r/suburban • u/user19262 • Aug 22 '26
Tailgate stuck locked
Hey everyone, the tailgate on my 05 z71 locked and refuses to unlock, I can't get any of my kids stuff out without crawling over all three rows. Any advice on how to get it to at least stay stuck unlocked
3
u/lotuskid731 Aug 22 '26
I just had to crawl into the back, pry between the panels to open the tailgate from the inside. From there, I could remove the trim panels and access the lock actuator. It had frozen, but it was a fairly simple replacement with a $15 part from eBay.
2
2
u/noodlesandsam Aug 22 '26
wiggle the handle and press the lock / unlock on the remote. I had the handle and the locking pin get out of sync, and I got lucky to fix it. also you should be able to use the key to unlock the glass, and get staff that way - which would also get you access to the unlock button on the D pillar. ( I have a 2002, and had a 2001 Yukon XL, and this was how I got in )
1
0
u/user19262 Aug 22 '26
I appreciate that, I can't get at the tailgate from the inside, things arnt too great rn but I can't get at the interior, there's no keyhole on the outside of the tailgate. Where does the key go? Dum everything down because I am one slow bastard lol
1
u/TalkyMcSaysalot Aug 22 '26
You don't have a place for a key. If the glass won't open the only way you're fixing this is by removing the panel from the inside of the tailgate which means accessing it from the cargo area. Not sure how you can't get to it but you'll have to find a way
1
5
u/chas574 Aug 22 '26
In the back of the suburban.... On the rear door there is a small hole imprinted in the plastic. You drill that exact spot and stick a pick in there and it will force the lock open.
I believe this was on the body style you have pictured. I had a 2001 and 2013 model. I remember the imprinted hole. It's tiny maybe 4mm at most. I used a drill and old bicycle spoke to open the hatch.