Tailgate Dropping

[J&EINPA]

I have a GMC 2003 3500 DMAX. Have any of you experienced a problem with the tailgate disengaging and dropping down while driving or towing? I have had this problem and it recently cost me some expensive loss out of the truck bed. When I asked the dealer service writer about it he blew me off that it was a Linex coating problem. It worked for 18 months after the lining was applied with no problem. Anyone else have this problem?
Thanks, John

[madmatt]

I worked on one a while back for a similar concern and I found the customer installed bedcover had slid back and was keeping the tailgate from fully engaging the strickers. the tailgate would stay up....untill you pulled on it or hit a bump. also had one were the tail gate was damaged when something struck it in the middle bowing it and not allowing it to be shut completely unless it was slammed extremely hard. Not trying to say it's anything you did, just food for thought based on what I've seen.

[jbplock]

Also See: Tailgate Problems (http://forum.thedieselpage.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=001233)

(Moved to the Chevrolet & GMC 2500HD/3500 Light Trucks forum.

smile.gif

[precision37]

It's probably time to clean and lube the latch mechanisms. Also, if you had the straps replaced, the tech may not have put it back together right. This happened to me, the plastic washer wasn'tput back correctly under the tailgate strap bolt and the latch moved around. These trucks seem to be very picky about latch alignment with the plastic parts. Check the bolts for tightness-- they should be tight and the washer shouldn't stick out anywhere. Close your tailgate and check each side by pulling on the tailgate at the top corner. If one or both sides opens, spray some lube oil into the latchand work it closed and open a few times with a screwdriver and the handle. ALWAYS check that it is closed by pulling on it.