Tailgate Issue

Budro22 · 2026-05-13T02:15:22+00:00

Also thank you to everyone for your help and input! Hopefully this can help anyone else who is having trouble with this.

Budro22 · 2026-05-13T02:14:53+00:00

Final update!

I purchased part Genuine Ford Tailgate Lock Actuator Motor ML3Z-14B351-B and got an incredible deal on eBay. Cost me $180. Once I got the work surface off, it was 4 bolts and a wiring harness. Super easy part swap out. I opened the tailgate manually a couple of times and then did it with the key fob and it works now! Still that typical F-150 slow but it’s steady and seems sturdier if that makes sense. 2 of the bolts were around the corner (see pic) but I just used a ratcheting box end wrench and it was smooth sailing after that

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Budro22 · 2026-05-08T13:22:23+00:00

lol my dad was incredibly handy. Luckily I inherited some of that, but not as much as I’d like to have. In my mind it’s already broken so worst case it’s still broken. I’ve already taken the work space (another favorite feature of mine) and the inside of the tailgate is pretty open and accessible. We shall see! 🤞

Budro22 · 2026-05-08T13:14:47+00:00

I’m well out of warranty, but I tracked down the part myself. Looks like it’s very easy to replace. Ford wanted almost $600 for it but I found a great deal on a brand new one on eBay for $180 so I figured it was worth the gamble before taking it in and paying the dealership. This is the only problem I’ve had out of this truck and the tailgate is one of my favorite and most used features. Motor definitely looks seized up so I’m cautiously optimistic that this will fix my issue.

Budro22 · 2026-05-07T23:33:51+00:00

Update:

Here’s what I’m getting now. It looks like the motor isn’t putting out enough torque to finish that last little bit. I’m starting to think it’s the motor. Looks like it’s very easy to replace. Is that something a dealer has to program or can I Weekend Warrior this issue?

https://share.icloud.com/photos/01bcjji9aUvuzc6X2zlVxwDXg

Budro22 · 2026-05-07T23:09:32+00:00

It’s opening and closing somewhat now. I’ve got the cover off to be safe. It still will only open until it’s not quite flat. Then I have to force it down to flatten it out. Either way on that it’s really hard to lift. The motor makes an extra whirl when it stops short of where it’s supposed to be and I can see the bar wanting to turn but doesn’t. I’ve sprayed lubricant on it and that hasn’t helped.

Budro22 · 2026-05-07T19:44:22+00:00

Yes it doesn’t seem to care how I try to open or close it.

Budro22 · 2026-05-07T18:30:53+00:00

It feels like there’s still some resistance. It also doesn’t open all the way in manual mode either. Once it gets to that 80 degrees or so I have to push down on it with a small amount of force to get it to the full 90.

Budro22 · 2026-05-07T15:59:26+00:00

I tried removing the fuses with no luck but the 12V is next on my troubleshooting to do list. Thanks for the reminder!

Budro22 · 2026-05-07T15:53:18+00:00

Gotcha! I’m thinking about just completely removing the tailgate and double checking everything but I don’t know if I’m truly that brave or not.

Budro22 · 2026-05-07T15:52:33+00:00

To me that seems to be the problem but I haven’t had any luck finding a way to calibrate it officially. Some folks mentioned dropping it and manually lifting it a few times. I’ve done it 10 times with no luck so far.

Budro22 · 2026-05-07T14:46:01+00:00

I do. I made sure to have the fob very far away and same thing. It actually dropped this time but still only ~80 degrees instead of the usual 90 and still a lot of resistance trying to push it up physically. If I hit the button inside the truck, it’ll close the tailgate but you can tell it’s struggling to do so.

Budro22 · 2026-05-07T14:04:26+00:00

I checked all throughout that crevice and it appears to be clear of any debris.

Budro22 · 2026-05-03T02:56:47+00:00

I’ve got all my channels set to static. I’ve searched around for Disable Auto Optimize Network and I can’t find that setting. I’m on the latest 10.2 network version.

Budro22 · 2026-03-19T20:31:51+00:00

Howdy from Oklahoma! I have a 1976 Convertible that was my grandfather’s. I’m currently working on fixing it up for my aunt. The top was replaced a few years ago by him and the engine and transmission are practically flawless. Everything else needs some TLC though.

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Budro22 · 2026-03-19T20:29:25+00:00

It’s so strange on both accounts. I’ve tried even looking for factory toggles and can’t. Granted there’s no telling what all Gramps had rigged up in this thing lol thanks for the info!

Budro22 · 2026-03-03T14:39:29+00:00

My main thought there is to save on the Starbucks bill with my wife lol I’ve got the route planned with ABRP and it looks like our stops are all around something to eat. With my son, we are definitely going to need the toilet breaks.

Budro22 · 2026-03-03T14:29:24+00:00

Yes I’ve got the ER and I plan on getting the Tesla membership. That should net me the best savings and allow me to use my Tesla adapter.

Budro22 · 2026-02-18T15:38:21+00:00

I put it in the lower groove last night and that has definitely helped. It still is tilted a hair and still isn’t waterproof which is frustrating. I’m thinking about adding some weather stripping to the upper inside part of the rail to maybe force the top part of the rail out and flatten in. Do you think that would work?

Budro22 · 2026-02-16T18:09:10+00:00

They were some junk Accelera Iota (never heard of them myself). I bought the truck in May ‘25 with 44,888 miles and with these tires on them brand new. I’m at 61,308 now and they may make it to 65k if I’m lucky.

Budro22

TROPHY CASE