Question about tailgate not opening

[CJ]

all of a sudden the tailgate wont open when i pull on the latch from the inside
is there something that sticks or an issue.
it seems it is hanging on the left side and i cant see where there is an issue

i have this trip coming up tuesday and really need to get this remedied asap

thanks in advance

you can email me at cj@cjsperformance.com

[Doug Allen]

Sounds like one of the actuator rods has popped out of the tailgate handle.

Fix is-

Remove the tailgate carpet or vinyl cover.

There are about ten or so Torx screws (or 10mm screws, GM did both), remove them, and lift the lid out.

Visually inspect the actuator rods that connect to the tailgate handle, if one has popped out, look at the one that is still connected, and re-install the one not connected in the same way that the still connected one is connected.

Re-install the tailgate lid.

Check to see if the tailgate handle opens the tailgate, after the lid is screwed back in place.

Fairly common, I had it happen to me several times.

The cause could be that a former owner changed the satin handle to a chrome one, and did not re-install the actuator rod (or rods) correctly, or installed a third brake light blinker and dislodged one of the actuator rods.