Tailgate won't open with key (oh yeah, Bakflip is on so I'm stuck!) Ideas?

2016 with factory locking tailgate and no special key. I've been able to lock/unlock using the key on the FOB so far but today went to get something out an you guessed it, the key turns but nothing happens. When I pull the release handle, it sounds on both sides like its released but it isn't. With the Bakflip installed, there's no way for me to even get inside to see what might be wrong. Anybody have an idea on what I might do?

 

Had the same issue back in Sept. I was loading some 3/4" rocks in the bed and I think a few fell into the locking mechanism. Took it over to the dealership since it was still under warranty and they took care of it for me. Not sure exactly what they did to get it open but I'm assuming they removed the back panel on the tail gate (which doesn't really help in your case). Best bet would be to take it to the dealer since it should still be covered under warranty. I would'nt risk trying to fix that issue yourself.

 

try pushing and pulling while attempting to open... like poster above sometimes stuff gets lodged in there and wedges the locks...

 

Something got jammed in the lock. Wiggle the gate forward/back, or drive some washboard to shake it loose. Wiggle while playing with the key. The dealer will do the same thing. Forcefully removing/damaging the bakflip is the other option.

 

having just bought and installed the Bakflip, no way am I tearing it apart. I also can't imagine anything being stuck in there since I haven't hauled anything yet. Its honestly the weirdest damn thing! I will try pushing on it (pulling is hard since there's nothing to grab onto with the Bakflip installed. really pisses me off but it is what it is. Hope I can get it working or its going to the dealer for a fix. Does it matter if I am using the key if the doors are locked or unlocked (thinking some odd key sequence or something electronic maybe happening). Its also really cold here. Any chance that factors in? The key turns easily and the handle operates so nothing seems frozen.

 

if it's cold enough, the lock might be turning, but the latches are frozen in place. Or, the gate itself is frozen in place. Odd, but it's a possibility...

 

It doesn't matter whether the other doors are locked or not. The tailgate on '16 models is not tied to their operation in any way (it IS on the 2017s, but the physical key should still override everything).

 

SUCCESS!!!! Thanks for all the replies. In the end, I simply put a shoulder into it on both sides, turned the key again and bingo! Wish I knew what caused it but I lubed up the latches and hoping I'm good to go now. Thanks again all, happy Taco'ing!

 

i have a 2017 trd pro and my locking of the doors has no effect on the tailgate....
do the other 2017's do that? lol?

i always have to use the key

edit: to be honest i have never tried to leave the tailgate unlocked with the key, then lock the doors...

 

My key fob has no impact on my tailgate on my 2017. I wish it did though

 

I meant that on the '17+ models the tailgate can be locked/unlocked by the fob. The physical key should be able to override it (ie. open the lock even though it was locked by the fob).

 

Really? I'm pretty sure my fob didn't lock my tailgate when I tried. I'll have to try again

 

I'm pretty sure that's a default option on '17 models. Maybe it's configurable in the headunit like the option to unlock all doors vs. just the driver's one?

 

Where did you see this/ get this information?
did you see it at the dealer?

like i said i have a 2017 TRD pro and i imagine they would include it on that truck.

 

Am I reading this correctly...??? You are opening your T/G with the "funny" key in the FOB...?? or using the separate T/G key provided...?? The Key IN my FOB will not open the T/G, only doors and Glove box.

 

I was going to say the same thing. His description says a 2016. Key fob key doesn't work for the 16s. The key fob key does work for the 17s though.

 

I read it somewhere here. Just looked it up and looks like that's incorrect - the '17 tailgates are NOT powered. Some dealers may add this (via pop-n-lock or something similar) as a port option, but it is not a Toyota factory option. My bad on the confusion!

 

Wait.....are you guys saying that your fob electronically locks your 2017 tailgates or the key in your fob will lock it?

 

Ah I see