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}Ford Ranger Tailgate Handles
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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium, Di-ethylhexyl phthalate, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Benzene, which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemical which is 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.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemical which is 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.
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Ford Ranger How-to: Troubleshooting the Tailgate Handle
Can things get any more frustrating when after carrying dozens of bags and boxes from your house to your car, you can't seem to open the tailgate? How are you supposed to load all of your stuff now? You're also running late for all the fun things you and your kids are going to do for camping today! We understand the frustration; for a guy as busy as you, there is just no way to justify the tailgate handle ruining your much deserved break with the family. Worry no more; this troubleshooting article is designed to help you out and get you right on the road in a jiffy. Read on.
Working around the plastic encasing from the inside panel of the tailgate
The tailgate handle may be jammed because of some minor issues inside the mechanism. To remedy this, pry the plastic housing of the handle from the interior side of the rear door panel. Check the rod running from the handle to the side latches of the tailgate and remove any dirt that may be causing the blockage. Replace the handle and the plastic encasing, and try pulling the tailgate handle again to open it.
Dismantling the side latches of the tailgate
If the model of your Ford Ranger is of early origin, the side latches should be clearly visible to the naked eye. Pry the latches open with a flathead screwdriver, until it gives way and opens the tailgate. You will need another set of hands to do this, since both side latches should be released simultaneously for this troubleshooting method to work. If your Ford Ranger is fairly new, detach the plastic encasing that covers the latches. You should see it screwed unto the side panels of the truck; it is also a bit elevated to meet the height of the tailgate. After you unscrewed the encasing, proceed to doing the same steps mentioned earlier. Fair warning, though; you should only pull on the latches with controlled strength, just enough to pry it open. Extreme force will cause the latch to totally come unwound, causing you worse troubles locking the tailgate back.
The tailgate handle is a second-class lever that opens and closes the rear door of your Ford Ranger. The principle behind the apparatus is like the door handles on the driver and passengers' side; when you pull on the lever, you also release the locking mechanism that attaches the door to the body of the vehicle. Usually, in SUVs and pick-up trucks like the Ford Ranger, a tailgate handle develops rust earlier than the other door handles. Frequent exposure to mud, and habitual neglect to clean the part, are the reasons for this. To help you manage the care of your tailgate handle, we listed a few maintenance tips:
Apply ample lubrication when needed.
Sure, the tailgate handle on your car may look anything but damaged, but when you start noticing some squeaking noises every time you pull on it, then something about your presumption is wrong. These squeaking noises are good indicators that the part lacks lubrication. An assortment of rods and cables link to the lock and trip system of the handle; it is often subjected to friction when you pull the handle open, and thus, it needs ample lubrication to do its job perfectly.
Keep the lever spotless.
As stated earlier, the tailgate handle is frequently exposed to dust and mud. It is always advisable to keep the handle as spotless as possible, do not give even the smallest particles a chance to make its way inside the component and jam the mechanism. Be extra attentive to the small nooks and crannies on the handle, this is where dust often hides and accumulates.
Rescue minor cracks before it gets worse.
When you start noticing visual signs of wear, it is always good practice to forestall any worse damage by addressing the issues at hand when you see them. If the tailgate handle is cracked, fill the cracks with automotive glazing putty and sand it. This will reinforce the original material and prevent the cracks from worsening. If you wait on it, the cracks will creep into the inside part of the device and will eventually break the lever into half.
Does the material of the Ford Ranger tailgate handle matter a lot?
While it is always a rule of thumb to opt for the aluminum or chrome type for durability, buying a plastic tailgate handle is perfectly okay. The tailgate handle does not go through so much stress compared to other components of your car, so the choice for the material will largely be a matter of taste. Aluminum and chrome is sleek, but plastic comes in many designs--some can even be installed with LED lights. Regardless of the tailgate handle material, the chief concern that everyone must bear in mind is that a product's usability can be prolonged by proper maintenance.
How come some Ford Rangers don't have tailgate handles?
The owners of those Ford Rangers had their tailgate handles shaved. This customizing technique is achieved by welding a metal plate in place of the handle, covering it with body filler, grinding the filler smooth, and repainting it over. This styling practice is only advisable if the Ford Ranger is not used to haul anything; since without the tailgate handle, towing or transporting large objects will prove to be inconvenient.
Is the tailgate handle similar to all the other door handles in the Ford Ranger?
In terms of function; yes, they are similar. Their main purpose is to disengage the doors from the solid structure of the vehicle. But their configurations are very different; a regular door handle unfastens the locks that are directly next to it; in turn, engaging the hinges to open the door laterally on the opposite side. On the other hand, a tailgate handle uncouples the locks—often placed on either sides of the rear door—that are distant from the lever. For the Ford Ranger, this opens the door downwards. In some SUVs, the door may open upward or sideways, depending on where the hinges are placed.
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