Like the title says.
This issue has been going on for coupe years now, it’s not weather dependent.
I will try to open tailgate via button/remote and sometimes it will not release.
If I press on the tailgate and then hit release button(I have to time this sequence just right) the tailgate opens, no problem.
So it seems that actuator doesn’t have enough oomph to disengage lock, and only unlocks if I intervene. I’ve lubed locks numerous times, but that doesn’t really help.
Will new actuator solve this problem or is this something else entirely? I wouldn’t care about this as much if it weren’t for tonneau cover, but afraid one day I’ll get locked out.
https://www.bowenscarff.com/revoluti...Gc3z-9943170-e

 

Do you happen to have a spray in bed liner? I had this problem and trimmed the rubber bumpers on the truck bed to fix it.

 

I do not, just the OE drop in plastic one.
I suppose cutting rubber bumpers may alleviate the issue, but if replacing actuator fixes the issue entirely, i'd prefer to do that, on the other hand, i dont want to replace the actuator for no reason either.
Once its nicer out, ill see what i can do to reduce tension of tailgate locks. I was hoping there were other out there that experienced this and know what the fix is.

 

I have seen a few posts here about weak or failing actuators, so I'd follow your gut and start there.

Post #2 is correct that some spray in Berliners build up material in the bumper location and cause the tailgate to have too much preload when closing. If yours doesn't seem like the preload is too high then I'd look at the actuator.

 

The tonneau cover can drag on the tailgate. My SIL’s dad has that problem with his.

 

I find that i tend to correct my posts quite a bit.
Initially i filed/ground down my right hand side rubber bumper, as thats the side that lock would not release. This 'fixed' the problem.
The next day, weather warmed up, and tailgate once again would not release until in cooled down.
Ordered new actuator and can definitively say that old actuator/solenoid was on its way out. New one sounds much more aggressive when cycled, old would get progressively weaker when you would cycle it several times concurrently.
If anyone has this issue, spend the $59 and get a new actuator.