Tailgate; Tailgate Removal - GMC 2005 Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual

Tailgate

You can open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while
pulling the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, firmly push it upward until it latches.
After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards
you to be sure it latches securely.

Tailgate Removal

The tailgate on your vehicle can be removed to allow for
different loading situations. Although the tailgate can be
removed without assistance, you may want someone to
assist you with the removal to avoid possible damage to
the vehicle.
To remove the tailgate, do the following:
1. Raise the tailgate
slightly and release
both retaining cable
clips. To release the
retaining cable clips, lift
the cable so it points
straight out and push
the cable clip forward.
Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Make sure the
tailgate is secure.
2. With the tailgate at a
slight upward angle,
pull back on the tailgate
at the right edge and
then move the tailgate
to the right to release
the left edge.
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