Tailgate won't close
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
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Tailgate won't close
Just noticed my 2000 Ranger XL tailgate won't latch.when i move the handle both latches move in and out but not enough to get over the clip.tomorrow i'll spray some wd on them and see if that works, or is there something else i need to do?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Greenvile, SC
The latches on my (old) '99 once had a problem too.
I actually went into the access panel on the inside of the tailgate and "Degreased" the entire linkage/latch mechanism. Then went back with Spray-on Graphite and Spray-on White Lithium grease.
Then I bumped that particular procedure into my PM catagory for a frequency of every 3-mos.
A quick Wd-40 spray-on may only allow more dirt grease to collect in the latch/linkage areas. I would'nt skimp on it... You could really put some unnecessary stress on the internal linkages & handle, if that dirt and old grease builds up "too much".
I actually went into the access panel on the inside of the tailgate and "Degreased" the entire linkage/latch mechanism. Then went back with Spray-on Graphite and Spray-on White Lithium grease.
Then I bumped that particular procedure into my PM catagory for a frequency of every 3-mos.
A quick Wd-40 spray-on may only allow more dirt grease to collect in the latch/linkage areas. I would'nt skimp on it... You could really put some unnecessary stress on the internal linkages & handle, if that dirt and old grease builds up "too much".
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Maine
Yep.
I just spent 45 minutes or so cleaning, degreasing, and lubricating the latch mechanism on a friends F-350 last week. I took off the access panel, blew the dust out with compressed air, then degreased and lubricated everything that moves. It latches and unlatches MUCH easier now.
I just spent 45 minutes or so cleaning, degreasing, and lubricating the latch mechanism on a friends F-350 last week. I took off the access panel, blew the dust out with compressed air, then degreased and lubricated everything that moves. It latches and unlatches MUCH easier now.
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Freshman User
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Turns out i had to grind some metal off the latch assembly because the latch mechanism wasn't pushing far enough into the strikers for the latch to catch.I think the strikers needed adjusted but i didn't have the special star wrench to loosen them so the grinder got a workout and it works fine now.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: crete, illinois
there is a "c" clip that is supposed to present that is around the pin that holds both levers together. they do break or pop off. i just did this last week and also adjusted the threaded shaft to make opening a bit easier.
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