2020 power tailgate lock harder to open with key

I just got done installing the factory power tailgate lock on my 2020 Tacoma, and I noticed that the lock is much harder to open using the key now. The engineer in me says "no shit you just bolted on extra weight". The worry wort in me is forcing me to ask. So...before the power lock, I could easily turn the key to lock or unlock the gate, even using the emergency stubby key in the fob. With the power actuator in there, it much more difficult, but still doable with the emergency key. Anything I could've tightened too much/bent/something else, or is that normal? TIA.

 

The key should not be much more difficult to turn. I'll go try mine, but I don't recall any difference.
The only thing I could think would be the "push nut" being really tight down onto the plastic stud causing extra friction.

 

that could be it...I did seat it pretty far.

 

I think your's is probably normal. I was careful to make sure there was just a slight amount of play for the actuator under the push nut and mine is a bit more difficult with the key. I can easily cycle it with the extra key, but really difficult with the fob key (to the point I didn't want to try it). I think you're good.

 

Yes it’s normal. I had exact same problem and concern after mine was installed . Few guys on here helped me out as well. It almost feels like the little key is gonna snap - but it won’t. At least mine doesn’t. A lot of resistance but still works . At same time, you probably will hardly ever use that key now. I only used it once to test after OEM power lock installed . You will be fine bro, totally normal.

 

At first I had the pushnut on a bit crooked (out of plane), and the actuator jammed slightly. I could still move it but it sounds a bit like what OP is describing. I evened it out leaving a bit of up/down play and it’s back to easy/normal.

 

Is there a direct connection to the actuator, thereby having to move it with the key instead of just the tumbler?

I'll go try mine, it was installed at the port, so we'll see what the "factory" guys set it up like.

Edit: Yeah, I can hear the actuator groan but I'd say the force is acceptable, especially since I'd yet to use the key in it once since I picked the truck up last December.

 

Yes, they're all connected together.

 

I figured it'd be like that, similar to the Katie jo setup. I was too lazy to look it up. More complicated setups are usually reserved for doors and hatches/liftgates.

 

Normal I had the dealer install mine what your feeling is just the motor that is now attached to the rod

It’s normal I had the dealer install mine on my 2020 Tacoma the Motor is now attached to the metal rod so what your feeling the motor resistance not going to break your key but you don’t the key anymore with it working with the remote fob and when the truck locks on it’s own the tail gate locks now as well Great! Upgrade worth it