Tailgate wont unlock/open
08-29-2017, 03:41 AM
#12
In the video it looks like there are black scuffs on the lower nylon piece just to the right of the pivot pin. Check to see if the tailgate access cover is dented or tweaked and contacting that area of the latch when you screw it back down. You can probably put a blob of grease on that part to the nylon latch, screw the access cover and actuate it a few time and then pull the cover off again to see if there is grease on the backside of the cover. If there is some transfer then you know that its probably rubbing and may be the cause of your problem.
08-29-2017, 06:19 AM
#13
^^^ exactly, works with cover off, doesn't work with cover on, look at cover. I'm assuming the tailgate isn't being moved as in works when down and cover off, doesn't work when up and cover on.
08-29-2017, 06:49 AM
#14
Senior Member
Why don't you ask the parts clerk at your dealership? You will get an accurate answer.
Or you can look up parts on one of the many sites that sell OEM parts and have part diagrams on their site.
Here is one: http://www.fordparts.com/
08-29-2017, 09:19 AM
#15
Small Member
Thread Starter
In the video it looks like there are black scuffs on the lower nylon piece just to the right of the pivot pin. Check to see if the tailgate access cover is dented or tweaked and contacting that area of the latch when you screw it back down. You can probably put a blob of grease on that part to the nylon latch, screw the access cover and actuate it a few time and then pull the cover off again to see if there is grease on the backside of the cover. If there is some transfer then you know that its probably rubbing and may be the cause of your problem.
I'm ordering an actuator today.
05-01-2018, 08:57 PM
#16
Same problem....
I’m having this issue too. It been working on and off for months now. Seems to not work for a while, then suddenly it works again. No clue what’s going on. I made videos to prove it to the Ford tech as who knows if it will work or not when I bring it in. Did anyone else get a real fix for this. For some context, it’s happened to me 5 times over 6 months and always starts working again within 12 hours but it’s super annoying. Tried to post a video but the upload doesn’t seem to want to work. I’ve tried unlocking it in every manner imaginable including fob, inside button, and keypad. None work. You can certainly hear that when it’s not working the actuator doesn’t make the same loud operating sound.
05-02-2018, 10:45 AM
#17
Senior Member
When my 16 tailgate froze with the Access roll up cover was in the same boat. Loosened the Velcro on both sides worked my hand into the tightening ***** to loosen up the fabric, then got my hand in far enough to pull the release string. PITA but possible then could get to the gear. Have you tried pushing in on the tailgate while trying to release it ?
Last edited by ks54703; 05-02-2018 at 10:46 AM. Reason: more info
05-02-2018, 03:07 PM
#18
.. going down a different path, any environmental problems such as snow, rain, dirt possibly playing into the problem? Dirty / damp connections? Like I said, just another fork in the troubleshooting highway ...
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UnkLeRaRa (05-03-2018)
05-03-2018, 03:29 PM
#19
I thought this might be the case the first time as it was -15 degrees celsius at the time. The next time was -2. But the last 3 times it has been well above freezing (last week it was 27 degrees celsius outside). All varying conditions but mostly dry. I brought it in to Ford today and they replaced the tailgate latch (it's under warranty) so we'll see if that fixes it.
05-03-2018, 03:46 PM
#20
The seems are facing up exposed to the elements, letting water and dirt seep into the inside of the tailgate.