Rear Tailgate Latch 2002 Ranger

[Stewie]

I have a 2002 Ranger and the rear tailgate latch handle stays in the open position and has to be manually closed to latch. It works perfectly, and stays latched. I was wondering if there is spring involve or is it just a lubrication issue?
It has the bedliner on the tailgate as well.

 

[fixizin]

I was wondering if there is spring involve or is it just a lubrication issue?

Both... but the springs are probably OK. Lubrication is what's needed. White lithium or clear synthetic grease are your friends. Get your mechanism loose and lubed before one of the poorly-designed tabs on the handle breaks off from the added stress.

It has the bedliner on the tailgate as well.

Easy to remove--and necessary to access the mechanism--but you'll probably need a Torx 27 (T-27) bit to do it.

How to video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvwfngMp1XQ&feature=player_embedded