the "tongue" in but can't get it to pop out. its as though something internal is jammed and preventing it from popping out. The tongue itself seems to be clean and I cant see anything jammed in that area.
If you have any suggestions, shoot them my way. Ill probably go get a TROX bit tonight to take the assembly out.
P.
