1992 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 tailgate wont latch

remove access panel at back and examine the linkage--handle--latch

sounds like a cable is broke or something came loose. Pain to fix, need to take tailgate apart. Easier to go to junk yard and just replace the tailgate, less headaches.

on your tail gate there should be a access panel you can remove and get to the latch guts you will have to figure out whats causing it to jam.

the plastic trim around the handle pops out easily there will be two rods going outward towards the latch [the clips are known for breaking] these rods pull inward together to release the latches

the handle and linkage needs to be greased , unscrew the plate on the inside of the tailgate, so you can see the handle ,spray with penetrating oil , keep moving the handle and linkage until it moves freely

use two pair of pliers and pull each rod towards the other

Take the center latch out and pull each rod from the center of the tail gate inwards to open the gate....you may find the center latch is bent or broken and not pulling one of the rods on one side.

let tailgate down there are two screws at the latch for the tailgate. remove them and taillight should fold out

most likely a broken spring inside latch

You will need a long flat blade screwdriver. From inside the bed of the truck look between the bedside and the tailgate and you can see the latch. take the screwdriver and gently ,but it will take some force, and pry the latch from the striker plate until it releases. If you push the tailgate open just a little on that side the latch will stay released. An extra hand comes in handy for this. Then do the same to the other side and you have an open tail gate. On the outside if you gently pry the lower part of the cover that surrounds the handle the bottom comes loose and then gently pull the top down and work it out of the opening. This is a little tricky but be patient and it will come out. If you break it it is about a 10 dollar part. There will be 2 rods in two plastic clips where your handle is. The clips lock over the rods. Flip the clip up and the rod will slide out of the clip. You most likely have a broken clip or a rusty handle. WD-40 works wonders.