Replacing Tailgate Handle on 2000 GMC Sierra

[GottaGo]

A couple weeks ago some yahoos decided to break into as many vehicles as they could in my neighborhood. They tried to get into my truck, but weren't able to get past the locking tailgate with a roll top cover (good thing because I'm sure they really would have liked the baby stroller that was back there:). When they tried to get into my bed (that sounds bad...I'm too immature) they just jerked on the tailgate handle until they snapped it off. There is a very small piece of plastic left for a handle that I can get a finger on and pull, but the tailgate won't unlock for it to open. I want to save some money and just replace it myself since I have a high enough deductable I know insurance won't cover it, but I don't know why it won't unlock. Will simply putting on a new handle fix this? Thanks

[icechipper]

I did a handle on a 2000 ranger in the past, pretty easy take the panel off the inside of the tailgate once you get this off remove the handle and replace, 10-15 min is all it took. I ended up with a metal handle that replaced the stock plastic one. I would say go for it.

[efgh]

Are you sure your comp ins. won;t cover this, if its vandelism? I would check with my agent to be sure.

[BehindtheHead]

stuck between a rock and a hard place huh

need to get to the back side of the tail gate to replace the handle but cant unlock the tail gate........crapy deal

[Jeremy airjer W]

Once you get the new latch it will make sense. You can pop the rods out of the old latch and then manually pull on them to open the tailgate.