Anyone else have this feature installed on thier trucks? Mine has done this several times. I NEVER lock my tailgate. I figure it is not worth having someone rip a hole in my cover to see what is in there.

Anyway, the last few times I put something in the bed through the tailgate, when I get home, the damn thing is locked. What is up with this? Anyone have this problem?

Thanks for your input.

 

They are wired into the automatic door locks. So as soon as you put the truck in gear and your doors lock - so does your tailgate. I put one in myself. I can appreciate you not wanting your cover slashed, tho white tailgates are the most commonly stolen because they're on so many commercial pick-ups. (Imagine the guy that backs into something - "The boss is gonna kill me. I'll just steal one to replace it"). My instructions are on dynolock.com model# FS97CNS. I would guess any brand would be similar. You could open the tailgate and de-activate it by unplugging or snipping a wire. Good luck

 

While installing my cover, I had the tailgate off and there were no wires to the tailgate. And I don't remember seeing any contact points either. It must be something else.

 

I think you have a problem with the lock itself. It sounds like it isn't fully unlocking. You turn the key to unlock it, it opens, you drive away and the first pot-hole creates enough jarring to "bounce" it into the locked position. Maybe try and lube it up and see if that helps.

 

Last time I checked, the tailgates on F-150's were NOT part of the power door lock function. The problem you are experiencing has been noted before on these boards. I had it happen to me a few weeks ago and I'd never even used my lock. (By the way, after I fixed the problem by removing the inside cover plate and sliding the locking tab back, I found out that my truck has the wrong lock cylinder in the tailgate anyway. Translation - the key doesn't work.)

As far as fixing the self locking tailgate "feature", I'd suggest cleaning and lubricating the mechanism as a start since you'll have to go in there anyway. I think you'll find your friendly local dealer will have a fix for the problem too since many other folks have expereinced it.

 

The locking mechanism on the tailgate is malfunctioning.

I have seen and heard of this problem SEVERAL times.

Also, the locks are **NOT** wired into the tailgate lock. They do, however, make a kit that will lock and unlock the tailgate in conjunction with the regular locking mechanism with the truck. Check out www.truckininstyle.com for the kit. It's not very expensive and may remedy your problem. On the flip side, if you don't want someone slicing open your tonneau to get in there, maybe you should attempt to fix it or have it fixed. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what exactly causes the lock to engage on it's own... maybe getting in there and spraying it down with WD40 or something like that would help?

RP

 

There are NO power factory tailgate locks. This is actually a know problem that I'm surprised Ford hasn't come out with a TSB on.I had the same problem my tailgate, it's a problem with the lock, a easy fix. Remove the panel on the inside of the tailgate, you will see a small 2 prong fork that moves and locks or unlocks the tailgate. Bend this fork so there is more pressure on it and it's fixed. I did this over a year ago and I haven't had a problem since.

 

Really? Anyone have a factory installed lock? That'd be pretty cool...

I'm familar with the add-on kits but, wasn't aware that Ford was installing them on the truck from the plant.

RP

 

This happens on my truck quite often. Depending on how hard I close the tailgate it will lock itself. I don't recall reading about this 'feature' in my owners manual.

 

I had my tailgate jam when I was going down the highway and the center barrier hit my truck (grin). I wrecked the front right and rear corners and the tailgate would not open. If you take it apart you might see what is causing it.

Scott

 

I read somewhere there is a TSB on this. Mine does it too and have been meaning to stop by the dealer some day to get it looked at. Seems mine only locks itself when I do have the keys with me.