How to replace the tailgate handle 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
To replace the tailgate handle on your Ram 1500 it couldnt’ be easier. You’ll need to open the tailgate, access the opening mechanism, remove the handle as well as carry out a few other steps. You can carry out this tutorial of 8 chapters in 55 minutes. Take your Torx T30 bit and your 8 mm socket and let’s get started!
Duration
55 minutes
Number of steps
8
Difficulty out of 5
2
Average savings
$55
Parts You Will Need
Tools You Will Need
Step-by-Step Installation
Chapter 1:
Open the tailgate
Step 1/2
Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.
Chapter 1:
Step 2/2
To access the tailgate handle on your vehicle, you need to open the tailgate.
Chapter 2:
Access the opening mechanism
Step 1/3
Using a Torx T30 bit, remove the eight retaining screws from the tailgate’s plastic protector. Then, remove it.
Chapter 2:
Step 2/3
Remove the protective metal plate to gain access to the opening mechanism.
Chapter 2:
Step 3/3
You can now access the opening mechanism.
Chapter 3:
Remove the handle
Step 1/4
Using a flat head screwdriver, press on the back-up camera’s power connector to disconnect it.
Chapter 3:
Step 2/4
Then, using a ratchet, a small extender, and an 8 mm socket, unscrew the two retaining nuts from the tailgate handle.
Chapter 3:
Step 3/4
Remove the nuts with a magnetic extender.
Chapter 3:
Step 4/4
You can now extract the tailgate handle from underneath by holding the opening mechanism with your fingers.
Chapter 4:
Remove the lock
Step 1/2
Then, using a multi-bit screwdriver and an 8 mm socket, unscrew the two bolts holding the lock.
Chapter 4:
Step 2/2
Then, remove it.
Chapter 5:
Remove the back-up camera
Step 1/2
Using a multi-bit screwdriver and a Torx T20 bit, unscrew the back-up camera’s two retaining screws.
Chapter 5:
Step 2/2
Then, remove it.
Chapter 6:
Set up
Step 1/3
Take the new tailgate handle.
Chapter 6:
Step 2/3
Put the back-up camera in place, then reinstall its screws.
Chapter 6:
Step 3/3
Put the lock in place, then reinstall its screws.
Chapter 7:
Install the new handle
Step 1/4
Replace the tailgate handle by inserting the top part of the handle first.
Chapter 7:
Step 2/4
Then thread the two screws holding the tailgate handle into the opening mechanism.
Chapter 7:
Step 3/4
Screw the two nuts back in.
Chapter 7:
Step 4/4
Before closing the assembly, we advise you to test the opening and locking system to make sure it works.
Chapter 8:
Finalise the reassembly
Step 1/5
Reconnect the back-up camera.
Chapter 8:
Step 2/5
Put the metal protection plate back on.
Chapter 8:
Step 3/5
Put the plastic protective cover back.
Chapter 8:
Step 4/5
Then screw it back on.
Chapter 8:
Step 5/5
Operation complete.