Pop'n'Lock Quit (Kinda!)

Hey guys. So about 6 months ago I ordered a pop lock setup for my tacoma. Installed it as per the instructions, with the exception that I ran down the passenger side and into the passenger door harness as many others have done. It worked great until about two weeks ago when it stopped unlocking the tailgate. Now I have to carry the key. It still locks fine but will only unlock about 1 in 10. I have tried to get it working but when I manually move the slide it seems to work a few times and then quit. Goes back to only locking. I am stuck. I have tried calling them several times but can only get a customer service answering machine. They will not return any of my messages. I know this should be covered under warranty since it is only 6 months old. I am not opposed to buying something to fix it, but I don't want to but a whole other unit from them since i am pissed about their horrible customer service. Has any else had this? How did you fix it? And to the guys who built their own pop lock setup, maybe you can point me in the direction of parts? I'm pretty sure it's just the piston thing that needs replacing. Thanks for the help guys.

 

@Pop&LockLLC

Which lock did you get, the PL8535?

Maybe email technicalsupport@popandlock.net ?

 

I can't remember exactly but yeah I think that was the one. I had ordered the one for the 2014 Tundra because I was told that it was same as the one for the Tacoma, although they hadn't started selling it as for the Tacoma yet. But when I received it the label did say 2014 Tundra / 2016 Tacoma. So I guess they started changing the label by the time I ordered one. But it did say for the 2016 Tacoma. And like I said, it worked great until about two weeks ago and now only locks. I will try emailing them, and thanks for tagging them.

 

sounds like a loose terminal maybe? or a contact being worn.
Odd that it would wear that fast though.

Just saying, you saying you installed it different than the instructions opens up to them possibly not warranting it since you did not install as per manufacturer directions.

 

Yeah I could see that. But I wanted it run of the passenger door lock. It obviously didn't affect the unit since it worked for six months. And everyone else had done it that way. If they chose to deny a warranty claim over that it would really tell you something about the company. I didn't even contact them initially to file a warranty claim, just to see if they had any advice. Couldn't even get that far!

 

maybe check your terminations?

I'm almost thinking 1 wire is for lock 1 is for unlock, maybe the unlock is a bit loose where you spliced in to the factory harness?
Check all your terminations. Could just be a loose connection.

 

No that's not it unfortunately. I will check it but the cylinder piston thing is actuating. When I open up the tailgate I can see it try to unlock when I hit the button on my fob. It just doesn't seem to be pushing with enough force to actually unlock the tailgate. If I help it work my finger it works no problem. And then seems to work a few more times on its own. Once I replace the cover on the backside of the tailgate so i can't see anymore, it stops working. I think that's the worst part lol. Works until I put it all back together, stupid thing. But I will check the connection today.

 

I had so minor issues mine functioning in very cold weather. Found out that adding some grease to the slide helped.

 

is a solenoid or gear actuator?
I had a similar issue with my gas cap not opening a few months ago. Thought it was a solenoid went ended up taking the old one out it was a gear driven one and on the arm that pulled the lock open was threaded. Threads were all gunked up with what looked like lint and dirt over the years.

could be like @NWTacomaDave said just needs some grease? Since you said helping it move gets it to work, almost seems like it might be seizing and needs some lube?
When it doesn't work can you hear the actuator start? Is it trying to move but can't? Or does it do nothing at all?

 

Hey @Joe23, have you had a chance to contact our Tech support? Our guy is pretty good at trouble shooting but if he can't figure it out and you are under warranty, he will certainly get a new unit out to you.

 

It was me that's having the issue. What's the best way to get ahold of tech support? I've called and left 3 messages but no one returns them?

 

My apologies, please email technicalsupport@popandlock.net or call (800) 342-5911. Orrr if you don't mind, you can PM me your best contact number and I will make sure someone follows up with you right away.

 

That would be awesome. I'll send a pm now. Thanks!

 

I ordered it from Amazon.

 

Remove the tailgate cover, and use a multimeter to measure the voltage when pressing lock/unlock. If you get voltage, it's the actuator. If not, check your terminal locations first. If that is fine, you may have worn through the insulation at a pinch point causing intermittent grounding. Check where the cable comes through the bed hole and the tailgate hole for wear.

 

There is voltage there. It tries to unlock but can't. I can hear and see it trying. It locks fine everytime. Just unlocking won't quite go. I don't think I'm making myself clear. I'm going to go take a video and upload it. Post it in a few.

 

You are describing a 2 way servo that is only working one way. Unless the direction that is not working is binding somewhere, preventing the servo from completing it's cycle, you'll have to replace the servo.

If it's binding, you'll have to figure out how to solve that.

I'm assuming the servo itself is a sealed unit? They are extremely simple inside if it has a case than can be opened........

 

Wow. Progress! So it's called a servo. It is indeed only acting one way. I would say it's not binding since they're is nothing there to bind against other than the lock itself which it should be switching. Also nothing has changed since it was working perfectly for 6 months. So that tells me it's the servo itself malfunctioning. Pop Lock tech support just called and they agree with you. They are sending me a new one under warranty. Just so everyone can see what I mean here is the video of it not working.



Now that being said, you say they are simple inside. Since pop lock is sending me a replacement I'm not as afraid to take it apart now since I can't really break it more. Any thoughts on that?

 

Why not?

Once you expose the servo I imagine it's going to be a sealed unit. We live in a disposable world.

But you never know. It might have a 2 piece case.

If you don't have to return it to them, you might as well disassemble if you want to learn. I suspect the servo will be generic in nature, and you might find one online cheap, allowing you to reconstruct a working unit. Nothing wrong with having a spare.

 

How long of a warranty do they offer?