Tailgate Latch: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Remove the liftgate trim panel. Refer to: Liftgate Trim Panel .

   Vehicles with push button start 

2. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the tailgate latch.

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3. Disconnect the electrical connector(s) from the tailgate release handle.

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4. Remove the tailgate latch bolts.

   Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

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5. Remove the tailgate release handle bracket.
   1. Remove the tailgate release handle nuts.

      Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)

   2. Position the tailgate latch aside and remove the tailgate release handle bracket.

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6. Remove the tailgate latch.

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   Vehicles without push button start 

7. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the tailgate latch.

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8. Disconnect the cables and rods from the tailgate release handle.

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9. Disconnect the electrical connector(s) from the tailgate release handle.

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10. Remove the tailgate latch bolts.

    Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

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11. Remove the tailgate release handle bracket.
    1. Remove the tailgate release handle nuts.

       Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)

    2. Position the tailgate latch aside and remove the tailgate release handle bracket.

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12. Remove the tailgate latch.

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    All vehicles 

13. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

    Remove the tailgate latch actuator and cable.

    1. Remove the tailgate latch actuator cable from the mounting bracket.
    2. Remove the tailgate latch actuator cable end from the tailgate latch.
    3. Remove the tailgate latch actuator cable from the mounting bracket.
    4. Remove the tailgate latch actuator cable end from the tailgate latch actuator.
    5. Release the retaining tabs and remove the tailgate latch actuator.

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