Manual tailgate wont open after trucks sits in the heat/direct sunlight.

[Flipmag]

I have a manual opening tailgate in my 2024 Tacoma. If the truck sits in high temp/direct sunlight the tailgate will not open (and yes of course I unlocked it) but it acts like it is locked shut. I can hear the unlocking when i press the fob. I have to wait until I get home to park it in the garage to cool down, and then it will open. I have spray lubricated the interior latch, and checked for obstructions, but it will still happen. Has anybody had this issue or have a solution?

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[PAKraig]

My manual tailgate is very difficult to open regardless of temp, although it's been very warm in PA for the 2 weeks I've owned my truck.

I have to forcibly jerk the tailgate latch and pull the tailgate open all in one motion. Very difficult to engage the opening mechanism.

 

[soupy1234]

Close the latches with a screwdriver and then check whether the handle opens the latches. If not, the problem is inside the door somewhere. If the latches open normally (not sticking or needed multiple pulls on the handle) then look at how the latches are aligned with the striker.

 

[SpartanCaptain]

Do you have a tonneau cover? Mind causes friction on my tailgate and depending on temperature outside it randomly causes it to just beep and get stuck.

 

[Flipmag]

I do have a tonneau cover. I'll have to look closely at that next time it happens.

 

[Brent@ANParts]

That's strange, obviously some thermal expansion going on but I'd be curious to know where its specifically binding up.

 

[Regius]

That's strange, obviously some thermal expansion going on but I'd be curious to know where its specifically binding up.

Same here. 24 Trd offroad with manual gate. I recently was driving around and hears a mild clunk from the back/underbody, eventually figured out it was the tailgate wasn't completely shut. Evidenced by that the driver side gate contour did not flush with the bed, while the right hand side was "more shut", so the tailgate was bouncing. I then forcefully shut the tailgate and it was very secured, but the result was it doesn't want to pop open!

the soft plastic talegate latch doesn't help, feels like it's gonna break off. The unlock mechanism definitely was engaged, but the gate was stuck and I had to give it a bump in the direction of closure to get the "pop" release.

Some people say it's because the rubber bumper on the driver side is too much (too long). Their gate popped right open once the rubber bumper was removed. I tried the same and it's true.

I subsequently used a razor to shave off a thin layer from the rubber tip. So far my tailgate is more willing to release.

This still does not sit well with me 100%. Something else is going on.

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