98 Barndoor/Tailgate Interior Latch/Door Handle Problem

[tod418]

I am having a problem with the latch on my barn door style/tailgate. The latch (handle) does nothing when pulled on to open. There is no tention in the handle when pulled ot open. This is the INTERIOR latch to open the second door. I CAN open the outer door, just not the secondary door. I've looked at the plate sitting aroud the latch and I can't see where it would come off @. I'm not sure if the spring in there is broken or what. Has this happend to anyone? Or does anyone have any suggestions?? Thanks- TOD

[crews]

It sounds like the rod that actuates the latch has come loose. There is a spring clip that holds the rod in place, and it may have broken. If you take the interior panel off, it should be accessible then.

Hope this helps a little....

[tod418]

crew- THANKS FOR THE ADVICE! Do you happen to know how to get the latch off(access it)? There is a plate around it with 4 plugs holding it in. I originaly thought that the plugs might just be caps on top of screws, but I couldn't get them off. When you say take the interior pannel off, do you just mean right against the back door where it is carpeted(the furry like carpet on the door itself). ONce again, I truly appriciate anything you can give me. It's kinda a pain to not have that 2nd door not open. THANKS-TOD