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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 2004-12 Chevy Colorado
Created on:
Tools used
Socket Extensions
Flat Blade Screwdriver
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Rust Penetrant
Gasket Adhesive
10mm Socket
Ratchet
1. Removing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
Pry up any trim buttons on the liner with a flat blade screwdriver
Remove the Phillips screws from the liner
Remove the liner
2. Removing the Tailgate Handle
Pry up the panel on the inner part of the tailgate with a flat blade screwdriver
Unclip the latches from the tailgate handle rods
Remove the two 10mm bolts from the tailgate handle
Remove the tailgate handle
3. Preparing the Tailgate Handle
Remove the lock bolt and lock mechanism
Transfer the lock to the new tailgate handle
Tighten the handle with a 10mm socket and ratchet
Insert adhesive to the bolt holes on the tailgate handle
Push on the grommets to the bolt holes
4. Installing the Tailgate Handle
Insert the handle into place
Insert and tighten the 10mm bolts to the tailgate handle
Connect the latches to the tailgate handle rods
Spray the hinges with rust penetrant
Test the tailgate handle
5. Installing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
Insert the panel on the inner part of the tailgate
Push the liner into place
Insert the Phillips screw into the liner
Push on the trim buttons to the liner
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.
If you need to replace your tailgate handle you're going to start by removing all the screws that hold this backing plate on. Some of the screws may be covered with little buttons here so you have to pry up and off. Okay, fast-forward here, and you can see I pretty quickly ditched the hand screwdriver for a power screwdriver. The flat blade screwdriver helps pry up on some of those screws if they don't come out easily.
Okay, it's right here. Pry up that panel. Okay, now you can see the back of the handle. It's held in by two bolts here. We're going to undo these clips which just clip onto these rods. Okay, take the clips off and take the rods out. It does help to remove this one as well. This is just a lock. Okay, take a 10mm socket and loosen the one that's on the lock just to get it loose while it's in here. Take out the two that hold the handle. Pull the handle right through and out. Now we got to take your lock bolt out like that.
A handle from 1A Auto is a very appropriate replacement, and you want to put your lock mechanism back in. There's a little key so make sure you put it in the right position. Okay, your new handle will come with a couple little rubber grommets, and what you want to do: take anything tacky or sticky I'm using a little bit of just gasket cement, ou can use regular household glue or whatever and just put a little bit right on where the bolts go in. Okay, just enough, and then just stick these little rubber grommets right on there. You just want them so they don't fall off. Okay, this on there. Just a little insulator to keep them from rattling.
Just like before put the handle up in, hold it up there, set your screws on, hook that there, push right over.
It's always a good idea to use some rust penetrant. Always spray it on your hinges. Do a quick test.
Now I'm going to fast-forward here. Then I put that panel back in place and screw it in. If you have a bed liner put the panel back in place. The panel does have a little triangle on it. Make sure it's pointing up, and if you have the bed liner put it on top and put all the screws in place and fasten it, and you should be all set.
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.
DHA64739
In Stock
Product Reviews
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4.71/ 5.062
62 reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
52
5
3
1
1
great product
Luis
June 12, 2016
product replacement fit excellent, plastic clips that hold the wires are a little softer than the original ones, but so far holding great. shipping sooner than expected, thank you.
Tailgate latch assembly for 2004 GMC Canyon
Tracy
January 24, 2017
Part was delivered within expectation. Part had zero issues with fit, finish and function. Price was definitely within reason. Overall pleased with the product and the service. I will shop 1A Auto Parts again and will recommend to friends.
Works Great!
Ronald
January 30, 2017
Purchased the above Tailgate Handle for my Chev Colorado. Installation was simple, especially after viewing the how to video on your website.
Peter
February 23, 2017
the only problem was that I had to apply so9ne heat and reshape the top left ( bend it in slightly ) so that the gasket sealed properly. there have been no problems since
Tailgate Handle
TIM
February 24, 2017
I bought this part for my truck after watching the video on how to complete the job. The part was priced very reasonable and the quality is excellent.
Happy Pappy!
Ron
March 3, 2017
Product Showed up fast and fit like a glove. Would recommend to anyone in need of a tailgate handle for a Chevy Colorado
New tailgate latch
Carol
March 4, 2017
Great experiance ,web site easy to manover, order was as promised, easy install .
Easy installation, perfect fit
David
March 6, 2017
I ordered this after viewing the video posted by 1A Auto for installation. The video was very good, and clearly explained how to remove and replace the handle. The installation went exactly like the video, and took about ten minutes.
Great product and value
David
March 25, 2017
After 11 years my tailgate latch finally broke. I ordered from 1a auto and the shipping was fast and the product arrived intact. The video from 1a auto allowed me to replace my latch quickly and the job was done in under 10 mins.
The latch was a direct replacement and everything fit perfectly; the tailgate is as good as new again.
Good Value
R
June 27, 2017
this part was the perfect fit and you guys had the best price out there thank you very much
D
July 3, 2017
Surprised how well the was completed. The cost was much less than expected. Very satisfied. Thank you.
fare price. good quality
ilya
July 6, 2017
it worked great for me..........................................................
Tailgate handle for 2004 Colorado
Bruce
July 19, 2017
Very satisfied with product and service in which I received it. Video for replacing it was very informative.
Plastic Parts!
D
August 2, 2017
The latching rod for the left side kept popping out of the V guide.
I had to bend the latching rod and threw a wire tie on it to work properly. As is, I have to lift the gate latch to the very top of the stroke and then some before the gate unlatches.
Satisfied
D
August 26, 2017
Made very well and a Perfect fit and very easy to install.
Less than 20 minutes and the job was done.
Tailgate latch
Steve
October 1, 2017
Excellent, everything Ive ordered has been perfect
Fits perfect and great value
K
November 27, 2017
Tailgate handle is of good quality and easy to install. Took only about twenty minutes.
Open and shut case of a great product and dealer
X
December 6, 2017
Delivery was super fast! Packaging was very protective. Installation was super easy thanks to the great video (no other dealer I found offered an online installation video). I think the whole job took less than 8 minutes and the tailgate works better than it ever has. My new source for replacement parts for my GMC Canyon. Thank you, 1A Auto!
Easy replacement
Jeffrey
December 30, 2017
This replacement handle was very easy to install, just as advertised. The video walks you through the process.
Happy with the part
J
January 5, 2018
The tailgate handle was just like the oem part. I installed it in about 15 minutes. Your cost was a lot less than what the dealer wanted.
Perfect Replacement
N
January 17, 2018
Part was delivered earlier than expected and replaced the handle within 10 minutes after watching the how-to video. Tailgate opens and closes with no problems. Thank you!!
Pefect Fit - Installation video made install easy!
James
January 17, 2018
The part was a perfect fit for my vehicle. I watched the installation video once before ordering the part to make sure it was within my capability and I had the correct tools. Reviewed video once again before installing which made the installation quick and easy.
Tail gate handle for Colorado
O
February 7, 2018
Quick delivery and good fit. This is about the fourth handle I have had to change as they are made out of plastic and keep breaking in the same place. I have had good service with 1aauto and will use them for other parts for my Colorado.
Excellent replacement
S
February 18, 2018
This handle is an excellent replacement for a broken oem part. It cost 1/5 that of a dealer replacement part. Quality and fit are great. The on-line "how to" installation video was very helpful and work was done in less than 10 minutes. Works great!
TAILGATE LATCH AND HEADLIGHT
B
February 24, 2018
I ORERED THE TAILGATE LATCH AND ALSO HEADLIGHT
THEY CAME IN A REASONAL TIME WITHOUT
ANY PROBLEM .BOTH INSTALLED EASY.THANKS ALOT
Made Cheap
William
March 15, 2018
I would have been alright with the quality But ,
one end of the handle return spring was not shaped properly, thus it cannot help pull handle back into position. QC problem?
tailgate handle
J
April 15, 2018
your product was just perfect. works great and easy to install.
Chevy tail gate handle
John
May 31, 2018
This latch is the same as the factory part. It was easy to replace after watching the video, and was at my door in just a couple of days. Also the price was almost as low as the local salvage yard. What else would you want?
great parts
John
June 23, 2018
The parts got here quickly and in perfect shape. They fit and worked just like they should.
2005 chevy colorado tailgate latch
F
August 30, 2018
The part arrived on time and as described at a fraction of the cost of a factory model. Their how to videos are a great time saver as well and transferring the lock mechanism only took a few seconds.
Thanks 1A for saving me time and money!
Tailgate Handle
A
September 17, 2018
I had to replace the tailgate handle on my pickup. It broke while I was on a trip. I was able to order online while on my trip and the handle arrive the day after I returned. It was an exact fit and easy install. Great service from 1A Auto.
2008 Colorado tailgate handle
Henry
November 18, 2018
The parts were a Perfect fit and they arrived quickly and I am extremely happy with the service.
I
November 22, 2018
this part was the exact fit. easy to install and works very well.
tailgate handle.
T
November 26, 2018
This part did fit my 2004 colorado z71 perfectly, i thought it might be hard to put on but with just minor work, i had it on in less than 20 minutes,I sprayed some lubricate on the moving parts, and on the sides of the tailgate. i would recommend this part to all colorado owners,service was great and shipping was on time.
Excellent Quality
C
January 2, 2019
1A auto was the only company I could find my item from. Ordering was easy and free shipping even made it better. I had no issues installed in the Item with the instructions included.
V
January 7, 2019
I would recommend this product to anyone. Fit like a glove. Easy to install.
We would definitely order from 1A Auto again.
Lisa
February 10, 2019
My husband ordered a tailgate handle for his Canyon truck. The part matched the original handle exactly. The customer service team is excellent. Our order was lost in shipping. As soon as I contacted customer service they responded. They were prompt and polite. They gave us a choice of refund or replacement. We chose replacement. The replacement part arrived quickly. We will definitely use 1A Auto again. We are pleased with both quality & service.
Chevy tail gate handle
Allan
February 24, 2019
Excellent fit and good price and looks like my original parts thanks A1 always get my part at A1
broken handle
richard
March 9, 2019
so went to 1Aauto looked up the tail gate handle, ordered it and it came a few days later. it was just like the one i took off. put it on and just like new. thanks 1Aauto rick
works like a charm
T
March 10, 2019
my truck is 12 years old and the original tail gate handle had a lot of use. the new replacement handle was easy to install and works like a charm.
Perfect fit
theodore
April 6, 2019
Came in earlier than forecasted. It was easy to install and works perfectly, Im perfectly satisfied with my product. If you own a Colorado 04-12 this handle will work.
Doesn't fit body as well as original
Brent
April 6, 2019
It works fine and seems of reliable quality but the weather gasket and shape of the handle frame/base protrudes a bit away from the body, it looks like the whole handle is not flat but bends away from the body so fit is not tight to the body. Disassembled and re-assembled found no installation error.
Handle
C
April 6, 2019
Was the right one an worked great
Check tail gate handle
C
October 15, 2019
This is a first free shipping and good quality tail gate handle thank you 1aauto . Com
J
November 27, 2019
I got my tailgate latch quick-enough. Installed very easy.
Very impressed with the company & their follow-up.
Will recommend 1A Auto to my friends.
Quality Product - Good Price
D
January 19, 2020
1A Auto Customer Service is really good. My fault not theirs but I actually needed the lock mechanism with the handle. But they took it back no problem. The part they sent me was fine I didnt realize till I tore into the fix that I also needed the lock mechanism.
Their how to videos are really good! They give do it yourselfers the confidence to give it a try.
Tailgate Latch
M
January 19, 2020
The tailgate latch installed perfectly just as original equipment from a dealership. The best thing, it was half the cost of dealership prices. I definitely check with 1Aauto for all my auto parts.
Jimmy
March 9, 2020
the parts I order from 1A are quality parts as good as OEM or better
Tailgate Handle
D
June 14, 2020
Got it quick and worked good
Chevy Colorado
J
November 6, 2020
The tailgate handle fit perfect! Super easy to install & free shipping! from the online purchase to my house was less than a couple days. I will definitely will buy parts from 1A Auto again. It was half the price i could buy it for at any auto parts store in the city. If stuff breaks and you need a good, quick, cheap fix they have the parts! Only bad thing i can say is the overwhelming emails to buy more stuff. (At least 5 a week). At this time all i needed was the tailgate latch.
Tailgate handle
N
January 1, 2021
The tailgate handle was a perfect fit and the quality was what I expected. Thats why I ordered this part from 1a auto parts instead of the online auto parts site I normally order from .
Thank you 1AAuto!
M
February 7, 2021
Great product, fit is good, responsive customer service. I would recommend this product, thank you!
Easy installation
Maryjane
April 1, 2021
So easy to change out, done in minutes, works great.
exact part
Dale
June 15, 2021
This is the exact part for my truck and it was received on the day that 1aauto promised it would be.
Highly recommend!
Judi
September 12, 2021
Perfect repair on my beloved 2004 Chevy Colorado. Easy install - took 5 minutes.
Daniel
September 28, 2021
Fit well and looks to be equivalent to the factory part.
John
August 1, 2022
Totally happy with it! It was eazy to install.
Good fix.
Bradly
December 21, 2022
Fit nice, easy to install watching video. Hope it last as long as the original. 15yrs.
Good replacement tailgate handle.
Brandon
January 13, 2023
My original tailgate handle snapped off and I immediately went looking for a replacement handle. 1A Auto had the installation video to go along with the new handle - made it a no brainer. Easy to install and a good replacement option.
Good source for parts and know how.
Paul
January 26, 2023
I appreciate your videos. This part was just right.
Steven
February 27, 2023
Easy install, is plastic which was original but doesn't feel cheap seems good.
Will see over time...thx
Junk
Owen
January 22, 2024
Waste of money to buy o r with lock mechanism. Whenever I try to lock it, it causes the mechanism to slip so I have to take it back apart to re-attach. Piece of junk. Not to mention it took over ten days to get to me. First and last time doing business with this company.
Customer Q&A
Does this part include lock & keys?November 18, 2016
Rick J
10
The part does not include keys and lock. You should be able to use the lock you have already on your tailgate.
November 18, 2016
Paul V
10
No it does not.
November 18, 2016
Brittney B
10
No
November 18, 2016
Dwayne E
10
No lock & key , only the handle assembly.
November 18, 2016
Paul-M. P
10
does not include the lock cylinder or the keys. You can reuse your OEM cylinder and key set
November 21, 2016
Brian F
10
no swap out the old lock ( easy to do )
February 23, 2017
Peter M
10
You will have to reuse the cylinder from the old handle. It is easy to remove and install on the new handle. You can order the handle either with or without provision for a cylinder.
March 6, 2017
David S
10
No lock or key. You need to use the old cylinder (and key if you have it). You can order either with or without the key/lock provision. The how-to video makes it super easy for anyone to install.
July 24, 2018
Lori-Ann H
10
no lock and keys but only takes a minute to transfer existing lock over if you still have it.
August 30, 2018
F O
10
i did not receive a lock and key. if you old lock works just use it
March 10, 2019
T A
10
no , it does have the provision for the lock cylinder if you need to install the locking device with your handle
March 9, 2020
Jimmy S
Is this an aftermarket handle or OEM?November 25, 2016
Gary A
10
aftermarket
November 29, 2016
Brian F
does it come with the key?January 3, 2022
Lucas V
10
No it does not, you will have to install your lock cylinder from the original handle. its a simple process and easy to do. then you will use your original key to lock/unlock the gate.
January 4, 2022
Jimmy S
10
No used factory lock
January 4, 2022
S T
10
The one I got did not come with a key.
January 4, 2022
A R
If existing handle does not have lock/key, do you sell a lock ?January 9, 2022
John D
10
Hello, we would be happy to see if we have the lock and key, could you reply with your VIN#, please?
January 10, 2022
Ricale A
Is this handle metal or plastic?March 29, 2022
Caleb K
10
Its plastic
March 29, 2022
C H
10
This tailgate will come as being plastic.
March 29, 2022
Emma F
10
Plastic
April 6, 2022
Craig N
2012 chevy Colorado I have a non locking handle on tailgate would like a locking tailgate?October 13, 2022
Henry D
10
Currently, we do not carry this part for your vehicle as an upgrade option. We're always updating our inventory so please check back soon!
October 13, 2022
Emma F
10
Not sure that this model will fit a 2012
October 17, 2022
John T
Customer service
877-844-3393
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm ET Saturday - Sunday 8:00am - 4:30pm ET
GMC is a registered trademark of General Motors Company. 1A Auto is not affiliated with or sponsored by GMC or General Motors Company.See all trademarks.
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