How to Fix the Tailgate Handle on a GMC Sonoma

There can be a number of reasons why the tailgate handle on your GMC Sonoma truck isn't working, and what you need to do to fix it depends on what the problem is. If the handle itself is broken, you need to replace the handle. It could simply be that a control cable is disconnected, or the cable may be broken. The problem could also be with the tailgate latch.

Instructions

1

Pry out the bottom end of the tailgate handle bezel with a trim stick or flat screwdriver wrapped in tape. Pull the bezel down and away to remove it from the body.

2

Reconnect one or both control rods to the handle if they became disconnected, pulling the rod into position with a wire and hooking it onto the handle's retaining clip. Close the tailgate if this is all that was needed.

3

Remove the three mounting bolts for the handle on the inner edge of the tailgate using a flare-nut wrench. Rotate the handle's plastic clips off the control rods and detach the handle from the rods.

4

Unscrew the latch mounting fastener that the rod is connected to and remove the rod if the rod is damaged. If the latch is the problem, remove both its bolts with the wrench and remove the latch from the tailgate.

5

Install the replacement latch into the tailgate and apply its mounting bolts, or connect the replacement control rod to the latch with the single bolt and thread the rod toward the handle.

6

Rotate the handle's clips onto the control rods and connect the handle to the tailgate with its bolts, using a new handle if the old one needed replacing.