How do I replace tailgate handle on 2005 avalanche

1. Remove third panel, open tailgate, observe the five torx bolts.

2. Remove the two outer torx bolts.

3. Close tailgate, remove handle bezel. The bottom is held on with two plastic "Fir tree" pins.

4. Open taligate, remove the three remaining torx bolts, close tailgate.

5. Observe that there are two plastic ScotchLock type items that hold the latch actuator rods. Color the exposed threads with a Sharpie for ease of re-assembly.

6. Open the two plastic actuator rod holders and remove the handle assembly.

7. Install the new part and secure the three bolts.

8. Install the actuator rods in the clips, leaving the previously exposed threads, ummm, exposed.

9. Verify proper operation of latches with the third panel installed.

10. Install bezel and two retaining bolts.

Here's another version of replacing it that another guy modified from the above instructions....

I broke the back latch on mine and had to change it. A couple of changes I would make to the instructions are:

1. forget about the third panel, whatever that is, unless it's another way of saying "tailgate"

2. unsscrew the two outer bolts on the inside of the tailgate and close tailgate.

3. pull off plastic cover, bottom fasteners like said above are "pine trees", just pull straight out

4. the actuator rods are just snapped in, BEFORE doing anything else, mark the edge of the fastener, and more importantly

5. TIE a string, or use a long piece of tape on each rod so that when you undo the fasters for the rods, the rods don't fall down to the bottom of the tailgate. I actually used alligator clips off a multitester as they were handy, but you get the idea.

6. loosen the three bolts holding the handle in (don't remove them, so it doesn't torque over when you start in on the last), when all are loose, remove the three bolts, and disconnect the actuator clips. I could do this with my fingers, and it helped to have the bolts out so you could wiggle it a bit for a better grip.

7. you can now remove the handle by rotating it clockwise and pulling outward a bit on the tight spots of the tailgate.

8. intstall by working backwards up this list, the only other thing is for the right actuator rod, I held it with a needle nose pliers to get it into position.

Hope this helps, and it's not really a bad job.