Broken clip on tailgate handle

You can try taking the handle out and fishing the rods up to the opening. Other than that, its a tough job.

If it's similar to a Silverado, the tailgate handle consists of a bezel (plastic cover) and a Red and Green plastic clip that break very easily. Take the bezel off (just pull carefully from the tailgate, careful not to break the plastic clips) look for 2 rods, again 1 connects to a red clip, the other to a Green, replace the broken one, or a cheap/temporary fix is to use a plastic zip tie at the connection. Snap the bezel back in.

yes theres 2 rods. inside the tail gate is 3 bolts hold the latch in place. they are very center of the tailgate remove these to get the handle out

check the tailgate lock rods behind the handle. The bezel around the handle pops off, and the mechanism is behind there. The rods that go to each side of the tailgate may be stuck inward. A little wd-40 or lubricant should work them loose again

EACH rod has a plastic clip that holds rod to tailgate handle you probably just need to replace the clip. it is a plastic clip that locks on rod insert new one in handle then install rod and snap clip down. to gain access you will have to remove tailgate bezel and these usually break when removing.

Remove the molding ring from around the handle. Becareful not to break the taps that lock it in. After removing the molding you should see the handle mechanism. There is a rod coming in from each side (each one runs out the the actual latch). Make sure each rod is connected into the handle assembly. If it is not put the rod into the hole and find the retainer clip to keep it in place.

There should be an access panel on the bed side of the tail gate. If you have a liner installed on the tail gate you will need to remove it to gain access to the panel. Panel is probably held on with torx screws but you may get lucky and have regular bolts. just remove panel and the lock rods are held to the handle with little clips, just pop them off and remove the nuts that hold the handle assembly onto the tailgate, install is just the revers order.

Mine just did the exact same thing. The latch may be moving freely because it is not hooked to the latching mechanism anymore. In my case, the handle had broken where the handle hooks to the rod that operates the mechanism. Go to the Ford dealer and buy a new handle. Here in S.C. it was $24. You can't get this at the parts houses. Start by removing the plastic "Ford" cover that is over the liscense plate lights. You then have to remove the aluminum rivets that hold the handle to the tailgate from the outside and remove the broken latch. Remove the pull handle loop on the interior side of the tailgate (2 screws), unsnap the inside plastic tailgate interior panel, and pull down the black plastic sheeting that is underneath the panel to make access to the mechanism inside of the tailgate. There is also a hard plastic cover that you will see that needs to be pulled loose to open another access hole. Install the new tailgate latch handle by sliding back into the mounting holes and attach with two 10-32 screws and nuts. The new handle will come with a new yellow rod attachment piece on the handle. You will see inside of the tailgate a small rod hanging down, most likeky it will have the same rod attachment piece as the one on the new handle. Note the position of the yellow piece on the rod, as you will connect the new piece in the same place. Once the rod is hooked up, relubricate the metal mechanism with a light machine oil, replace the black plastic cover, replace the black plastic sheeting, (secure with a small amount of duct tape), replace the tailgate interior panel, replace the pull handle loop, shut tailgate, replace "Ford" cover over lights, and you're done!

You will need to remove the trim piece the is under the release handle. Be carefull those things tend to break the little tabs that hold them on. Anyway pop (pry) it off with a screwdriver. Once it is off you can see that the little clips that hold the rods to the handle assy are broke. These clips are color coded. Most likely yellow or green. You might be able to get them at say Pep Boys or some place like that but they might make you buy an assortment package , then you get clips you will never use. Good luck, hope this is helpfull.

You will need a long flat blade screwdriver. From inside the bed of the truck look between the bedside and the tailgate and you can see the latch. take the screwdriver and gently ,but it will take some force, and pry the latch from the striker plate until it releases. If you push the tailgate open just a little on that side the latch will stay released. An extra hand comes in handy for this. Then do the same to the other side and you have an open tail gate. On the outside if you gently pry the lower part of the cover that surrounds the handle the bottom comes loose and then gently pull the top down and work it out of the opening. This is a little tricky but be patient and it will come out. If you break it it is about a 10 dollar part. There will be 2 rods in two plastic clips where your handle is. The clips lock over the rods. Flip the clip up and the rod will slide out of the clip. You most likely have a broken clip or a rusty handle. WD-40 works wonders.