Tail gate keyed lock broken on a 2003 north face Avalanch any ideas how to get open or another way to access bed without a key.

[Jeff C]

Tailgate keyed lock broken on a 2003 north face Avalanch any ideas how to open or another way to access bed in future without a key

 

[Vaeagleav]

First welcome to the site.
Easiest way to access bed is to lower midgate and crawl inside. Once inside you can unlock and remove bed cover panels. I believe you have a small access panel inside wall of tailgate to access workings of tailgate lock system to do repairs from there Until you repair tailgate just leave bed panels off and use your AV like an open bed pickup.
Only other option is to contact a locksmith to see if problem is with tumbler part and he picks the lock.

 

[ARTC]

No access panel on the inside of gate but, do the same, get in bed, remove the torx screws holding the outside handle bezel. Get out, remover bezel. Now you get get to the lock lever. Good Luck!

 

[Vaeagleav]

No access panel on the inside of gate but, do the same, get in bed, remove the torx screws holding the outside handle bezel. Get out, remover bezel. Now you get get to the lock lever. Good Luck!

You are probably correct I haven't been in a first gen since 2008 and was going off memory.