Bought a used 2015 Ford F150 in October of last year and I have started having a couple minor issues - nothing to do with actually driving the truck. Any help would be much appreciated. Would rather not carry it somewhere to have fixed if it is something I can do myself.

1. When I lock my truck, it’s doesn’t actually lock. You can still open the doors, but the alarm goes off, which really doesn’t do you that much good. Is this a setting? Something I can do to fix it?

2. My tailgate will only drop with the key fob. The actual button on the tailgate doesn’t do anything. Can a tailgate button just go bad?

I’ll be the first to admit I do not know as much about trucks as I should. I appreciate any thoughts or tips. Thanks for taking the time.

 

Yes, the tailgate button can just fail. Inside the button housing is just a very small inexpensive momentary micro-switch. Easy fix to replace. The switch is a Ford 1L2Z-14018-AC (Motorcraft SW-5855). It could also be a wiring issue so have a look at the electrical connector at the switch and connectors below the tailgate behind the spare tire. The switch wiring passes through both C406 and C408. A quick way of checking the wiring is to disconnect the wiring going to the switch, connector C4499, and momentarily shorting out the two contacts. It the gate release actuator works, then you know the problem is the switch.

Just a haeds-up, bu if you have bed lighting, the switch in the box is that same type (different part number) and is a very common failure point.