How do I attach a tailgater receiver to my tv

How to Replace Tailgate Handle & Bezel 88-00 GMC Sierra K1500 - YouTube
How to Replace Tailgate Latch Rods 88-00 GMC Sierra K1500 - YouTube

There are micro switches in the tailgate called tailgate ajar sensors, they are attached to the tailgate latch, one or both of them is defective.

Make sure you have a clear view to the south west, that your tailgater is level, and that your receiver is plugged in, you may have to run a check switch test (menu, 6-1-1) if this receiver has connected to antennas other than the tailgater.

You should be able to feel around and locate that rod. After you get it you can use some pliers or vice grips to put on the rod to release the lock on that side and the handle on the other side.
As long as the locks and the rods move freely and are in good shape then all you will need is a new handle asm. It will come with new clips and on the other side of the tail-gate are 3 torque-head screws that will need to be removed to replace that handle.

You should be able to get in between the fender and tailgate with a long screwdriver or piece of flat metal and push the catch back into the tailgate. Then pull the handle to release the other side and the gate should open. Hope this helps.

On back of the gate, you can remove screws that are along the edge of the trim and then gently pull back on the trim as there will also be retaining clips attached and you don't want to break them. Once the trim is off, you can access the screws securing the tailgate handle to the tailgate

There are two Possibilites with this issue ... Either the latches are bound or rusted and can be lubricated with lithium grease after cleaning or the plastic retaining clips may have broken inside your tailgate. To locate these, remove the three bolts holding in the latch assembly and inspect the clips attached to the two control rods that will latch/release your tailgate. I have found spraying white litium grease every three months into the latches of my tailgate has eliminated the same problem on my truck.

there should be a piece of plastic or metal that hold the bar and is connected to the outer handle.

Mine just did the exact same thing. The latch may be moving freely because it is not hooked to the latching mechanism anymore. In my case, the handle had broken where the handle hooks to the rod that operates the mechanism. Go to the Ford dealer and buy a new handle. Here in S.C. it was $24. You can't get this at the parts houses. Start by removing the plastic "Ford" cover that is over the liscense plate lights. You then have to remove the aluminum rivets that hold the handle to the tailgate from the outside and remove the broken latch. Remove the pull handle loop on the interior side of the tailgate (2 screws), unsnap the inside plastic tailgate interior panel, and pull down the black plastic sheeting that is underneath the panel to make access to the mechanism inside of the tailgate. There is also a hard plastic cover that you will see that needs to be pulled loose to open another access hole. Install the new tailgate latch handle by sliding back into the mounting holes and attach with two 10-32 screws and nuts. The new handle will come with a new yellow rod attachment piece on the handle. You will see inside of the tailgate a small rod hanging down, most likeky it will have the same rod attachment piece as the one on the new handle. Note the position of the yellow piece on the rod, as you will connect the new piece in the same place. Once the rod is hooked up, relubricate the metal mechanism with a light machine oil, replace the black plastic cover, replace the black plastic sheeting, (secure with a small amount of duct tape), replace the tailgate interior panel, replace the pull handle loop, shut tailgate, replace "Ford" cover over lights, and you're done!

Remove the panel on the inside of the tailgate. You will find the plastic attachment pieces are broken that attach the bars to the mechanism are broken. Available and inexpensive at Ford. Also keep all the linkage and moving parts lubed for smooth operation.