Replace tailgate handle on 1998 nissan frontier

Hello. That tailgate latch has to be removed to gain access to those actuating rods behind it. Then, you simply pull one and push the other to open the tailgate. Keep me informed; if you want to.

You must not have locked very hard.

1998 1999 Nissan Frontier instrument cluster removal procedure by Cluster...

98 99 Nissan Frontier Instrument Cluster Gauge Speedometer Odometer Repairs

1998 1999 Nissan Frontier Instrument Cluster Removal

The shift handle has a plastic bushing and metallic locks that holds it firmly and allow you shift the gears smoothly, so when this bushing or the has warned out, so the shift handle will develop a lot of slop, you may need to consider replacing it that kit.

Not sure about the 2007 but in an earlier one I owned there was a key-slot opening above the rear bumper (and below the tailgate) that you put the jack handle into and cranked it down using the chain lift mechanism that was built into it.

The arm that comes off the back of the handle is prone to snapping off ( experience on New Zealand models, Navara ) Access is from the inside plate immediately behind the handle , you will see handle bellcrank and rods running to latches either side.
Usually these break after things start getting bent in the tailgate making the latches stiff and overloading the mechanism.

Remove the panel from the back of the tailgate. Remove visible fasteners and pop the entire assembly off.

Lower tailgate. should be screws to remove lens assy.

Remove the inner pannel. Then move the handle the connecting rod from the handle to the lock will move.Then pull or push the connecting rod helping the handle. When you get it open move the handle again if it moves freely then most likely the catch needs adjusting to adjust loosen the screws aroung the catch on the rear pannel move the catch out a little try closing the tailgate if it takes undue force to close then repeat moving the catch out until it is easy to shut simple rule is if it is hard to close then it will be hard to open! Leave the inner pannel off until you can easily open the tailgate with the handle as you may have to give the handle a helping hand to open until you have finished adjusting.

Need alittle more info. Is the handle lifting with little to no resistance, but the tailgate wont release, or can you feel the latch release but it is just jamed and won't open?

First thing: Try using the key to move to the locked and then to the unlocked position. If this works, open the tailgate... This also pretty much tells you what the root cause problem is, which is a pressed-in plastic post working its way out (see below).

If no bedliner, just remove metal plate inside tailgate and actuate by hand inside to open. If bedliner, first use a small screwdriver to carefully (don't scratch paint) push in latches at either side of tailgate to open/lower tailgate (if locking/unlocking as above did not work to lower gate and gain access). Next, use two blade screwdrivers to pry out the "buttons" that hold the ends of the tailgate liner where they wrap around the sides, then remove bedliner piece and metal plate, etc.

Once you have access to inside of tailgate, you will see how the mechanism works by pulling up and down on the handle while observing. You will probably find that the slide mechism that locks and unlocks the mechanism has been allowed to move such that it cannot unlock/allow movement of the latching mechanism. This is usually the result of the pressed in plastic anchor being worn/loose. I had some success with cleaning thoroughly with alcohol or brake cleaner, allowing to dry and then using super glue to hold it firmly in all the way. Still have to hold handle up when closing gate and keep key on hand to unlock every time opening, but it was a free repair...