Disabling Locking Tailgate

[AzScorpion]

Except the back up camera won't work when you unplug the harness.

Can't have it all I guess. ?‍

Only other options are to leave it down and add a tailgate lock or get a keypad.

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[JaysOnTheEDGE]

I live in Seattle proper, so can't leave anything unlocked or it will get jacked in 30 seconds, so prob will just disconnect the solenoid.

I had hoped there might be a hidden menu option but maybe not.

You should still be able to manually lock the tailgate as well with the keyblade in the cylinder , might want to invest in the bolt on ford accessories tailgate lock as well,

 

[Lone]

I don't think I saw anyone mention just putting a key pad on the truck. Keeps everything locked, but unlock is just 5 or so digits away.

 

[AzScorpion]

I don't think I saw anyone mention just putting a key pad on the truck. Keeps everything locked, but unlock is just 5 or so digits away.

Post #16....

 

[Lone]

Post #16....

Thanks. I don't never count more than how many fingers I got.

 

[AzScorpion]

Thanks. I don't never count more than how many fingers I got.

That's why I wear flip flops. ?

 

[Tom_C]

I think what I originally saw was to use the actual key and unlock the gate. Try it and see if once you unlock the gate with the actual key (not the fob) if it remains deactivated until you re-engage the lock with the key.

 

[Motorpsychology]

I don't think I saw anyone mention just putting a key pad on the truck. Keeps everything locked, but unlock is just 5 or so digits away.

That's what I have done with every keypad Ford I've had. Before remote start came along, I would use the keypad to lock it while running.
BTW, after entering the 5 digit code, yours or the factory's, pushing the 3-4 button. unlocks all the doors & tailgate, pushing the 7-8 & 9-0 simultaneously locks all locks. You still need a key or intelligent access fob present to drive the truck or shut it off.

Here's a link to Ford Accessories keyless entry, with and without remote start.

 

[oldnslow]

I think what I originally saw was to use the actual key and unlock the gate. Try it and see if once you unlock the gate with the actual key (not the fob) if it remains deactivated until you re-engage the lock with the key.

No, it does not remain deactivated. It will lock again with the other doors. I've tried that.

 

[Tom_C]

Ah, well there you have it. I guess short of taking more drastic efforts then one could just lock the truck and then unlock the gate with the key while on the job site.

 

[GitRDone]

Somewhat related, on my truck I disliked having to push the unlock button twice on the fob to unlock the passenger side, and that exiting the vehicle, I would walk around to to put something in bed and often find the tailgate..locked. Aargh !! At next dealer visit we changed key setting to unlock all doors with one press, big improvement. If I know I have to load something I just leave tailgate down and lock cab. I do agree the locking tailgate seemed an annoyance to me until I considered the idea of someone swiping it, that would suck.

 

[daddy let me drive]

This topic was near the top while I was online early. I read the comments. Thought it might have something I'd be interested in.

Not everyone cares about gadgets. I don't. I look for topics to allow me to use the truck features the way I want to.

Thanks for the original question. And thanks to you guys who reply with good grace.

A little humor...a good natured dig...that's fun. I'm beginning to learn who lacks self-awareness.

Steve

 

[DRVMN]

What happens if you unplug the wiring harness that runs to the tailgate (like you have to do if you remove the tailgate)? In my glove box was a "cap" to plug into the wire harness if I removed the tailgate - probably to keep moisture/dirt out of the plug.

 

[SOHK_Alumni]

An option: The disconnect for the tailgate wiring harness can be used.

Crazy as it seems, that plug is shared with Harley Davidson and both halves are readily available.

Using the new connectors, build a short extension but clip the pins for the lock. Adding all the wires will keep the plug waterproof, clipping the pins will disable the lock.

Easy to remove if/when needed.

I'm using that to both add a valet lockout for the back as well as drive the power locks I fabbed up for my Diamondback tonneau.

 

[AzScorpion]

Somewhat related, on my truck I disliked having to push the unlock button twice on the fob to unlock the passenger side, and that exiting the vehicle, I would walk around to to put something in bed and often find the tailgate..locked. Aargh !! At next dealer visit we changed key setting to unlock all doors with one press, big improvement. If I know I have to load something I just leave tailgate down and lock cab. I do agree the locking tailgate seemed an annoyance to me until I considered the idea of someone swiping it, that would suck.

There are a lot of settings you can turn off/on with the menu controls. It's just easier to just play around with them then read the owners manual because sometimes that's not much help.

Personally I love the locking tailgate. Not because I'm worried that someone will steal it but I can leave my work stuff in there and know it's locked when the doors are locked. My Tacoma didn't have this and I always thought it was dumb not to have this from the factory. Someone did make a "pop lock" mod for it but it should come like that when you're buying a top model vehicle. I do think they should've had a way to disable it in the dash menu for occasions like above. Plus they should've made the handle part of the intelligent access.

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