How to Replace Tailgate Handle 2002-04 Nissan Frontier
Created on: 2013-10-24
This video shows how to remove the tailgate handle and prepare a new one on the 02-04 Nissan Frontier
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step 1 :Removing the Bed Liner
- Lower the tailgate
- Remove the two Phillips screws from the bed liner
- Pry the plastic rivets out of the bed liner with a flat blade screwdriver
- Pull off the bed liner
- Pull off the tailgate handle plate
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step 2 :Removing the Tailgate Handle
- Unclip the latch rods from the tailgate handle with a flat blade screwdriver
- Remove the two 10mm nuts from the tailgate handle
- Pull off the tailgate handle from the outside of the tailgate
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step 3 :Preparing the Tailgate Handle
- Pull the E-clip off the latch mechanism with pliers
- Pull out the tailgate handle rod and spring
- Pull the handle off the latch mechanism
- Push the handle into place
- Position the spring
- Push the rod into place through the spring
- Push on the E-clip with pliers
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step 4 :Installing the Tailgate Handle
- Push the tailgate handle into place
- Fasten the two 10mm nuts onto the tailgate handle
- Clip the latch rods into the tailgate handle
- Test the tailgate handle
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step 5 :Installing the Bed Liner
- Put the tailgate handle plate into place
- Put the bender liner into place
- Insert the two Phillips screws into the bed liner
- Push the plastic rivets into the bed liner
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step 6 :Installing the Emblem
- Peel the emblem off the old tailgate handle bezel
- Apply adhesive to the new bezel
- Push the emblem onto the new bezel
Tools needed
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Flat Blade Screwdriver
3M Adhesive
Phillips Head Screwdriver
10mm Socket
Ratchet
Needle nose pliers
Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.
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 show you how to replace a tailgate handle on this 2003 Nissan Frontier, pretty much the same for any 2001 to 2004. You'll need a new handle from 1A Auto, a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, and a 10mm socket and ratchet.
Locate the two Phillips head screws in the bed liner there; remove those. I'll fast forward as I do that. On either side of the bed liner near the hinges are two plastic rivets. We're going to go ahead and use a flat blade screwdriver and pry them out and remove them. Unfortunately, if your tailgate handle is broken and your tailgate is stuck closed you will just have to break the protector by pulling it off. Now you can remove the bed liner that goes on the tailgate, as well as the small plate that goes underneath it.
Now, inside you can see is the back of your tailgate handle. Two 10mm nuts hold it on and the rods are held on by yellow clips. Just use a screwdriver to help you push the clips off and then pull the rods out. If your tailgate is stuck closed, at this point, you can then pull on those rods and open up your tailgate. If you pull both rods towards the center at the same time you should be able to get your tailgate open. Now you see two 10mm nuts. Go ahead and remove those. Now, get a good grip, get your hands underneath there and pull out the tailgate handle assembly.
At 1A Auto we do offer the tailgate handle two different ways. We offer it just the handle and we offer it with the whole, complete bezel. That's basically because most likely you're going to break two or three of the tabs off. We actually only broke one off when we pulled it off but you have to pull quite hard when you pull that bezel off and usually you end up breaking a few of the tabs, and it doesn't go back on very well.
You see here with the tailgate assembly on the bench there's a little E-clip there. Use a pair of pinch-nose pliers, pull up on it, and pull it out. That will allow you to remove the rod that goes through the handle, as well as the spring. On that lock assembly, just give it a little twist and pull your handle out. As you put the new handle through you have to push down on that lock bracket and then the new handle goes up and in and line it up. Once you've got everything lined up, get that spring in its position, push the rod through it all the way through to the other side. Use the pliers and insert the clip to hold it back in place.
Line up the tabs on your trim piece with the handle there and push it into the tailgate and secure it. With the tailgate down, go ahead and reinstall the two 10mm nuts. I will fast forward. Now, grab the lock rods, put them back into the holes in the clips, and then snap the clips down on to hold them in place. Go ahead and test it to make sure everything works correctly before you put the bed liner back in.
Put the plate back on and slide your tailgate bed liner cover over it, and reinstall the two Phillips-head screws. Fast forward as I do that. Put your two plastic push pins on either side.
The emblem is held on by double-sided tape so we've peeled ours off of the old one and we're using a little bit of adhesive here to reinstall it onto the new bezel. It only goes on one way.
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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