Tailgate noise

[20862ls]

Did Chevy put some sort of of lock for the tailgate window in 79'? When I lower my window (power) after about 5 to 10 minutes of driving I get a loud click, like a lock just kicked in, and I did not lower the tailgate. I have not taken it apart to look yet, but it sounds like I just locked the doors but it comes from the rear. I worked on Blazers and Jimmys for years, but dont remember this sound before. Its been about 6 years since I have torn 1 apart. Any ideas or thoughts? Dont remember this as a option.

 

[lectric80]

To the best of my knowledge, there was never a lock put on the rear tailgate. There was really no need, since you had to open the rear window to open the tailgate. Maybe the cable is getting bound up on the window when it comes down, then releasing as you bounce around. That's about the only thing I can think of that would click at all, and it is a stretch to think that is what is happening.

 

[20862ls]

It might be. Tell you the truth, I have never herd this sound before from the rear. Some time this week I am going to take a look and see whats going on. If I think about it, that sound does sound like something like a cable that just cut loose. I have not had any problems with the window accept when I lower the window and open the tailgate and then close the tailgate the window sometimes is inop, and it doesnt even click as I try to roll it up (like someone cut the power)

 

[lectric80]

That may be an issue with the latch mounted switch. The switch is designed not to allow you to roll the window up when the tailgate is not closed. Most people just bypass it by jumpering the two wires. The downside is that the window could be rolled up with the tailgate open, and then be broken. I believe it is mounted on the driver's side tailgate latch, and just has a two wire connector.

 

[20862ls]

Thanks! I kind of wondered about that. I now work swing shift, so tomorrow I am going to take a look at it.

 

[dremu]

Not a switch. It's the springs for the tailgate kicking into place. Back in the day when I hate a tailgate, I remember that ... after closing the tailgate and starting to drive, few minutes later, BANG...

-- A