Dorman 83367 Tailgate Handle Compatible with Select Chevrolet Models, Black

Here's the thing, I used to work for G.M. and i worked in engineering at a facility in Rochester NY that used to make door lock actuators. That plant closed around 2008 and the business was sold off and much of it sent off shore. "Dorman" apparently has the license to make an actuator and handle assembly, producing it in Taiwan. Yep, the same unit was in my 2011 Chevy Avalanche. So, the quality as such is the same as OEM. I have a hypothesis as to why my lock actuator failed. My truck was sitting on a hill with the tailgate facing into direct afternoon sun with the outdoor temperature about 98 degrees F and high humidity. I cycled the locks to get in and open the tailgate to load some gear when it would not unlock. One assembly method of the actuator motors like these is to use a glue adhesive rather than steel clips to hold the magnets in place in the unit. The temperature and vibration of cycling the lock may have cause the adhesive to release trapping the armature against the dislodged magnet. I will have to tear the old one down to verify but that is my first thought. It is too bad that this actuator is part of a whole handle assembly. In combination with other body and molding changes to the Avalanche design that was completed it appears as more an afterthought as compared with some of the other really fine engineering on the truck, this assembly is hard, no Very Very Hard to get to. Once there it is easy to remove and install the new one. Be sure to fully coat this assembly in a non sticky rust preventative as the frame is sheet metal. I put rubber washers behind it where it meets up to the tailgate to further prevent metal to metal contact. Note: Chances are you will end up damaging the spoiler to get to this actuator and handle assembly. Spoilers appear to still be available at this date for replacement. But also note that there is an inner plastic panel behind the spoiler and in front of the actuator handle assembly that is no longer made by anyone. If that gets damaged you are out of luck for a cover and will only have the spoiler to protect the inner working of the actuator assembly. Note: That inner panel is not part of the spoiler. It is held in place by two body clips up under the spoiler above the handle. So this actuator was perfect replacement, but be sure to have patience and an extra pair of hands if your looking to remove your old one and install a new one. Good luck!!

Perfect fit for 2011 Avalanche and better quality than OEM handle. Install still cumbersome as the plastic spoiler (tailgate top cover) must be removed and its plastic tabs break and the two-way tape needs to be replaced too. Lastly, if you have a camera in your, there is one bolt that must be removed or you will break the spoiler in pieces and have another big ticket item. Good luck.

This was a great replacement for my 2011 Avalanche LT. The original actuator had stopped working and this part was the solution. Once you access the panel, the replacement is really straightforward.

It fit ok and worked fine.

Great product, Just as presented. I need to add that the part has a defective clip that allows it to lock buy will not allow it to unlock. The rod clip on the right side that holds the rod to the right side gate latch does not have enough tension to hold the rod when opening. It lets the rod slide and therefore will not unlatch the right side. The orange clip needs modified to be stronger.

After a day it is still working so that’s a positive, but it looks and feels terrible compared to the factory handle.

replaced on ny old truck. works great

Arrived early, looks good, fit well, easy to put on. All that is useless if it doesn't unlock when you unlock the locks and cannot open the tailgate. Fought with it, working intermittently until I missed the return deadline thinking I could get it to work, now I have a latch that won't unlock and a tailgate I can't open. Next time, shortly, I'll get one from the junk yard.