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How To Replace Tailgate Handle 2004-12 Chevy Colorado
Created on:
Tools used
Socket Extensions
Flat Blade Screwdriver
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Rust Penetrant
Gasket Adhesive
10mm Socket
Ratchet
1. Removing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
Pry up any trim buttons on the liner with a flat blade screwdriver
Remove the Phillips screws from the liner
Remove the liner
2. Removing the Tailgate Handle
Pry up the panel on the inner part of the tailgate with a flat blade screwdriver
Unclip the latches from the tailgate handle rods
Remove the two 10mm bolts from the tailgate handle
Remove the tailgate handle
3. Preparing the Tailgate Handle
Remove the lock bolt and lock mechanism
Transfer the lock to the new tailgate handle
Tighten the handle with a 10mm socket and ratchet
Insert adhesive to the bolt holes on the tailgate handle
Push on the grommets to the bolt holes
4. Installing the Tailgate Handle
Insert the handle into place
Insert and tighten the 10mm bolts to the tailgate handle
Connect the latches to the tailgate handle rods
Spray the hinges with rust penetrant
Test the tailgate handle
5. Installing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
Insert the panel on the inner part of the tailgate
Push the liner into place
Insert the Phillips screw into the liner
Push on the trim buttons to the liner
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.
If you need to replace your tailgate handle you're going to start by removing all the screws that hold this backing plate on. Some of the screws may be covered with little buttons here so you have to pry up and off. Okay, fast-forward here, and you can see I pretty quickly ditched the hand screwdriver for a power screwdriver. The flat blade screwdriver helps pry up on some of those screws if they don't come out easily.
Okay, it's right here. Pry up that panel. Okay, now you can see the back of the handle. It's held in by two bolts here. We're going to undo these clips which just clip onto these rods. Okay, take the clips off and take the rods out. It does help to remove this one as well. This is just a lock. Okay, take a 10mm socket and loosen the one that's on the lock just to get it loose while it's in here. Take out the two that hold the handle. Pull the handle right through and out. Now we got to take your lock bolt out like that.
A handle from 1A Auto is a very appropriate replacement, and you want to put your lock mechanism back in. There's a little key so make sure you put it in the right position. Okay, your new handle will come with a couple little rubber grommets, and what you want to do: take anything tacky or sticky I'm using a little bit of just gasket cement, ou can use regular household glue or whatever and just put a little bit right on where the bolts go in. Okay, just enough, and then just stick these little rubber grommets right on there. You just want them so they don't fall off. Okay, this on there. Just a little insulator to keep them from rattling.
Just like before put the handle up in, hold it up there, set your screws on, hook that there, push right over.
It's always a good idea to use some rust penetrant. Always spray it on your hinges. Do a quick test.
Now I'm going to fast-forward here. Then I put that panel back in place and screw it in. If you have a bed liner put the panel back in place. The panel does have a little triangle on it. Make sure it's pointing up, and if you have the bed liner put it on top and put all the screws in place and fasten it, and you should be all set.
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.
DHA41491
In Stock
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chrome tailgate handle
Ron
October 14, 2019
chrome door handle was an exact match of the original broken tailgate handle. i will purchase from these people again when needed!
Tailgate handle
W
January 3, 2021
Just what I needed. Took about 15 minutes to install. Works like new. Love it.
Great handle
Tanner
February 21, 2021
Easy to install, came in perfect condition. Everything as expected.
Great video and handle. Really happy!!
Albert
November 5, 2021
I reviewed the video on you tube before ordering. Order the chrome handle to replace the stock black handle. It was delivered on the expected delivery date. The part was complete and I installed it in about thirty minutes. Really dressed up the tailgate and I was extremely happy that the installation was as simple as the video showed. I will continue to use 1A auto for parts in the future.
Thanks
Chyanne
November 23, 2021
Works great. Looks awesome. ??
Customer Q&A
can you purchase a cylinder to convert to locking tailgate ?June 4, 2017
J J
10
this handle uses the existing cylinder, mine was damaged so I got a new one made to match my current keys from a specialty auto locksmith, was only 15 bucks and fits like a glove. the question you need to ask is do you want a separate or same key as doors and ignition. Either your dealer or a good locksmith shop that specializes in auto locks
June 4, 2017
Joe L
10
I don't think you can convert a non-locking handle to a locking one because it doesn't have a hole for the lock cylinder and the linkage may be different, but you can exchange locks between two different locking handles.
June 4, 2017
A L
10
If your vehicle was not factory equipped with a locking tailgate it is a labor intensive piece to add a lock. For complete information you would want to request a parts exploded view of the tailgate locking system from a dealership.
June 5, 2017
Alex P
Are the moving mechanism parts steel or plastic? Is the outside exposed part all chrome?April 20, 2021
Tom M
10
This handle is made to the exact specifications as your OE part.
April 20, 2021
Christa R
If I buy this one it will be the 3rd one I purchase how strong is this one does the leaver hold all the pressure on one side?November 18, 2023
Chad J
10
I could not get it to work on my suburban, installed it spent about three hours trying to get it to work and it would not work, took it back off and put my old broke one back on with the string to open it, lol
November 19, 2023
Jeff M
10
It has been working fine for me for the 6 mos since I installed it.
November 19, 2023
DOUGLAS D
10
Yes it does holds any and all pressure on either side of the handle.
November 19, 2023
Johnnie L
10
Lite weight, same as the rest. I have the same issue
November 20, 2023
Bobby P
Customer service
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