$10 DIY Power Lock Tailgate

Unless the actuator failed in the "closed or locked" position where its jamming the lock mechanism forward, or am I thinking too much into this?

 

You are thinking too much. The key has worked for me in all circumstances even when I had the tailgate open and accidentally locked it using the power / actuator. The tailgate closed as normal even in the "locked" position and I could use the key to unlock or relock.

 

great, thank you for your help!

 

Rockville R14G50MS-BK 50 Foot Spool Marine Waterproof 14 AWG Speaker Wire

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07583X7TD/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_YEzICbHYGTV7Q

$9 InstallGear IGDLA-2 Universal Car Power Door Lock Actuators 12-Volt Motor (2 Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CZBQCR2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_rFzICb97J8FYF

This was the wire and actuator I used. My install was pretty tough but I got it working.
1) running the wire was the most time consuming, I went along the passenger side, it was drizzling rain outside so this part sucked, I wish I had a garage.
PRO TIP: WEAR eye protection, and keep your mouth shut. I knocked some truck sludge loose into my eyes and mouth.
2) I ended up using t-taps on the passenger side front door harness (this is good for access cab models too) Eventually I will go back in and solder the wires in place, I don't trust crimp on connectors and I solder all the time.
3) I screwed up the alignment of my holes in the tailgate
4) I broke the actuator arm bending it too much (luckily my kit came with two!)
5) to fix the alignment of the holes in the tailgate I used the scrap of 2x4 method and ran some 2.5" deck screws through into the actuator, then used the supplied screws to screw the 2x4 to the tailgate.. (this is way easier to get the actuator arm in the right place.

I didn't take any pictures because of the rain and I was just trying to get things done, but it works like a charm and mine isn't too loud.

 

Brand new to the forum, this thread just saved me spending $400 to have a dealer do this. Thanks @mesojdm!

 

Don't worry, today you saved money, tomorrow you are spending more then you planned because of what you found on TW. Enjoy!!!

 

Wow, so true! I’ve already grabbed a set of glovebox letters, and I just placed my first MESO order yesterday. Down the rabbit-hole I go...

 

So this method is done instead of using the rod that comes with the actuators correct?

 

DONE!!!

 

Thanks OP for saving all of us money!

The DEI 524N kit worked out perfect since it came with a mounting bracket. Paid $9 on the Pepboys ebay store.
I used one of these waterproof connectors in case i ever need to take off the tailgate. https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/283204741851
I think in total this mod costed me about $40 between the actuator kit, waterproof connector, 2 inline fuses, a pack of posi taps, GXL wiring, and split loom.

 

Nice, now can you do it for me???

 

Why the In-Line fuses? Thank you.

I ordered the same actuator kit today.

 

The fuses may not be necessary, but better to be safe than sorry. For me, the cost of the fuses was worth it for peace of mind.

 

Ahhh, gotcha. Thanks.

Everything to do mine was delivered today. Gonna try to get it done this Saturday.

 

Got this mod done today. Running the wire up under the truck is by far the hardest part. Thanks @MESO for the idea.

 

And that's a big negatory!

I'm such a slacker. I did pick up some stranded wire today though.

 

for this actuator, which of the wires corresponds to which of the wires on the passenger door harness? Sorry if I missed this on another post.

 

From what I understand if the wires are crossed the actuator will just work in reverse. So if you press unlock and it locks just swap the connections at the actuator. I haven't seen anything that tells what color wires are positive and negative. Hope this helps.

 

While I understand this is an old thread I would like to know after 4 years how this is holding up. I plan on doing this very soon but I'm concerned about the wear and tear of the locking mechanism. I plan to set my head unit to where only the drivers door unlocks when touching the door handle to prevent unnecessary unlocking. Would appreciate your input. Thanks

 

I'd also be curious to know if anyone has tested the status of the tailgate during the following:

My truck is set to unlock all doors when I use the key fob, or shift to park, it locks them all when I shift into park.