Tailgate Release Handle: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Open the tailgate.

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   Vehicles with tailgate step 

2. Push the tailgate step release button.

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3. Open the tailgate step.

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   All vehicles 

4. If equipped, remove the bedliner tailgate cover.

   Torque: 28 lb.in (3.2 Nm)

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5. Remove the tailgate access cover.

   Torque: 28 lb.in (3.2 Nm)

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6. Remove the tailgate handle nuts.

   Torque: 62 lb.in (7 Nm)

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   Vehicles with mechanical tailgate handle 

7. Remove the tailgate release handle.
   1. Position the tailgate release handle from the tailgate.
   2. If equipped, disconnect the tailgate lock cylinder rod.
   3. Disconnect the tailgate handle to tailgate control assembly rod.
   4. If equipped, disconnect the rear camera electrical connector.

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

   Transfer components as necessary.

   1. If equipped, remove the rear camera and bracket.
   2. Remove the tailgate lock cylinder nut.

      Torque: 28 lb.in (3.2 Nm)

   3. Remove the tailgate lock cylinder.

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   Vehicles without mechanical tailgate handle 

9. Remove the tailgate release handle.
   1. Position the tailgate release handle from the tailgate.
   2. Disconnect the tailgate release switch electrical connector.
   3. If equipped, disconnect the tailgate light electrical connector.
   4. If equipped, disconnect the rear camera electrical connector.
   5. If equipped, disconnect the keyless entry rear antenna electrical connector.

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

    Transfer components as necessary.

    1. Remove the tailgate release switch.
    2. If equipped, remove the tailgate light.
    3. If equipped, remove the rear camera and bracket.
    4. If equipped, remove the keyless entry rear antenna.

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