Tailgate latch help

[Brian VT]

The handle of my tailgate latch broke on the passenger side. It will still unlock the driver's side.
I was shining a flashlight in the hole to try to find a way to unlock the passenger side with a screwdriver or something but I don't know what I'm looking at in there.
Does any of you know what I'm looking for and what to do to it to open the passenger side latch?

 

[tbowker]

On my tailgate there's a linkage cover on the bed side of the tailgate with twelve screws. Remove that cover and there's access to all the linkage.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

You can also wedge a flat tip screwdriver in between the tailgate and the bed side to move the latch on the side of the broken handle. This can be a pain to do.

 

[Brian VT]

I would have to cut a hole in my (new) tonneau cover to access the bed side of the tailgate. :-(
I guess that's my only option?

 

[Brian VT]

I finally found a visual on what goes on in there. FFWD to 2:00 in the video.
I may still have to trash my new tonneau cover to get in there but at least now I know what to try doing from the outside as a last-ditch effort.

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[tbowker]

I just now noticed the tonneau cover in your first picture.
If you have an endoscopy camera you may be able to get a view of the linkage and reach it with long nose pliers instead of damaging your cover.

 

[Brian VT]

I managed to get it open from the outside. Looks like an easy fix and replacements are cheap.
If yours is feeling stiff give it some lube. ;-)

 

[IDIBRONCO]

If yours is feeling stiff give it some lube. ;-)

I do that somewhat often on mine. That, the door hinges, and the hood latch and hinges too.

 

[tbowker]

If yours is feeling stiff give it some lube. ;-)

There's a wisecrack just aching to reply to that but I'm just gonna let it go.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

There's a wisecrack just aching to reply to that but I'm just gonna let it go.

That thought crossed my mind too.

 

[Brian VT]

There's a wisecrack just aching to reply to that but I'm just gonna let it go.

That was my intention. I was giggling when I typed it.