Tailgate Lock
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
Tailgate Lock
My 01 tailgate locks by itself, but only when it feels like it.
Anyone know what is going on, and more importantly will it eventually not unlock anymore? would hate for it to stop unlocking with a load in the bed.
Thanks
Anyone know what is going on, and more importantly will it eventually not unlock anymore? would hate for it to stop unlocking with a load in the bed.
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
It's probably just dirty. When they are not used they get gunked up and become an issue at the wrong time. I have to check my door locks now and then since I seldom use them. A healthy dose of WD-40 should loosen it up.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 1
From: South Texas
the tailgate locks when you slam it shut or you go over bumps. Not a big deal, I keep mine locked, as tailgates tend to disapear around my area from time to time. Take off the the tailgate access cover on the inside of the tailgate (you need a Torx bit, don't remember the correct size) and lube the lock and linkage for the tailgate. If the tailgate is hard to open you can adjust this too, loosen up or tightnen up the plastic clips that secure the metal rods of the linkage untill the tailgate opens up smoothly.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
I've had mine lock BUT you cannot unlock it with the key. Every time I have to remove the access panel and manually switch it back. The last time I put some RTV on it, mainly because I got a tonneau cover and if I lock it and the tail gate locks itself I am more or less SOL.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 1
From: South Texas
I've had mine lock BUT you cannot unlock it with the key. Every time I have to remove the access panel and manually switch it back. The last time I put some RTV on it, mainly because I got a tonneau cover and if I lock it and the tail gate locks itself I am more or less SOL.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
Nope it all looked fine and all I have to do is flip the little piece back down, or whichever way it goes to unlock it. This has happened 3 times in about 2 years. It also works fine afterwards.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
Thanks for the input. I don't have a cover on it, so not a major issue if it ever does get locked shut, except for the time to get unlocked.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
I had the same prob on my 02 and posted the same thread on here a few yrs ago. I looked it back up for you and this is what the moderator RACERGUY replied with...hope this helps...
Ford Special Service Message 16835 says.....
1997-2003 F-150, 2001-2003 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND 1999-2003 F SERIES SUPER DUTY - UNCOMMANDED LOCKING TAILGATE
SOME 1997-2003 F-150, 2001-2003 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND 1999-2003 F SERIES SUPER DUTY EQUIPPED WITH A LOCKING TAILGATE MAY EXHIBIT THE TAILGATE LOCKING BY ITSELF WHEN SLAMMED SHUT OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN OVER ROUGH ROADS. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY THE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE USED TO INSTALL THE TAILGATE RELEASE HANDLE (TAILGATE LATCH REMOTE CONTROL) TO THE TAILGATE. TO SERVICE, REMOVE THE HANDLE PER THE F-150 WORKSHOP MANUAL, SECTION 501-14 (HANDLES, LOCKS, LATCHES AND ENTRY SYSTEMS). DO NOT REPLACE THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY. REINSTALL THE REMOVED ASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLE TO THE TAILGATE PER THE WORKSHOP MANUAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. MAKE SURE THAT THE LOCK IS IN THE UNLOCKED POSITION WHEN REASSEMBLING. THIS STEP IS VERY CRITICAL TO INSURE THAT SAME SYMPTOM DOES NOT RE-OCCUR.
Ford Special Service Message 16835 says.....
1997-2003 F-150, 2001-2003 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND 1999-2003 F SERIES SUPER DUTY - UNCOMMANDED LOCKING TAILGATE
SOME 1997-2003 F-150, 2001-2003 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND 1999-2003 F SERIES SUPER DUTY EQUIPPED WITH A LOCKING TAILGATE MAY EXHIBIT THE TAILGATE LOCKING BY ITSELF WHEN SLAMMED SHUT OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN OVER ROUGH ROADS. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY THE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE USED TO INSTALL THE TAILGATE RELEASE HANDLE (TAILGATE LATCH REMOTE CONTROL) TO THE TAILGATE. TO SERVICE, REMOVE THE HANDLE PER THE F-150 WORKSHOP MANUAL, SECTION 501-14 (HANDLES, LOCKS, LATCHES AND ENTRY SYSTEMS). DO NOT REPLACE THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY. REINSTALL THE REMOVED ASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLE TO THE TAILGATE PER THE WORKSHOP MANUAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. MAKE SURE THAT THE LOCK IS IN THE UNLOCKED POSITION WHEN REASSEMBLING. THIS STEP IS VERY CRITICAL TO INSURE THAT SAME SYMPTOM DOES NOT RE-OCCUR.
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