tomasulo

Hello. I have a 2011 F150. Tailgate is very loose when it latches. Is there a way to adjust how tight/snug it latches when you shut it?

bign1497

You might have a striker bushing that is worn out and needs replaced.

danonbar

Does the tailgate fit flush with the fenders? If so, I'd double-check that the rubber bumper pads that apply tension against the tailgate when closed are in place and not damaged or missing. Then, check to see that the posts and the tailgate latches are tight.

I've had my tailgate opened up a couple of times installing a remote tailgate lock and I don't recall seeing any adjustable parts, although there may be. Tailgates aren't complicated, should be easy to figure out what's wrong.

tomasulo

Thanks. It was a quick fix. Both posts were very loose, causing the poor latching. Tightened back up and the tailgate shuts perfectly and flush now. Thanks!

tomjv

Ha! Mines the opposite. It's a bear to close. I have to SLAM it two or three times to get it to latch.

TomJV

robwcormack

I have to slam mine multiple times as well. It will latch, but it doesn't sit flush unless you slam it HARD. I'm wondering if you can adjust it somehow.

Augster

There is also a handle adjustment that can be done to adjust how much the handle has to be lifted to unlatch the tailgate. Rods from the left and right latches converge on the handle. The rods are threaded at the handle end and thread into a plastic keeper that can be unsnapped to quickly adjust the rods.

I had to adjust my left one because I sometimes need to operate the handle twice to get it to unlatch.

Spiky

Can you adjust the posts a mm or so? Had similar problems in various car doors. There's usually a little play.

tomjv

Ha! Fixed it. I removed the rubber bumpers ( from the sides, top). Operates perfectly now. Much more quiet and smooth opening too.
You'd think it would be loose. Nope.
You'd think it would make a metal on metal sound when closing Nope.
Oh, I have a tailgate seal installed. (Yes, it was tight prior to that...)

Easy job. They're secured with one plastic wall anchor each.
TomJV