Tailgate won't open

[smokedawg17]

hi, i have a 92 eddie bauer ex, i went to replace my reverse lights one day so i went to the open the tailgate and the handle just spun around. im guessing that something must have broken or became rusted or something, i just wanted to know if there is a way to release the tailgate and if there are replacement parts for such.


thanks

 

[Wagonized]

you'll have to release it from inside. sounds like the rods that go across have broken off your handle.

-take off the interior panel
-there should be a rod going from the center to each side...you have to grab each rod individually and slide it towards the outside of the truck. One side will come open, then do the other