tailgate locks itself

That's a common problem. The way I fixed it was to drill a 3/4" hole in just the right place, in the tailgate access cover, to get a screwdriver in there to release it. Did this for a couple of years until I bought a new assembly (your picture). That permanently fixed the problem.

Some guys, sick of the TG locking when they slam it shut, disable the lock all together.

tailgate wont unlock

I just got my '04 two months ago and just out of curiosity, locked the tailgate and now it wont unlock.
will the screwdriver trick or do i just need a new assembly?

eyed said:

I just got my '04 two months ago and just out of curiosity, locked the tailgate and now it wont unlock.
will the screwdriver trick or do i just need a new assembly?

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If you can take your access plate off, you can flick it w/a screwdriver. I recommend drilling a 3/4" hole (for a bushing/sleeve), at just the right spot, thru the access plate.