How to replace the tailgate latch "keeper" on a 2002 gmc sierra pick up?

How to Replace Tailgate Handle & Bezel 88-00 GMC Sierra K1500 - YouTube
How to Replace Tailgate Latch Rods 88-00 GMC Sierra K1500 - YouTube

Open up the tailgate by removing the screws on the inside of the door T15 or T20 torx bit is required. Disconnect the latch mechanism by unsnapping the plastic connectors. You should then be able to manually unlatch it. Hope that helps.

You should be able to pry it off. Be careful, if you break the latches when it pops off you will have to replace it. Look on the opposite side of the tailgate and there should be a plate screwed to the tailgate. It is almost the size of the tailgate.

Mine did that to. I sprayed Rust blaster all around the pivot points inside the handle which freed up the rod that was binding

If you remove the ring around the handle you will get a better view of the two rods that connect the handle to the outter latches.The ring just snaps in.I think a flat head screw driver from the bottom works the best.Once you have access to the rods you can push the inward twords each other to pop the gate.If the are broken out twords the tail lights then a thin flat head in the gap betwen the tail lights and tail gate should be able to push the spring loaded latches in to pop the gate,but you may need to borrow a extra set of hands.Well hope this helps.

There should be 3 screws on the inside of the tailgate. Take those out and and the latch should come out. It's won't fully remove until you disconnect the levers from the handle. There may also be a couple of screws holding the actual locking tabs onto the sides of the tailgate. You should be able to diagnose the actual broken piece from there.

There are two Possibilites with this issue ... Either the latches are bound or rusted and can be lubricated with lithium grease after cleaning or the plastic retaining clips may have broken inside your tailgate. To locate these, remove the three bolts holding in the latch assembly and inspect the clips attached to the two control rods that will latch/release your tailgate. I have found spraying white litium grease every three months into the latches of my tailgate has eliminated the same problem on my truck.

Sounds like you have a bar disconnected inside the hatch. You may also need a latch itself. Does it lock and unlock? If it does, most likely a bar off issue. Will be a pain to get the cover off with the door closed, but you will need to remove it to inspect.

I have a 2002 Chevy 3500 and the same thing happened to me. It turns out the latching mechanism on the left side would not release when I pulled on the latch handle. I stuck a small screwdriver in there to release the latch handle (as I pulled on the latch handle) and it popped open. I then squirted some WD-40 on that latch mechanism because it was hung up. I didn't have any problems after that.

I had the same problem with my 2003, no adjustment on mine, I resolved the problem by lubricating all the movable parts inside and outside the tailgate, both locks, and the internal linkage, and joints, I loosened things up with WD40, waited a few days and did the final lubrication with white lithium greese. Any other liquid greese will also work fine. dont forget to follow up everyone few month.