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Stubborn Tailgate Release

tbully
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tbully Enthusiast

tbully

Posted
Posted

Hi All - 

 

I know there’s a “spontaneous tailgate opening” thread but I haven’t found much info on this problem so here it goes…..

 

I have a situation where the tailgate won’t open (reliably) with the button on the tailgate.  If I push it enough times it finally opens.  The key fob as well as the button in the cab work fine.  Some info found online suggested maybe a switch.  For $17, I gave it a shot - no go.  It’s not at the dealer and, of course, they’re insisting on changing the switch again.

 

My experience in electronics says this is likely not a physical switch (or even wiring) issue.  The randomness of when or if it opens screams software or something “computer”/BCM.  I thought maybe the truck couldn’t sense the fob reliably in my pocket.  However, the “step release” button works reliably.

 

Any thoughts / ideas?  Dealer has had the truck for a week and no progress.

 

Thanks.

 

tbully Enthusiast

tbully

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Dealer couldn't find the issue and is order (another) switch.  I'm surprised nobody else has had this problem here.  I'll respond once/if they find the culprit.

 

 

nocturnalmotors Enthusiast

nocturnalmotors

Posted
Posted

When you press the switch on the tailgate, can you hear the lock actuating? I found on mine, I have to slightly pull on the top handle / depression with my fingers as I push the button with my thumb and it opens normally. If I just simply push the switch, it's 50/50 if the tailgate will drop due to you're actually pushing the tailgate closed as you push the button...

  • 3 weeks later...
Maninthesea Enthusiast

Maninthesea

Posted
Posted (edited)

I always hear the actuation but do not always get the tailgate to drop.   Eventually it does but I am wondering is there a manual tailgat latch override built in or possible mod.   When this truck has seen better days I want to still be opening the tailgate.  Also can the tailgate be opened with a dead battery?

jim

Edited by Maninthesea
Another JR Senior Enthusiast

Another JR

Posted
Posted (edited)
8 minutes ago, Maninthesea said:

There is a provision for manually opening the tailgate behind a panel on the inside surface of the tailgate, so you could eventually get it open, but it’s not quick to use it.  Quickest way in the case of a dead battery would be to connect another 12v source. 

Edited by Another JR
  • 1 year later...
In2racn Enthusiast

In2racn

Posted
Posted

If you hear the actuation, the electric release mechanism needs lube. I would hear the clicking, but the gate would not open. Cleaning and lubing the locking mechanism got it working.

UWSkier Enthusiast

UWSkier

Posted
Posted

Anyone else have where you don't press the button hard enough and the tailgate won't release, but the fuel pump primes for some reason?

NotoriousGT350 Enthusiast

NotoriousGT350

Posted
Posted

subscribing.... I have this with my '19 and dealer fix before. It's out of warranty, it sometimes opens after unlocking from inside or key fob 3-5 times. And sometimes it doesn't open and I just barely pull on it and it releases. Sounds more mechanically on my end is the problem where it's not disengaging. 

 

I may try some lube and see if that works. 

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