Tailgate Latch Synchronizer Replacement

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2014 Honda Ridgeline, 2013 Honda Ridgeline, 2012 Honda Ridgeline, 2011 Honda Ridgeline, and 2010 Honda Ridgeline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Put on gloves to protect your hands.

Remove the tailgate trim panel (see TAILGATE TRIM PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Disconnect the upper handle rod (A) from the upper handle (B), the lower handle cable (C), the right upper lock rod (D), the right lower lock rod (E), the right lower sensor rod (F), the left upper lock rod (G) and the left upper sensor rod (H) from the latch synchronizer (I).
NOTE: Mark the rods to make sure you install them in the correct positions.

Fig 1: Identifying Upper Handle Rod From Upper Handle, Lower Handle Cable And Left Upper Sensor Rod
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the bolts, and then remove the latch synchronizer (A).

Fig 2: Latch Synchronizer And Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the latch synchronizer in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- The latch synchronizer is equipped with a fail-safe function for misconnected sensor rods. If either of the sensor rods are disconnected, it becomes impossible to unlatch the other side when pulling on the handle: Make sure the left and right sensor levers (A, B) have returned upward, and white pins (C) are near the ends of the slots in the left and right sensor levers (D, E).
- Make sure each cable and rod is connected securely.
- After installing the latch synchronizer, check the positions of the timing marks (F) on both sensor levers, both open levers, the lower handle lever (G), and the upper handle lever (H).
- Make sure the tailgate operates properly:
  - The tailgate should open in drop-down mode by pulling on the upper handle.
  - The tailgate should open in swing mode by pulling on the lower handle.
  - The upper handle should not function with the tailgate opened in swing mode.
  - The lower handle should not function with the tailgate opened in drop-down mode.
Off the tailgate

Fig 3: Identifying Latch Synchronizer - Off Tailgate Condition
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Swing open condition

Fig 4: Identifying Latch Synchronizer - Swing Open Condition

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Drop-down open condition

Fig 5: Identifying Latch Synchronizer - Drop-Down Open Condition

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Closed condition

Fig 6: Identifying Latch Synchronizer - Closed Condition

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.