How to replace tailgate handle on a 1997 mazda b2003

If you can get to the back side of the tailgate handle, you will probably find a broken plastic part that would normally pull the latch at either both or one side. It seems to be a design defect, or enough corrosion in the latch to strain these plastic parts.

that should be easy. follow the sparkplug wires or if it has a coil pack. remove the top cover. then pull the ends of the plug wires not the wire. you will pull the wires out of the plug end and its a pain to get them back in. a pair of long noose pliers works good if you can get them off easy. then using a spocket turn counter clockwise to remove the plug, I use a small piece of hose that I stick on the end of the plug to pull them out and also to install. be careful not to cross thread the spark plugs when installing. and you don't need to torque the plugs to 100 foot pounds. most I think is about 15 or 20 max. which is not a lot. then replace the wire. do 1 wire and 1 plug at a time to not mix up the wires or it will not run correctly

To Replace a Tailgate: Tools needed for the replacement:- Star shaped sockets- Flathead Screwdriver- Long Nose Pliers- Shop Light- Dremel w/ disc cutter for plastics, Remove the 2 outer long star shaped screws: Close Tailgate and pull down and out the handle bezel. The bezel itself its being held by 2 plastic anchors. To remove the handle from the tailgate we need to open it. Pull the linkage from both sides inward and the tailgate should open. Remove the 3 large star shaped screws-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tacho Pro 2008

Find a suitable replacement and use gorilla glass glue. Good luck.

REMOVE TAIL GATE HANDLE YOU USE A TRIM TOOL OR FLAT SCREW DRIVER PRY OFF THE HANDLE ESCUTCHEON DOWN AND AWAY FROM THE TAILGATE IF SCREW DRIVER IS USED COVER THE TIP WITH ELECRICAL TAPE TO PREVENT DAMAGING PAINT SURFACE.FROM THE BED SIDE OF THE TAILGATE REMOVE THE HANDLE MOUNTING BOLTS.ROTATE THE PLASTIC RETAINING CLIPS OFF THE CONTROL RODS AND DETACH THE RODS FROM THE HANDLE. REMOVE THE BOLTS AND WITHDRAW THE LATCH FROM THE END OF THE TAILGATE.PUT EVERY THING BACK VISA VERSA.

The latch or handle? both will need you to take the bezzel off from around the handle on the tailgate. Careful but dont feel bad if it breaks 9/10 will usually. Then there will be 2 rods coming from each latch connected with a snap over plastic clip carefully move those off the rods and now the rods can be removed. If it is the handle you are replacing then unbolt from the backside and change. If it is the latches unbolt from the sides and it will slide out of the handle opening. Steve

you can usually access the operation handle for the tailgate through a panel located on the bed side of the gate, should be screws around the panel that you can see while inside the bed

Mine just did the exact same thing. The latch may be moving freely because it is not hooked to the latching mechanism anymore. In my case, the handle had broken where the handle hooks to the rod that operates the mechanism. Go to the Ford dealer and buy a new handle. Here in S.C. it was $24. You can't get this at the parts houses. Start by removing the plastic "Ford" cover that is over the liscense plate lights. You then have to remove the aluminum rivets that hold the handle to the tailgate from the outside and remove the broken latch. Remove the pull handle loop on the interior side of the tailgate (2 screws), unsnap the inside plastic tailgate interior panel, and pull down the black plastic sheeting that is underneath the panel to make access to the mechanism inside of the tailgate. There is also a hard plastic cover that you will see that needs to be pulled loose to open another access hole. Install the new tailgate latch handle by sliding back into the mounting holes and attach with two 10-32 screws and nuts. The new handle will come with a new yellow rod attachment piece on the handle. You will see inside of the tailgate a small rod hanging down, most likeky it will have the same rod attachment piece as the one on the new handle. Note the position of the yellow piece on the rod, as you will connect the new piece in the same place. Once the rod is hooked up, relubricate the metal mechanism with a light machine oil, replace the black plastic cover, replace the black plastic sheeting, (secure with a small amount of duct tape), replace the tailgate interior panel, replace the pull handle loop, shut tailgate, replace "Ford" cover over lights, and you're done!

You must remove the handle from the gate, this is done by removing the plastic tail-gate guard. On in side of gate are some torx screws , remove screws and gate guard will come off. Then there are some more torx screws to remove steel acess pannel, the tail-gate handel will be held in place by 2 10 mm nuts . After removal of nuts the handle will come out, inspect handle for brakeage or rust. replace if nessesary.

I believe you have to open the rear window to open the tailgate??
Tailgate opens right to left [ passenger to driver ] side?
Tailgate handle will not work if window not open - feels like it is disconnected. The "button" releases the window only.
If you open the rear window and the tailgate still will not open. You need to remove the inside tailgate cover to get access to the handle and release switch. You can access the the window release the same way [ just a little harder to do]. You will probably end up breaking the vinyl panel to do this but so will the auto body shop and they will charge you $$$$$ to replace it.