Are the pins on the tail gate lock matching to the door lock? I use the tail gate lock daily. Today I inserted a padlock key into lock and it worked. Then I tried a small screwdriver to turn the lock, worked too. I sprayed wd-40 into lock to lube. Still works with anything. Seems like there is only 2 pins up and down. Any thoughts.



2010 f150 xlt.

 

They should match the doors.

I would get a new cylinder.

Also, never use the WD40 in locks!

 

dry graphite power to lubricate lock tumblers

My key works in the tailgate, never tried anything else?
I did swap my lock over when I swapped to my camera mount tailgate handle, its just held it by a large snap ring/cotter pin ring

 

yes sort of the same pinning the first three pins are for your gate the last 5 or so are for starting.

 

yes, doors and tailgate all use the same lock cylinders and guts. Inside the cylinder is 6 pins (might be 5) split half up half down, when you insert the key it pulls the pins together into the code and let's it turn. I just re-keyed a cylinder for my tailgate conversion, hardest part is finding the guts.