Installing Tailgate Power Lock PL 8521

I am new and I just bought my first Tacoma. I have Tacoma 2011,the manual does not say anything except TACOMA. The Tailgate does not lock when the vehicle is locked. I purchased Power & Lock PL 8521 -- supposed to come with back up camera but didn't. I was looking for a beter instruction on how to install it on the net when I stumbled into Tacoma World. I was very impressed. I spent a lot of time reading postings and I became intimidated by all the knowledge and skill of the writers.

I am sure that this has been discussed before but I just can't find it, if not can some one who has done it teach me how to do this or if it has been discussed, direct me to the proper posting. The manual that the PL 8521 came with was not very helpful and I am green with tools.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/77521-pop-lock-8520-8521-guide.html

This may help. Welcome to TW.

 

Okay, don't know how far along you are in the install, so will take it from the top. Before starting, lets make sure we're talking about the same thing - the electronic version which locks or unlocks by the truck's remote key fob. At that price, it obviously doesn't include a camera, but instead attaches to a tailgate handle with or without an existing camera.

The instructions included are correct for installing the locking mechanism. It attaches to the existing handle using a single bolt (one of the existing bolts for the tailgate handle) to hold the locking mechanism in place. Afterwards, you'll need to run the wires over the vehicle frame (secured by the wire ties) to the passenger seat area. Keep wires away from hot exhaust pipe and/or moving parts. I took extra time to move both sets of wiring in the tailgate (backup camera & lock) into the same split plastic sleeve for a cleaner looking install (visible between tailgate and vehicle), but this is optional.

Next, look for a large rubber grummet under vehicle near the passenger seat (about six to eight inches from edge of vehicle, just behind front bracket for seat). Spread that rubber grummet open with a screwdriver and feed the wires with plastic sleeve through to the vehicle interior (nice to have help here pulling from inside as you feed from under the vehicle).

Pop off plastic covers (doorsilll panel pulls up, foot side panel has knob and pulls towards back). Towards the front of that now visible cluster of wires beside the glovebox, look for two wires (one blue/pink and the other blue/black) feeding into a large white connector (the pink is actually an ugly shade of red approaching pink). Those are the two wires you want to connect the wires from the lock to. I used my own tap connectors instead of those included with the kit (the included ones truly suck).

Test everything. If the tailgate locks when you unlock the vehicle (and vice versa), reverse the two wires in the tailgate. Finally, put the covers back on and go for a joyride knowing your tailgate is now reasonably secure.

If you search this forum for "Pop & Lock" or "tailgate lock," you'll see several threads with images, along with followup comments from others describing the electronic version and it's wiring.

 

Welcome to TW from Sparks, NV

 

I have finally completed my up grade #1; installing Power Tailgate Lock by pop & lock on Tacoma 2011. It turned out not to be as dificult as I had envisioned.Thanks to all those who wrote up on it. It took me more time to research it than it took to install it.

I was surprised and pleased when it worked the first time. I was sure that I tied the line to the wrong wire but it worked like a charm. Once again thanks guys.

 

Good for you. Of course, now that you've had the positive experience of a successful install, other installations will surely follow soon. If you're not carefull, that addiction will put you in the poorhouse.

 

I must be an idiot...I'm having such a hard time installing the

$107 PL8521 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma, Fits Models 2005 to 2015 (PL8521)

PL8521 in my '09 access cab.

I have everything set up, I'm down to the wiring. The instruction manual doesn't even have wiring directions for the 2009, only the 05-08, and the 10-12.

I'm trying to splice the green wire from the pl8521 into the blue/red wire on the passenger side. I want to test the wiring before I clamp down on the splice. So I press the the wires together while double pressing the unlock button on the key, and nothing happens with the tailgate lock...

I've been working on it for three hours...I'm pretty mad.

Any help???

 

Try this thread. It contains plenty of pictures and shows the wires you need very clearly.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...l8521-power-tailgate-install-2012-tacoma.html

Pressing the wires together might not give a good connection. The whole thing is really very straightforward, so just clamp the wires as shown and try it afterwards.

 

Welcome!

 

Well, welcome and hello to you too, Jessica. I assume that was meant for Josh or Tankan101, not me (despite it following my comment).

 

Thanks guys!! I got my

$107 PL8521 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma, Fits Models 2005 to 2015 (PL8521)

PL8521 hooked up! I wouldn't have been able to do it without you guys!

Can't wait for another mod!

 

Oops

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW!