WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Lead Compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Lifetime Warranty
This item is backed by our limited lifetime warranty. In the event that this item should fail due to manufacturing defects during intended use, we will replace the part free of charge. This warranty covers the cost of the part only.
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How to Replace Tailgate Handle 1998-2011 Ford Ranger
How to Replace Tailgate Handle 1998-2012 Ford Ranger
Created on:
Tools used
T27 Torx Driver
Rust Penetrant
10mm Socket
Ratchet
1. Remove the tail gate handle
Remove the tail gate lining by removing the eight T27 Torx bolt
Unbolt the two 10 mm nuts securing the tailgate handle.
Hit the latch mechanism with penetrating oil and white grease to combat squeakiness.
2. Install the new tail gate handle
Place the tail gate handle onto the tailgate.
Thread the 10 mm nuts onto the bolts and tighten them up to secure the handle.
Install the tail gate lining and bolt it down with your T27 Torx driver.
Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality auto replacement parts and the bets service on the internet. Hi, I'm Mike Green. I'm one of the owners of 1A Auto. I want to help you save time and money repairing and maintaining your vehicle. I'm going to use my 20 plus years experience restoring and repairing cars and trucks like this to show you the correct way to install parts from 1AAuto.com. The right parts installed correctly, that's going to save you time and money. Thank you and enjoy the video.
In this video, we'll be showing you how to replace the tailgate handle on this '04 Ford Ranger, just the same as any '98 on up Ranger and also Mazda. You'll need T27 Torx bit and driver, a 10 mm socket and ratchet, some penetrating oil and some grease. Okay, to replace the tailgate handle on one of these Ford Rangers, it's pretty easy. What you have here, some T27 bolts holding this line on. There's one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight of them so I'm going to remove all eight of those. Okay, now this comes up. Put it up there for right now. Okay. One of the access panel here. Looking down there at the back side, you can see two 10 mm bolts right here. I'm going to remove those. While I'm doing this, just a note, usually what happens is this mechanism gets frozen up and the plastic tailgate handle breaks. What you want to do is when you're replacing this, take some time and use some penetrating, get this mechanism working really well and put some grease on it to make sure it stays working well.
You can see the handle as it pulls right now. There's you handle out. You can see these levers are just plastic. Like I said, this gets frozen up and those break off. It's all going to be the same. Okay, it's got a bolt in there just like the original. Okay, I'm going to actually bolt this one back in because it is in okay shape. As I said before, spray this down really well. I'm also going to spray the latches on both sides. This is white grease. Okay, spray everything really good. It's all working right and easy and smooth now. You just basically feed your handle right up and in. The studs will come through- where are you guys? There they are. Replace the mechanism down in with the two 10 mm bolts. Just put it right on there. Just a quick test. It works nicely. You put this panel down. Make sure it's lined up pretty good. Okay, I'll put all these eight Torx screws. We're all set.
We hope this helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality auto replacement parts and the bets service on the internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that serve you on the internet and in person.
Tools used
Flat Blade Screwdriver
T30 Driver
10mm Socket
Ratchet
1. Lowering a Stuck Tailgate
Pull the bed liner lip from the tailgate
Wedge a screwdriver between the tailgate and the bed liner
Remove the eight T30 Torx bolts from the tailgate cover panel
Pull the latch rods toward the middle
Lower the tailgate
2. Removing the Tailgate Handle
Pull the bed liner off the tailgate
Remove the two 10mm nuts from the tailgate latch
Pull off the tailgate handle
3. Installing the Tailgate Handle
Put the tailgate handle into place
Fasten the two 10mm nuts onto the latch
Put the tailgate cover into place
Insert the eight T30 Torx bolts into the tailgate cover
Snap on the bed liner
Close the tailgate
Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.
Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.
In this video, we're going to be working with our 2001 Ford Ranger. We're going to show you how to remove and replace your tailgate handle. Sometimes these break and the tailgate gets stuck open here. Ours is fine, but we're going to show you how to get inside and open the tailgate with a broken latch with it in the up position like this to make it easier to work on.
If you like this video please click subscribe. We have a ton more information on this truck as well as many other makes and models. If you need this part for your vehicle follow the link in the description over to 1AAuto.com. Here are the items you'll need for this repair.
Our truck has a bed liner, if yours doesn't you can skip this step but we'll have to push up on the top lip here. Slide our cover back. I'm going to take a flat blade screwdriver and just kind of wedge it in there to keep it back and give me a little more room to work. Then we're going to take a T30 Torx bit and a ratchet and remove these eight T30 Torx bolts here on the inside cover.
The other reason I have this screwdriver here is to keep this plate up. If you don't have this cover or you don't have the screwdriver wedged the way we do here, you're going to have to support this when you take the last bolt out. We'll remove our screwdriver and the back cover.
Here you can see our latch rods. Sometimes this door handle breaks and it doesn't actuate these rods properly. These plastic clips can break or they just come out of adjustment with old age. They can stretch out or this plastic can wear out and allow them to slide and not unlock both sides evenly. If any of these components are broken you can simply grab both latch rods and pull them to the middle and lower your tailgate.
Again, if you don't have this plastic cover, you don't have to worry about it but since we do, you simply push back and remove it once the tailgate is in the down position. Remove these two 10 millimeter bolts with a socket and ratchet. When removing the second one, be sure to support the latch from the bottom. Now rotate the latch and remove it from the vehicle.
Reinstall the handle. You may have to squeeze the mechanism together here to make sure that the mechanism lands under the arms of the tailgate handle. Line up the bolts, and reinstall your two 10 millimeter nuts.
Reinstall the cover and all eight of your T30 screws. Tighten these down with the T-30 Torx socket and a ratchet. If you have the plastic tailgate cover, insert the bottom first. Make sure that it hooks over the bottom of the gate. Line it up to the center. Push the top over. Close your tailgate and ensure that everything still functions properly. You're good to go.
Thanks for tuning in. We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
DHA69385
In Stock
Product Reviews
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4.91/ 5.087
87 reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
79
8
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I have my tailgate back
Mark
January 24, 2017
Fast good price glad I went here. I started with another online parts order place and they were a pain to deal with they sent the wrong part and nothing but a hassle after that trying to get the right part so I gave up and came here. Got the right part fast and now I can use my tail gate again.
Good quality
Peter
February 13, 2017
The part arrived quickly and the video link was very helpful for me to install the part. My mechanics abilities are limited, so I very much appreciate how easy it was to fix this.
tailgate latch handle
Michael
February 27, 2017
Haven't had time to install it yet. Weather, and a few other things have not cooperated. I have looked it over and have not doubt it will do nicely. Appears to be well made and sturdy. Thanks!
Perfect Fit
Sal
May 23, 2017
Item received was an exact replacement part. Easy change out and works and looks great
Ford Ranger Tailgate Handle
P
June 15, 2017
1A Auto provided a Ford Ranger Tailgate Handle and it fit perfectly. Fast service, reasonably priced and a great company with plenty of detailed "How To" videos.
It is fine
Michael
July 1, 2017
Easy to install, at least as good as the original...hope it lasts longer.
Works like a charm!
C
July 3, 2017
This handle and the installation vid makes you a champ!
Excellent Service
B
July 10, 2017
Fast prompt shipping. Cheapest price that I could find on-line. Beats buying the part at the local Auto dealer. Part was easy to install and looks and functions just like original factory part. Overall rating is 4.5 stars.
Finally!!!
P
July 13, 2017
For over a year we've had to use a screwdriver to open the tailgate of our 01 Ford pickup. My husband installed this in less than 15 minutes and it works great! Great price. Fast shipping.
Great product
Derek
August 2, 2017
Easy to put on and works great oooooooooooooooooooooooo
Tailgate Handle
Victor A.
August 2, 2017
Perfect fit no problems take 4 minutes to install
Tailgate Handle for 2004 Ranger
M
August 12, 2017
This item was perfect fit. Had the old one out and the new one back in and working properly in only 10 minutes or less.
Service and converience
S
August 12, 2017
Easy as can be! Ordering, receiving, and installing were all easy peasy! Cost was great and will definitely us this company/website again.
Easy Install
S
October 2, 2017
Easy purchase. Perfect replacement. Easy to install (even without video).
Outstanding
C
October 23, 2017
The handle is exactly what my Ford Ranger needed. Bravo Zulu 1AAuto!
Great Replacement
M
November 27, 2017
Priced right, this item was easy to install and the same size as the original.
Great product and training video.
Adam
April 15, 2018
Thank you for your training video. It showed how easy it was to fix my truck. The part fit perfect and is working great.
Ford Ranger Tailgate Handle
M
April 28, 2018
Tailgate handle worked perfectly and easy to install. Used 1A auto video to show how to install.
it was just what I needed
B
May 15, 2018
The tailgate handle on my ford Ranger broke, and these people had it. It was a perfect match, and there was a video showing just how to remove the old part and replace the new one, but really, the handle was so easy to put in, that I didn't need the video.
Works as advertized
Patrice
May 27, 2018
I have a 1999 Ford Ranger. The original handle lasted until a few months ago. This replacement handle is mostly plastic, but so was the OEM one. Even if it only lasts half that time, it's still a great deal.
I watched the video on YouTube, and I was done in about half an hour. The tailgate is now lubed up, and the new handle works great. It's an easy project that requires few tools.
I would recommend this handle to others.
05' Ford Ranger tailgate handle
J
May 29, 2018
I had shopped around for the tailgate handle on a 05' Ford Ranger. Great price, delivered to the mailbox and it fit perfectly. Problem solved.
Easy install
jason
June 8, 2018
The part installed incredibly easy. I recommend liberal use of WD40 followed by white lithium grease on all the moving parts. I waited way to long to do something that was very simple and easy
tailgate handle
S
June 12, 2018
The installation of this tailgate handle was super easy. The how-to video that went along with it made it a piece of cake!
Very Satisfied With Purchase
T
August 4, 2018
The main reason I purchase parts from 1A Auto is because they provide videos for many parts to show you how to install the part yourself. The part I received installed very easily. The only thing I noticed is that the handle is not exactly horizontal when I close the tailgate. That is because of the holes that the screws insert into are a little oversized. I just need to loosen the nuts and make sure I have the handle exactly horizontal before I tighten down the nuts.
Tailgate Handle
R
August 25, 2018
Everything went well for the install. The handle still has plastic parts but the handle is metal.
It works --period.
simple fix to make life easier
J
August 29, 2018
The handle had broken off the tailgate so my son kept the panel screws loose and would reach in and work the latch by hand each time. For $17 bucks and 10 minutes of our time it was just like new again. Easy to replace, works perfectly. You never realize how often you open the tailgate until the handle is broken.
Correct and quick shipping
G
September 9, 2018
Fit well and cheap but this review must be at least 50 characters
Parts purchase
JOHN
September 13, 2018
1AAUTO is by far the best place to buy parts because the quality is first class service is fast and the videos are great
Fit like a glove
Doug
October 21, 2018
Ordered the tailgate handle for my 01 ford ranger. Followed the 1A Auto video and had it install took a total of 15 minutes..
Truck gate handle
Matthew
November 1, 2018
Item was as described and.fit perfectly. It was a perfect match for the original handle. The videos at the 1AAuto site are very helpful.
Perfect Fit
Michael
March 11, 2019
Easy install because the part fit perfect. Small delay on arriving, one day, just because the post office here in our small town is going thru some personal changes and are short handed not 1A Auto fault. Very pleased. Second time to use 1AAuto there will be a third
Anything I have ordered from you or the people you hook me up with are always on top of things
Jerry
April 5, 2019
The part, fits, works , and is just what I needed. As always. Hope I don't need you anytime soon but if I do You will hear from me. It is a comfort to have someone to trust to help me get the job done. I do need rotors for my 2008 Toyota Yaris.
Ranger tailgate handle.
P
April 14, 2019
Arrived as stated. Fit perfectly. Very satisfied!
Great Tail Gate Handle
W
April 20, 2019
I ordered this handle and had it within a couple of days. It fit well and seems to be of good quality. I will order more parts from 1A in the future.
Ford Ranger Tailgate handle
D
June 18, 2019
Purchased the handle it arrived swiftly. We watched the you Tube video for installation. Bada Bing Bada Boom tailgate works. I will in future make sure I lube the latches on the tailgate so it doesn't get sticky to start with.
Very professional
R
July 1, 2019
I am very satisfied with your service. My part and your instructional video were exactly what I needed. But what set you apart was your problem solving when my part got lost in shipping. You were very prompt in taking care of this. Stuff happens. You took care of the problem. 5 stars in my book!
Perfect Match to Original Tailgate Handle
Justin
August 3, 2019
Item was a perfect replacement to the original tailgate handle. Installation was a breeze. Thank you 1aauto for creating the installation videos...they are very helpful to customers of all skill levels.
Looks and works just like the original
JON
August 12, 2019
Looks and works just like the original. Installation is easy after watching A! video. I wouldn't hesitate buying agaian to recommending to a friend. (While within the stated delivery window, my only complaint is how long it took to deliver 160 miles away and within the same state.)
J
August 14, 2019
the service was great and the attendant was very helpful
Perfect replacement
Jerry
September 24, 2019
This item was a perfect fit, easy to replace and seemed similar, if not better, quality than the original.. Great item.
Tailgate handle.
K
October 26, 2019
Recently purchased tailgate handle. Tracked shipment and when arrived was emailed promptly with a video instructing how to install. It took about 10 minutes to install and works perfect again. I would buy from 1a auto again. Great experience.
Great purchase.
Kennard
November 29, 2019
Lightning fast delivery; product is perfect fit. The only downside is that the installation video (for a 2004 vehicle) did not accurately show the actual installation for my vehicle (a 2003). Will definitely keep 1A on my supplier list for auto parts.
Ford ranger tailgate handle
Troy
January 8, 2020
Great handle better than the original work so nice definitely an upgrade from the Ford one
Exact fit
S
January 14, 2020
Was the exact fit and changed in 20 minutes or so
Tailgate latch
R
April 26, 2020
Shipped right away and easy to install. Good value for the money!
What I needed, fast, inexpensive, and good quality
H
May 9, 2020
They had what I needed, at a good price. They delivered it ahead of the predicted delivery date. It's exactly what I expected, fit perfectly, works and seems at least as solid as the OEM part. Aside from this purchase - their how to videos are indispensable.
Great fit, great fit!
S
June 17, 2020
Got an exact fit duplicate part part at a great price. Fast shipping to my door. And a YouTube video on how to do the job. You can't beat that!
Worked fine
Timothy
June 20, 2020
It worked liked they said it would. Easy to install, its just a handle.
Tail Gate Handle Replacement Part - 2001 Mazda Truck
K
August 19, 2020
Very good experience. Easy to order, good email communications. Received this part within the estimated delivery date. fitted and functions well. Would use 1A again.
Ford Ranger Repair
L
October 31, 2020
The part received from 1A Auto for my Ford Ranger truck arrived early with free shipping, and after watching the installation video produced by 1A Auto, I found it easy to install myself and it works great. I saved over $150 by ordering from 1A Auto and repairing myself compared to a Ford Dealer repair. A very Happy new customer! Thank you 1A Auto.
Direct fit replacement
M
November 5, 2020
excellent service from online ordering to tracking of delivery. It was simple removal of two 10mm nuts & removal of broken handle an insertion of replacement part.
2010 Ford Ranger Tailgate Handle Replacement
Leon
November 27, 2020
You can save yourself quite a bit of money by doing this replacement yourself rather than at the dealers. Fit and finish of product is excellent. I had done some of the disassembly while waiting for my part to arrive. Total time spent was under 30 minutes. Watch a couple of videos and you got this!
The part I wanted
D
December 11, 2020
The latch I ordered came promptly. And the video made it happen. Great job.
quick shipping
W
April 5, 2021
Part got here fast, it was the correct part. The part had an install video, so it was easy to install. Good service, good price. Recommended!!!
Awesome! Fast, accurate & efficient, I will buy from them again!
Carty
May 3, 2021
Couldnt ask for more!
2002 Ford Ranger pickup Tailgate latch
Debra
June 25, 2021
Replaced my Tailgate latch for my 2002 Ranger pickup for a price a little more for the part from Rock auto but with tax and shipping Rock Auto was more.
Very Satisfying Experience
Emmett
July 5, 2021
This handle is identical to the original Ford equipment. It arrived in a matter of days, and the extremely helpful replacement video made the replacement of the broken handle fun and easy. Highly recommended.
perfect match, easy to install. you guys are legends.
A1
Robert
October 1, 2021
Great
Keith
October 29, 2021
Super easy install, and have all the tools ready. Great value
Ford Ranger Tail-Gate Handle.
Forest
November 5, 2021
Absolutely the part I needed at a fair price with prompt delivery.
Fixed things
Heather
November 21, 2021
Worked perfectly thanks for the install video
Same as OEM
Garrett
January 27, 2022
Fits great, and looks good too!
Fred
April 13, 2022
After months of hard use, it works well!
Tomas
April 20, 2022
easy to install
Works and fits just like the video
David
June 26, 2022
It fit and it works. I chose 1A because realized that if I was going to watch their video on how to replace the handle, and their price was the same as other competitors I should buy the product from them. It was a good decision. Thanks
DANNY
June 28, 2022
FITS PERFECT !
Glenn
July 8, 2022
Looked better than original, easier to operate, easy swap with common tools.
Matthew
July 23, 2022
very easy install, everything worked
video informative, including greasing connections which was likely cause of original break
Good item at a low price
Waymon
November 1, 2022
Just what I needed and easy ti install.
Owen
November 24, 2022
I have a 2004 Ford Ranger. This time a nondealer Mechanic installed it without ripping me off for new latching mechanism as Ford did the last time the handle broke about 10 years ago. The neighbor mechanic is probably right as he explained I need to lubricate the side latching male components which go into the female receptacles in the truck body. This neighbor suggested I lubricate the moving part latch every two months so there is no drag as the center handle moves the side male inserters. There is no warning squeak, before the handle fails.
Having an inadequately weak plastic handle actuating this metal latching mechanism is not a very good design, destined to fail. The original handle lasted about ten years. The factory replacement lasted about ten years . I will lubricate latches/inserters as often as I lubricate tight hinges.
Paul
January 28, 2023
We Googled the replacement. It showed a "how to" done by 1AAuto. It was a walk in the park! Thanks! 30 minutes tops with breaks!
barry
January 29, 2023
Quick shipment works
Robert
March 11, 2023
It work like it was new.
Easy installation
Kent
April 4, 2023
Handle went on easy the plastic cover is a joke. As soon as I tried to snap it on the tab's broke off, but that's expected when you buy the cheapest product listed. The how to video was a great help.
Tailgate handle
David
June 5, 2023
Part fit my vehicle as advertised.
If you're in need of a new tailgate handle, I recommend this one. Fit perfectly
Vernon
June 23, 2023
This tailgate handle fit perfectly. The price was right and it came quickly. The online video helped too
Joseph
July 20, 2023
An easy replacement that saved me a LOT of money, as the dealership wanted to replace the whole tailgate, not just the broken handle. Video was simple to follow, and I took more time to find the right tools buried in my toolbox than to actually swap out the part.
Tommie
July 26, 2023
Worked perfectly
Excellent experience!
Diana
September 17, 2023
Quality product and exact fit. The video for installation was spot on. Thanks for being wonderful!
Tailgate Handle that works great!
John
December 14, 2023
It fit perfectly and worked great. Looks just like the orginal.
Trouble free tailgate handle repair
Michael
January 22, 2024
Part arrived on time. OEM quality part Video was very helpful. Installation was trouble free
Very satisfied
Edward
January 29, 2024
Replaced the broken tailgate handle on my 2008 Ford Ranger a few years ago. This replacement fit perfectly and has been performing well ever since.
David
July 6, 2024
Tailgate handle was as described as the original in every way. Vide provided by 1A Auto on YouTube was easy to follow and made removal a made reinstallation a breeze. Couldn't be more satisfied.
I got to my event on time.
Leon
September 17, 2024
The timing of me getting this part was crucial. I had planned for a few weeks to attend an event which involved loading my truck the night before. I received the handle just in time to install it and get everything loaded. Shipping was FAST! Since I am a DIYer and had watched a few install videos, it took about 30 minutes to install the new part (I already had the old part off. Easy-Peezy.
Customer Q&A
No questions have been asked about this item.
Customer service
877-844-3393
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm ET Saturday - Sunday 8:00am - 4:30pm ET
Mazda is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation. 1A Auto is not affiliated with or sponsored by Mazda or Mazda Motor Corporation.See all trademarks.
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