KTJO automatic tailgate opener unit

I have a 2016 and mine has been installed for over a year. I did have several issues when first installing. The actuator was too weak to open the tailgate. I replaced it with a heavy duty one DEI 524N. This one can handle the force needed to pull the arm to release the tailgate. It required me to drill new holes to mount it. Then for some reason, the arduino module just stop working when I tested it. Have no clue what the problem was but Daniel sent me a new one and it worked fine after that.

Then a month ago, i decided to install the push switch with lock out so the tailgate wouldnt open while driving. I connected up the switch and wiring to the accessory and shifter, the lockout wasnt working. Would open in all gears so I contacted Daniel again and I think I had purchased my module in the first release, so the arduino wasnt programmed correctly to lock out the button in gear. Now with the 2nd new arduino, it all works properly. I have never had any issues with the tailgate not opening.

Also, if you dont want to install the dedicated switch, you can push the unlock button on the door switch 3 times and it opens the tailgate just like when using the keyfob. I was doing this for the past year before i installed the dedicated switch on my dash. The one advantage of installing the “b-harness” with the dedicated switch, the lockout now works with both the dedicated switch and the pushing of the unlock 3-times on the door switch so no chance of opening the tailgate by mistake while the truck is in D or R, or any gear other than P.

 

Happy to report I finally got this damn thing working after switching to the heavy duty 524N blue actuator from Amazon.

Install was simple and was able to reuse one of the existing holes. I did raise the actuator a tiny bit more.





This thing definitely has more oomph than the one provided in the kit.



And here's the proof. Drops the tailgate ever time with the key fob and the push button switch. Glad to have this thing working!

 

It is actually frustrating having to MacGyver almost every mod I had purchased from KTJO. Even the power folding mirrors came with the wrong mounting plates which required me to drill new holes and hope it lined up. She did send me revised plates after a month, but I was too lazy to take the mirrors apart again to change out the plates. In the end, all the mods work with a little tweaking, so i am happy with them. When i had issues, she responded pretty quickly but that was when she just started out when she didnt have so much irons in the fire. I just hope whenever the drivers side handle is released and shipped, that doesnt become a fiasco due to fitment and mounting issues. I guess we will wait and see.

 

Which actuator did you buy? Amazon is showing 2 actuators under the number 524N. One is listed as heavy duty.
Thanks

 

Its the high power one that looks like his picture. Thats the same one I bought.

$22 Directed Electronics Install Essentials 524N High Power Door Lock Motor

https://www.amazon.com/Install-Esse...?dchild=1&keywords=524N&qid=1604113478&sr=8-1

 

Thanks. I’m ordering 1 for my tailgate. For some reason the opener works every time with the switch but is inconsistent with the fob. Not sure why, but I’m going to give this a shot.

 

Mine worked intermittently also until i replace the actuator. Once replaced, it works everytime now.

 

Which package did you purchase? I can’t figure out which one I need and I also have a 2020 TRD Pro.

 

Yeah that DEI actuator is the ticket. Glad you got it working!

 

Hey @DSIM , I've reached out over email but haven't heard back in a bit, but have you had any other instances of the arduino modules dying when used in conjunction with the KTJO pop and unlock? I received another module from you but haven't installed it over fear of frying this one too.

 

Same issue i had. I told her that the actuator couldn’t pull the tailgate handle adequately. She sent me a couple different ones to test out which were all the same cheapy type and none of them worked 100%. I decided to get the DEI one and havent had an issue with the actuator since. She should have included that one in the kit even if it costs more, would have had less trouble in the long run.

 

Sorry about that. Will email you in the am.

 

I have never got around to installing mine. Heard about the actuator being too weak and at the time, the b harness was not made yet.

If i install it now,
Would i need a newer module?

 

I purchased the kit from KTJO, and the Arduino from @DSIM , and I read about the actuator problem, so I immediately purchased the

$22 Directed Electronics Install Essentials 524N High Power Door Lock Motor

HD actuator as recommended by @jcardona1 , but I quickly realized (maybe I'm missing something) that my tailgate will be hardwired in, so I purchased a 4-pin plug found

$16 Deutsch DT 4-pin Pigtail Kit, 16AWG NMMA ABYC USCD Certified Boat RV Wire, 600V, Made in USA

here to unplug my tailgate (along with the backup camera). Why this kit didn't come with a disconnect for the tailgate is beyond me. One thing, I didn't order the switch. Should I go back and order it? And, is it plug-and-play with the Tailgate Opener Complete Full Package? Or, will I need to rewire? TIA!

 

This discussion is super helpful. I purchased the combined kit (lock/unlock and opener) + dash switch. After some health problems I installed in my 2020 OR in August. Turns out I needed the "B" harness. Asked KTJO but could never get her to understand what I was trying to obtain. She kept trying to sell me another complete module.

The lock works great. Not the opener. Went through the diagnostic and confirmed everything is working (LEDs on module don't always fire but when they do, it triggers the opener actuator). But it won't open the tailgate. I played around with different length connectors from the actuator to the tailgate latch with no luck. It will unlatch when down but not when in the closed (upright) position.

I emailed both DSIM and KTJO but did not get a response. KTJO then messaged me about something else and I brought the issue up. She asked some questions but never responded to my reply. Don't know how old my module would be. The kit was purchased in late fall of 2019.

 

Sadly I couldn't tell you... I told her what I had and what I wanted and she hooked me up. Was a relatively easy install. Just took my time routing the wires to the passenger kick panel.

 

Mines been on a long time and works perfectly.

I did buy bowl lights off of her and haven't gotten an email or answer to a FB message.

I also have a grab handle paid for. I'm a little nervous but hanging in there.

 

I went back and looked at my order. No number just description, ‘ 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma tailgate opener complete full package’. $224.70 total price.
That included the tailgate lock/ unlock, opener, and dash switch. I have had it since 11/19 with no real problems. I did purchase a heavy duty actuator for the opener. The tailgate opens every time with the switch, but sometimes it fails to open with the fob. I have not installed the new actuator yet.

 

Buy it direct from Daniels website.

https://dsimsolutions.com/products/tailgate-opener-pushbutton-b-harness-addon

if you cant get the switch from KTJO, then AirOnBoard has momentary switches that can be purchased direct from them also.

 

Yes, did. It is installed and works.

Installed the stronger actuator today. Works. Sweet! Many thanks to Tacoma folks!! Definitely did some small league McGivering