Tailgate keylock... if by design or error during the build

[RASelkirk]

My main concern is that lock tab braking causing my tailgate to fall, that’s why I’m going to disconnect mine.

This broken tab thingy is a new one for me, never heard of it. So, disconnecting the electrical part just reduces wear and tear by not cycling the parts? Does this mean the 'gate can no longer be locked at all? Or are we back to the OP's original Q about will the key lock/unlock the 'gate w/o any electrical input?

Russ

 

[yortnodnarb]

This broken tab thingy is a new one for me, never heard of it. So, disconnecting the electrical part just reduces wear and tear by not cycling the parts? Does this mean the 'gate can no longer be locked at all? Or are we back to the OP's original Q about will the key lock/unlock the 'gate w/o any electrical input?

Russ

The key is just a manual override to the electric locking mechanism. Yes you can still lock the gate if you unplug the electric motor.

 

[JB1]

This broken tab thingy is a new one for me, never heard of it. So, disconnecting the electrical part just reduces wear and tear by not cycling the parts? Does this mean the 'gate can no longer be locked at all? Or are we back to the OP's original Q about will the key lock/unlock the 'gate w/o any electrical input?

Russ

Unplugging the unlock motor under the tailgate access panel prevents the tailgate from just dropping, still allows it to be able to lock manually and stay locked, plus allows full use of camera since its still plugged in at the bottom main harness. I will verify this next weekend when I have time to disconnect it.

 

[RASelkirk]

Unplugging the unlock motor under the tailgate access panel prevents the tailgate from just dropping, still allows it to be able to lock manually and stay locked, plus allows full use of camera since its still plugged in at the bottom main harness. I will verify this next weekend when I have time to disconnect it.

Write up time if you do it! Might even be able to install a small rocker switch inline in order to keep the electronics but disable when you want...

Russ

 

[mlwapw]

But you can set it to unlock only driver door or all doors.

 

[69GWC]

I unplugged mine along time ago and just use the key to lock it if it needs to be locked.

 

[Harris342]

It actually is a design flaw. After a couple thousand cycles there is a small tab on the lock mechanism in the tailgate which will break off. This tab shearing off will cause the tailgate to fall down while the vehicle is in motion, it is a common issue.

The correct design would be for a separate button on the FOB to cycle the tailgate and not be included with the doors.

I would pull the plug on my tailgate but I am absolutely in love with the ability to reverse using the 8.4" screen.

Just had to have my tailgate lock mechanism replaced due to this issue. Sounds like it is becoming more common.