Tailgate Release Handle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

Open the tailgate.

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Vehicles with tailgate step
Push the tailgate step release button.

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Open the tailgate step.

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All vehicles
If equipped. Remove the bedliner tailgate cover.
Torque

: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

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If equipped. Remove the tailgate access panel bolts and the tailgate access panel.
Torque

: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

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If equipped. Remove the workspace tailgate access panel bolts and the workspace tailgate access panel.
Torque

: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

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Remove the tailgate moulding. Refer to: Tailgate Moulding (501-08 Exterior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
Remove the tailgate handle nuts.
Torque

: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)

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Vehicles with mechanical tailgate handle
Remove the tailgate release handle.
1. Release the retaining clips and position the tailgate release handle from the tailgate.
2. Disconnect the tailgate handle to tailgate control assembly rod.
3. If equipped. Disconnect the tailgate lock cylinder rod.
4. Release the wiring harness routing clip and disconnect the rear camera electrical connector.
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NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Transfer components as necessary.
1. If equipped. Remove the screw and the rear camera and bracket.
2. If equipped. Remove the tailgate lock cylinder nut and the tailgate lock cylinder.
  Torque
  
  : 28 lb.in (3.2 Nm)
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Vehicles without mechanical tailgate handle
Remove the tailgate release handle.
1. Release the retaining clips and position the tailgate release handle from the tailgate.
2. Disconnect the tailgate release handle wiring harness routing clips.
3. If equipped. Disconnect the keyless entry rear antenna electrical connector.
4. If equipped. Disconnect the rear camera electrical connector.
5. If equipped. Disconnect the tailgate release switch electrical connector.
6. If equipped. Disconnect the tailgate light electrical connector.
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NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Transfer components as necessary.
1. If equipped. Remove the screw and the rear camera and bracket.
2. If equipped. Remove the screw and the tailgate light.
3. If equipped. Remove the screws and the keyless entry rear antenna.
4. If equipped. Release the tailgate release switch retaining tabs.
5. If equipped. Remove the tailgate release switch.
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NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Transfer components as necessary.
1. Remove the tailgate release handle pull cup screws.
2. Remove the tailgate release handle pull cup.

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