I just bought a 'new to me' 2005 F250, Crew Cab with a v10. The Carfax showed up clean but after doing some detailing on it, I realized it had been resprayed and there was a little wrinkle in the bumper. I tried using the ignition key to lock the tailgate but it didnt work, so I'm assuming its been replaced.

Can anyone confirm that the ignition key should be the key that works the tailgate lock or is the tailgate a different key that they guy never gave me?

 

Yes that is the way is should work. Worked that way on my 00 F250,04 F250, and 07 F150.

 

My lock doesnt work on my 03 either with my key...The key goes in, but won't turn. Ideas?

 

Same problem as mine.

 

All locks are supposed to match. However, being that SDs are primarily work trucks, the tailgates take a beating and sometimes get replaced in order to sell on the used market. One should swap over the handle/lock assembly to the replacement tailgate, but this rarely if ever happens. Your best bet would just be to go to a reputable locksmith and have them cut you a key for your tailgate. That would run about $20. Otherwise you could go to Ford and have them order a new lock core that would match your doors. I don't know the cost, but I had a Honda years ago that needed the lock cylinders replaced after an attempted break in and the insurance had to pay out over $500.

 

That is a bit backwards...

Remove the tumbler from the tailgate and take it to any locksmith that works on automotive locks. They will be able to change the pins in the tumber to match your existing ignition key.

I had it done for my '08 tailgate and i think they charged me $15.

Removing the tumbler is easy, just open the tailgate, remove the plastic tailgate cover (if you have one) and then remove the metal access panel to expose the lock. You will be able to see what to do from there.

 

That is even better!!

 

i just re-read my post and i thought i would clarify... you only have to remove the ribbed plastic bedliner piece from the tailgate... the plastic "cap" that goes on the top of the tailgate (when it is closed) should not be removed.

 

Not easy to take panel off and access lock core when the tailgate is closed and locked!