Tailgate handle sticking

so now that its getting colder (i noticed this only happens when its cold out) my tail gate handle sticks in the open position. i found this out when i closed my tailgate and the spring inside didn't return my handle to the closed position and it fell back down on me. i took the cover off and sprayed some lubricant on all the pieces that looked like they moved when operating the tailgate. last week when it got cold again, it froze up again. i had to ratchet strap the tailgate shut on my way home from work. once it warmed up, it operated like its supposed to again. whats the next step to fix this problem? (besides not putting my tailgate down again until spring)

 

Dude it's cold up there, you might just have to deal with it.

 

i dunno, i've never had to deal with an issue like this on any other truck i've owned. there's gotta be a way to make it work like its supposed to.

 

Lubrication. You might have missed some of the parts before. Also, what are you using for lube? You want something that won't freeze or hold water. Open the tailgate up, hit all the moving parts with parts cleaner (carb cleaner or brake cleaner in a spray can works well, use a tooth brush if things are really gunked up), then hit it with something like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench. Just cause it's cold does not mean things shouldn't work as intended.

 

I think i used PB blaster the first go around. maybe i'll hit it up with some more blaster and use a brush to make sure all the crap is out of it.

 

You ever fix this. Cold up here and having the same problem this week

 

Cleaning and lubrication fixed mine. It took under an hour and its been fine since (over a year ago).

 

From what i remember, I ended up blasting it with brake cleaner, scrubbing it the best i could, and re-greasing it.

 

I've never taken my tailgate handle off so I don't know what it looks like in there. There must be a spring to make the handle return. Maybe you can replace it with something a little stronger, but not so strong that it's hard to pull, and wear stuff out. If you can't fjnd one the exact same size, you can cut it down, then bend to make a new hook on the end.