Silverado Tailgate Won't Open - How to fix broken tailgate latch without tools

Have a situation where a Silverado tailgate won't open? In today's House of Hacks episode, Harley shows how easy it is to fix a Chevrolet pickup tailgate latch that won't unlock. This is a simple job that can be done in minutes, without tools.
Silverado Tailgate Handle Rod Retainer Clips: amzn.to/2J1zvGU (Affiliate link)
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For a written transcript, go to www.house-of-h...
Music under Creative Commons License By Attribution 3.0.
Intro/Exit: "Hot Swing" by Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com

[@staticnat7342]

Videos like yours represent the real value of a resource like KZbin! I can't thank you enough for posting this much appreciated information! Cheers!

[@jdcalhoun1]

Arrived at Advance Auto to get a part for my truck. Gate wouldn’t open and couldn’t get in under bed cover. Found your video in 30 seconds and 4 minutes later gate is open and I’m in. Thanks so much!!! Just wish AA had the clip in stock. Will need to order

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome! Great to hear! It's easy once you know the system.

[@toddcox1942]

Love how fast and to the point this was. I ordered the bits and in the meantime have some safety wire holding down the fort and making my tailgate work. Thanks!

[@sammackert7256]

I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Like everybody else has commented, I found the details to be straight forward and easy to do myself just watching the video once! Your video saved me from spending time and money on trying to figure out how to get my tailgate to work on my 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD. Thanks again and keep up the great videos!

[@stephonbasnight341]

Awesome information. Thanks

[@brendabarnes4766]

I just want you to know.. thank you so much. My friend told me I had to buy a whole new handle assembly. I watched this video and sure enough, it was just my clip that was broken. Thanks again..

[@robertbelknap]

Thanks so much, had this happen, ordered the clips. Also to everybody watching this great video, I also safety wired both of mine with some none insulated wire. actually the safety wire will hold it in place permanently, so, if and when the clips do fail, the rod won't slip out. wrap the wire around the rod and around the piece the rod slips through and twist it tight. Tried it first without the plastic clips and couldn't get the rod to slip out. All good.

[@HouseOfHacks]

That's a great idea!! Even something as simple as a twist-tie would work.

[@robertbelknap]

@@HouseOfHacks Absolutley, thanks again for your videos. Like, and Sub, I'm on board.

[@kevinbossick8374]

This was really easy. I broke the plastic covering, when pulling it off though. But that was only an additional $8. Total cost $15. And I have some extra clips for another job. I can't believe I took it to the dealer, for the same issue many years ago. Thanks.

[@redpilledhispanic1239]

I wanted to say this at the time but I forgot. Thank you for this video! My dad's truck had the same problem but we didn't what the problem was so it stayed broken for a month before I decide to go up on KZbin and search for a solution. I clicked on your video and lo and behold, the latch was broken like yours.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Awesome! Happy to help!

[@grandmab9304]

I love this video. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 You got straight to the point. Explained everything . You rock

[@user-zu3ru5tl1f]

Quick, concise, and right to the point. 4 below where we are and we got it done! Thank you so much.

[@terrylhartley7918]

Had my clip break today and thought I was in for a costly repair not knowing what was broken. Did a search and your video came up and in about 20 minutes I was back to a functioning tailgate!

[@HouseOfHacks]

Awesome!

[@TheTony527]

Thank you. great video and straight forward repair. Saved me from going to the dealer for the repair and saved lots of money. Thank you.

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome! Happy to help. Thanks for letting me know it was useful!

[@jfinick]

Though it was a simple fix, I appreciate guys like you going out of your way to demystify fixes like this.To all the KZbin guys and girls, Thanks

[@HouseOfHacks]

Our pleasure!

[@kennethkendrick4795]

Your repair tip was a blessing! I used needle nose pliers to make it easier for me, but the procedure was precisely the way you demonstrated. Thanks brother!

[@HouseOfHacks]

Happy to help! Yeah, it can be a bit tight and tools could help. Glad you got it done! Peace!

[@garys.8333]

I have a 2004 Silverado the tailgate stuck today. Your video was very helpful for what to do. Thanks!

[@goldstardetailinc.7989]

First-time video for me this morning on the East Coast and just wanted to say thank you! I love how there seems to be nearly any filler in your video. The majority of how-to videos are 20 minutes when they could be 3 if you boiled it down to just the substance. The next wave of how-to video winners and losers on youtube success will be on the basis for both the simplicity but concentration level of the particular material, ensuring viewers don't waste any time when using your content in the moment for a specific purpose which is exactly the way How-to videos are consumed. I was shocked to see you had 9,500 subscribers. Your comfort and delivery on camera and the production quality, such as executing video production skills you did. AN example of what I'm referring to is the shot cutting from the freshly repaired latch to a wider shot of you with the tailgate right as the tailgate was shutting shows evidence of someone who has some advanced training in videography and editing to know you can do shots in that way in post and it appears seamless without multiple cameras and was comfortable enough about videography that this was planned beforehand as evidenced by both shots being captured during production. I have no doubts your channel will continue to grow, and I am happy to join you on that ride because from where I'm sitting, you're doing everything right. I'm someone who believes in doing the best I can every day to take time out and encourage a fellow entrepreneur, self-starter, creator or whatever when they are obviously hitting the basket with shots because we can all use a bit more positivity and less criticism, and sometimes all it takes to not give up on something we're developing or a goal we're trying to complete long term is a stranger recognizing what we are doing for the glory and hard work that's going into it. So sorry for the book here, but I wanted to spend some of my actual time to say thank you for spending yours on this video that helped me today and going further than just 'thank you,' but instead identifying the specific reasons I'm thanking you and hoping whether you needed some encouragement at this moment or not, you have good reason to never stop doing what you're doing! -Joshua Barnett GoldStar Detail, Inc. Florence, AL.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Wow, thanks so much for the detailed encouragement! I've been working on improving over the years and appreciate your kind words. Peace.

[@cowboyroper9442]

Thanks for the help!

[@johnk3389]

Thanks for the tip. It saved me a lot of headaches and taking it to someone else who could fix it!

[@karlmahlmann]

Wow, thanks my friend! - that is exactly my problem. Thanks for explaining it so well. Follow up: I got the part from the link below. The whole thing took me 5 minutes and 5 dollars. many thanks, again.

[@leviblackmon1551]

This is hands down the most straightforward and helpful how-to video I’ve ever watched!

[@TGUlricksen]

Can you imagine if everything was taught like this, we would be a type 4 civilization by now lol.

[@billturner4427]

Thanks so much. Exactly what was wrong with mine. Even the green one was broken. Now I need to know where to find the part!. I want to replace both. Again, thank you!

[@ghosttownhunts]

Thanks for this video! Purchased new parts from your link, arrived today, followed your suggestions and now have a functioning tailgate! 2004 GMC Sierra Thanks!

[@Mark-pe2sh]

Thanks for the concise video. I have a 2006 and the gate wouldn't open. Your video was a great help. Thank you.

[@KingMarkus222]

Omg now I literally know how to fix my dad’s truck. Same truck and everything wow thank u so much

[@lynnwalding6436]

Easy Peasy! Thank you for the helpful video. Even made ordering the replacement part fast and simple.

[@wsdstan]

Thanks. Worked perfectly and your install instruction was exact.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Glad it helped

[@amathonn]

You're a prince, dude! Thanks for the demo. I'm sure you've saved me a bundle.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Glad I could help!

[@evobigtwin]

Thanks for the info and the parts link. You can temporarily fix the broken clip with a small wire tie, while waiting for clips.

[@hobbinshotrods6051]

Thanks! I had the same exact issue on mine. Same side even! I ordered some clips and fixed it today. Easy peasy!

[@brodheadjim]

Fantastic video. Tremendous help. I didn't know where to start and your show and tell answered all the questions. So much for going to the dealership.

[@HouseOfHacks]

You are so welcome!

[@richardgonzales2855]

Thx for that video! That’s what I need to fix my tailgate! Never thought it could be so easy!! Gonna order those clips now!!👍👍

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome! Happy to help! Yes, I was surprised how easy it was myself. Cheers!

[@kimnelson8759]

You rock! This was exactly the issue. I ordered through your link and should have the part in a couple of days. My local auto parts store has a single clip for $5. I'd rather have the eternal supply from Amazon! Thank you!!

[@laurachastain7116]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing this EASY and affordable fix!! I just ordered through your link so maybe you'll get a little credit.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Scott534]

Thank you for the video! Very helpful! Now I just have to replace the tailgate latch cover, as those tabs broke when I took it off to replace the rod clips. lol

[@dmitry92203]

Perfect video. You got quickly to the topic and gave a solution. Excellent!!!!

[@HouseOfHacks]

Thank you!

[@GW-nu8hc]

Man you saved me some worry!! Thanks so much for showing this !

[@andrewdelgado1305]

Very helpful. Wife ordered my clips on Amazon 8, for 6.99 and Silverado2000ext cab. Took me less than 10 seconds with your instruction!!

[@HouseOfHacks]

Great to hear!

[@MrsBuddevil]

Do you have a link for that item?

[@simonwhittaker4872]

Exactly the video, and parts link, I needed. Thank you!

[@HouseOfHacks]

Awesome! You're welcome!

[@dp-ir8ec]

Wow! I was able to see that a cable came off but I thought it was going to become a big deal. In a minute and a half you're KZbin showed me the way. Easy peasy...thanks bub!!!

[@HouseOfHacks]

Glad I could help! Yeah, I had the same reaction: "Oh no! How hard is this going to be?" ... "That was pretty easy!"

[@halhunter1974]

Daughter borrowed my 2004 to move, brought it back with same problem. Thanks for the video. Parts ordered.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Right on!

[@gaildimick1831]

Thanks a bunch. Merry Christmas

[@lukebuntin2090]

Created an account just to say thank you for the info and the link haha. Much appreciated.

[@Jozua-The-Mechanic]

Thanks for the help my dads Silverado 2002 had the same issue

[@Bige4u]

This happened to me just yesturday, the rod was hanging just below the handle ledge like in this video, but i accidently bumped the rod backwards and down it fell inside the tailgate, either way, nice to sse this is an easy fix. The ultimate tailgate anti theft deterent if i dont ever plan to fix it, i dont use the bed of my truck for anything anyways, and thanks for the link to the plastic retainer peices, figure if one breaks, the other will sure to follow, might as well replace them both at the same time.

[@stipcrane]

Exactly my problem, same side too. Fixed it in minutes. thanks!!!!!

[@whiskyeye]

Thank you for this! Saved me a lot of hassle.

[@MrNukelukem]

Pretty stellar, bro! Saved me some time dinking around. I appreciate it!

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome! Happy to help!

[@solmora6495]

Thanks man for sharing your knowledge God bless you

[@HouseOfHacks]

My pleasure!

[@erichuie3329]

Single digit temps and this just happened to mine. Thanks for the lesson

[@Directory1]

Was so easy to bend the bar. Works great thx

[@HouseOfHacks]

Excellent! Happy to help!

[@chrisdodds4038]

Thank you, Thank you. Just watched your video and fixed my latch with confidence.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Excellent! Happy to help!

[@Meta-Drew]

Thank you very much, seems like an easy fix. Had to order new clips since one of mine was broken and also a new bezel since all the retention tabs snapped off when I removed it. Should have it fixed by the weekend though :)

[@watsonwideopen]

Thanks! Solved my prob, no cost

[@ultraprisma7318]

Thanks, worked like a charm

[@quitlikeawinner5458]

You are AWESOME. Thank you for posting this.

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're very welcome!

[@StarSloop]

Thank You! This was very helpful as I didn't see how the bezel came off.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Glad it helped!

[@spray267]

Great video!! Anybody know the name of the clips?

[@llcannon]

I was at a standstill and needed to put my horse trailer on! You save me!!!

[@kohlers7]

Thank you soo much! Saved the day for us. 🤩

[@markstocks9475]

Great job!

[@johnmortimer2842]

great video so simple. you are the great saver.😊

[@lilpandasdancin]

thanks man i havent looked into mine yet but now i know where to get those clips if i need em

[@HouseOfHacks]

Glad I could help.

[@lilpandasdancin]

@@HouseOfHacks a year later im back after replacing these clips to say that they worked but then my handle actually failed so still a great video

[@stuartwolf4272]

You Rock! you just saved my work day and several hundred dollars.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Happy to help!

[@babyboym]

This was such a big help

[@bigkraus1]

Thank you awesome job it was exactly what was broken on mine… The green clip!!!

[@TheBigdog5483]

Great video brother. Thanks

[@HouseOfHacks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bslcouple]

Where do get the clips. Great Video.

[@razorsharpbt124]

Thank you, sir!

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome!

[@rhubarb99999]

Thanks man! Subscribed and clips ordered through your link.

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome! And thanks!

[@fullthrottle2112]

Thank you so much you help me a lot.

[@jnerges]

Was exactly that, same side, same color. Thank you.

[@tommywray8109]

Thank you very much

[@ireneperez7807]

Thank u so much...this is so easy...im gonna go and get those clips😁

[@HouseOfHacks]

You got this!

[@zane4utwo]

I how this is all that's wrong with my tailgate i can hear 1 side unlatch but not the other so I'm hoping this is all it is! Awesome I'm so greatful thank you a million! Your saved me a trip to the body shop $$$!

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome! Yes, that's exactly what happened on mine. One side unlatched but the other didn't. Cheers.

[@KMHall-mm5wf]

Great vid but where do you get the clips at and what are they called

[@TXAslingr]

Thank you.

[@southernexposure123]

Thanks for the video. It's exactly what I needed.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Awesome! Great to hear!

[@douglaslocke5140]

Thanks, and I thought that was going to be hard! 😄😄

[@wcrow51]

Thank you!

[@robertsmith489]

Thank u. Fixed mine in 30secs

[@HouseOfHacks]

Awesome! It is a quick fix once you know what to do.

[@terrypyne9888]

Thanks for doing this video, it's very easy to do. I did use a vicegrip to hold the rod inplace gining me two hands to work with. I also lubricated the striders and it would tnen easily close without pulling the handle. I think ithe nylon bushing beroke because my 94 Silverado Tailgate was only closine if I slammed iit shut. Now that I know how the latch actually is built with two little nylon bushings, Ij willmaintgain it better.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Glad it helped!

[@kevinjarrett5178]

Thanks helped me a ton.

[@combatmotorsports9006]

Thank you so much for sharing this information, you have a new subscriber here!

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome! Look forward to seeing you around.

[@gaspararmandoverdequinones3044]

where did you buy them plastics???? I have the same problem

[@CruzCarnes]

Where did you buy the new green clip? I need one

[@damianromo7051]

How about it's attached but the cable is not moving when you lift the handle up?

[@TonyaEdmisten]

We have the same issue now

[@sleeksalmon]

Thank you, thank you.... I did this all by myself all while my husband WATCHED from the window.....lol

[@HouseOfHacks]

Haha, that is awesome! Great job!

[@Hengry-hn7rb]

Thank you for the tip brother, by the way you look like a Rush fan.😄

[@HouseOfHacks]

Haha, you're welcome! Peace!

[@BIgD03]

Great video

[@billreimnitz32]

Thanks!

[@Ryan_TV]

This video helped. Thanks a lot.

[@HouseOfHacks]

Super! Glad it helped!

[@samhicks29]

Thanks

[@viivcreations9161]

these old trucks are handy tools. no worries for dents and scratches and always more hacks and guides each year for them. if i spent 60k on a brand new truck i could rebuild this truck like 3 times with 100% brand new parts resulting in basically 3 new trucks for the price of one lol

[@HouseOfHacks]

Agreed. The price of new vehicles seems insane to me. Why would I spend so much on a depreciating asset? And they have so much stuff on them I don't want.

[@loganclark8880]

Saved my ass Thanks so much man Keep it up

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

[@muck6852]

Lifesaver. Thanks a million !

[@HouseOfHacks]

You're welcome!

[@ToddAutry]

Good job on the video. Interested for sure!

[@HouseOfHacks]

Thanks Todd!

[@jameslawyer2993]

Thank you for the easy fix video. I just use a couple of zip ties ill see how long they last .

[@liveoakgap7489]

Fixed it! Thanks.

[@Nazman06]

where did yall get the new part to fix it?