My 2003 tailgate locks by itself sometimes, has been just annoying, but today I can't unlock it. It has no electronic lock. What to do?

 

MY '97 did that, first you'll have to remove the plate on the inside and manually unlock it and/or pull the bars to open it. Once that is done you'll need to play with the lock and see what is happening. I ended up putting a dab of RTV on the lock so it wouldn't fall into the lock position, bad thing is you won't be locking it if you do that.

Can't remember what size torx bolts that plate is held on with, probably 20 or 25.

 

My '01, the '06 and now even the '11 did that. As suggested, take that cover off then spray the linkage well from end to end with a good penetrating lubricant (NOT WD40, it's useless). That should take care of the problem. If you look at the linkage at the lock, you will see a piece that slides, mostly by gravity. If it doesn't slide easily it will actually lock the tailgate. Yeah, I know that sounds like poor engineering, and is IMO, but it is what it is. And my fix - given me by a Ford dealership mech.

A Caution!!! When you remove the cover, just barely loosen the 10 or so machine screws then spray them with a penetrating oil, letting it wick in for a minute or so. You can easily strip the threads if there is any dirt or corrosion as I found out

 

Well, it's happening again and my advice no longer works on my '11.

So, with that said, has anyone found something that works 'forever'? I sprayed it down with a Teflon enhanced lube and it still self locks.

 

I solved it. I bought RAM.

 

Asinine response

 

Do you stoop to insults to everyone that can't help you? I started this thread so if I feel like a witty post, I will, so act like an adult.

 

So basically "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to! You would cry too if it happened to youuuu." Another witty response.

 

When I ask a legitimate question and get a response such as you made, I'll make a comeback statement that you may not appreciate.

 

And I will call you out when you act like a Child. Or a whiny baby.