How to Replace a Tailgate Handle on a Chevy Avalanche

A tailgate gets a lot of use, and that means that there's a lot of opportunities for things to break. When the tailgate handle on your truck goes out, don't despair--it's a 10-minute fix and you'll be back to opening the tailgate on your Chevrolet Avalanche.

Instructions

1

Pop off the bezel that surrounds the tailgate handle on the outside. It's held in pretty tight, and the easiest way to get it off is to push down from the top, pop out the top two clips and then pull out the bottom.

2

Unbolt the three bolts on the back of the tailgate using the 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets. Hold the tailgate handle in one hand while you unbolt with the other, which will free up the tailgate.

3

Unclip the two clips that secure the tailgate handle to the linkage. They're color coded, and they unclip by pushing the plastic clip off the linkage itself in a circular motion. This can be done with your hands. No tools are needed.

4

Clip the linkage to the replacement tailgate handle using the factory clips and your hands.

5

Place the handle inside the tailgate and bolt it on, using the factory hardware and the 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets.

6

Push the factory bezel back into place with your hands, securing the tailgate bezel and completing the job.