When I attempt to close my tailgate, one of the latches bangs against the post/pin in the bed. This happened about 50-60% of the times. It looks like part of the latch doesn't retract. I can release it by moving another part of the latch across from the part contacting the post, but I don't understand the randomness of it. Latch is lubricated, so I don't think it's sticking. Could something be broken but intermittent?

 

I've never experienced that. Lubricating the latches is a good idea, maybe I'll do that today.

 

I'm not sure if this applies to your situation but I received a recall notice for the tailgate latch on my 2018 Lariat.

 

Figured it out. When looking at the latch on the right side of the tailgate, I noticed the spring leg was beneath the latch...not on top. By not being under the latch, there was no tension to keep the latch in the open position. Not sure how it ended up that way, but I took a screwdriver and pressed it back down under the latch were it belongs. Works great now.

 

Mulestang, Thanks for photos. Similar closing issue for a short period of time. Then, electronic side-latch stuck after a cold night and tailgate would not open. Next day, Warmth eventually loosened something and found tailgate open. Patience rewarded . Photos helped id differences and what to lubricate. No manual method to open the tailgate? Not comfortable with that, but I'll deal with it. Thx

 

Try this.
https://www.f150forum.com/attachment...0001-21m06.pdf