How to Replace Tailgate Handle 1998-2012 Ford Ranger
Created on: 2016-09-16
How to repair, install, fix, change or replace a broken or snapped off tailgate handle on 01 Ford Ranger
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step 1 :Lowering a Stuck Tailgate
- Pull the bed liner lip from the tailgate
- Wedge a screwdriver between the tailgate and the bed liner
- Remove the eight T30 Torx bolts from the tailgate cover panel
- Pull the latch rods toward the middle
- Lower the tailgate
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step 2 :Removing the Tailgate Handle
- Pull the bed liner off the tailgate
- Remove the two 10mm nuts from the tailgate latch
- Pull off the tailgate handle
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step 3 :Installing the Tailgate Handle
- Put the tailgate handle into place
- Fasten the two 10mm nuts onto the latch
- Put the tailgate cover into place
- Insert the eight T30 Torx bolts into the tailgate cover
- Snap on the bed liner
- Close the tailgate
Tools needed
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Flat Blade Screwdriver
T30 Driver
10mm Socket
Ratchet
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Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.
In this video, we're going to be working with our 2001 Ford Ranger. We're going to show you how to remove and replace your tailgate handle. Sometimes these break and the tailgate gets stuck open here. Ours is fine, but we're going to show you how to get inside and open the tailgate with a broken latch with it in the up position like this to make it easier to work on.
If you like this video please click subscribe. We have a ton more information on this truck as well as many other makes and models. If you need this part for your vehicle follow the link in the description over to 1AAuto.com. Here are the items you'll need for this repair.
Our truck has a bed liner, if yours doesn't you can skip this step but we'll have to push up on the top lip here. Slide our cover back. I'm going to take a flat blade screwdriver and just kind of wedge it in there to keep it back and give me a little more room to work. Then we're going to take a T30 Torx bit and a ratchet and remove these eight T30 Torx bolts here on the inside cover.
The other reason I have this screwdriver here is to keep this plate up. If you don't have this cover or you don't have the screwdriver wedged the way we do here, you're going to have to support this when you take the last bolt out. We'll remove our screwdriver and the back cover.
Here you can see our latch rods. Sometimes this door handle breaks and it doesn't actuate these rods properly. These plastic clips can break or they just come out of adjustment with old age. They can stretch out or this plastic can wear out and allow them to slide and not unlock both sides evenly. If any of these components are broken you can simply grab both latch rods and pull them to the middle and lower your tailgate.
Again, if you don't have this plastic cover, you don't have to worry about it but since we do, you simply push back and remove it once the tailgate is in the down position. Remove these two 10 millimeter bolts with a socket and ratchet. When removing the second one, be sure to support the latch from the bottom. Now rotate the latch and remove it from the vehicle.
Reinstall the handle. You may have to squeeze the mechanism together here to make sure that the mechanism lands under the arms of the tailgate handle. Line up the bolts, and reinstall your two 10 millimeter nuts.
Reinstall the cover and all eight of your T30 screws. Tighten these down with the T-30 Torx socket and a ratchet. If you have the plastic tailgate cover, insert the bottom first. Make sure that it hooks over the bottom of the gate. Line it up to the center. Push the top over. Close your tailgate and ensure that everything still functions properly. You're good to go.
Thanks for tuning in. We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
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