A few days ago my tailgate wouldn't open. Upon looking into this, it appears that the right side arm comes out of "the hole". You can put the arm in its position, but it will not stay in place after the tailgate is opened. The one on the right is the one that will not stay in "the hole". Do I just need to order new plastic pieces like the ones in the pic? I can't tell how the rods are held in position in "the hole". Do the plastic pieces have some type of retainer that attaches to the back of rod?

 

Usually the plastic clips break.

If that's the case just order new ones. The dealers usually stock them buthere not cheap...

 

They are available in the help section at most auto parts stores. The rods are actually held in place by the plastic piece that clips onto it.... As rusted as your tailgate handle looks to be, id probably go ahead and replace it.... Even if it is a dorman replacement

 

As wolf states they are available in the help section.

Install the clip in the hole first without the rod attached. The plastic clip is swung out of the way so you can insert the short stub of the rod then swing the clip it into its final place where it clips onto the rod.

 

I appreciate the info & help. I found and ordered the clips from LMC.

 

The handle itself is plastic. What you see in the pic is the piece that the rods connect to. It has some surface rust on it, but the flash from the camera made it look worse that what it is in person. While I have access to it though, I am gonna clean it then treat it with some One Step to stop the rust.

 

Thanks for the tip!

 

Fixed it! Thanks!

 

pics can be misleading, i am well aware the handles are plastic, it was the metal actuators i was referring to being rusted which are a part of the tailgate handle assembly.... I have had enough handles break on me to know whats plastic and whats metal in them!!! Glad to hear you got it fixed!!!