Pop and Lock PL8521 Power Tailgate Install (2012 Tacoma)

Those I saw on eBay (using your search words) look like the one I installed. Anyway, your perception of gold may be the anodized metal bracket and lock arm. The appearance of anodized metal (unless intentionally colored a specific color) will vary depending on the light - often a very vague rainbow appearance ranging from violet to blue, to red, to gold, and so on. Anodizing increases corrosion and wear resistance.

 

Just finished the install of

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

PL8521 on 2013 DCSB, piece of cake . I got mine off Amazon for $77 even though it said it wouldn't fit a 2013. Also, as other members have posted, my unit has a black housing with a silver mounting bracket which also included a block of closed cell foam attached to the underside. I was surprised to see the foam but it just meant that I didn't have to swipe one of my wife's kitchen sponges to be used as padding. Guess P&L caught on?

The Radioshack Tap-in squeeze connectors (~$3 for a 10 pack) are a lot better than the ones that come with the kit. This is a good tip from the op.

Now if they would add a second mounting point to the current single bolt design. I ended up using loctite and a lock washer on the bolt to secure the actuator.

Has anyone seen a mod to add a second mounting point for these locks?

 

Sorry I was looking at Amazon vs PopnLock website. Changed post to reflect that.

 

I just installed mine yesterday and everything went accordingly. I wired it to the rear door at the driver's side. It was a fun and easy install and only because of the vast amount of instructions and tips from all of you and the OP. So thank you to all. Drive safe.

 

just ordered mine!

 

I understand this if you're running a cap or a tonneau cover, but what would be the advantage to this over a tailgate security hinge cover like https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-242-truck-tail-gate-protector.aspx?
I'm a noob here, hope it's okay to insert a link like this.

 

^^ It's simply a matter of preference, Tom. Some, for example, prefer the really inexpensive hose clamp solution (see mods list) over the Pop & Lock. It works, so why not. The Pop & Lock works, so why not. Your link shows yet another option. Do what you feel is best for you.

 

Yeah man the reason I bought it was to secure the area with my bed cover. Licks them all together. Otherwise I'd go with what you posted fir tailgate security alone.

 

Thanks, I have to say this forum is filled with about the nicest group of folk I've run across. There are some forums I belong to where I could have been burned at the stake for asking such a heretical question. This mod is pretty fantastic, but money's pretty tight right now. Any type of security is going to be much cheaper than a tailgate replacement so I was wondering if one was more secure than another before I really got into doing this. Thanks again.

 

Nah, we usually just let you get a bit more comfortable here before giving you a hard time. The fires will be kept going, with the stakes at the ready, until then.

 

Curious if anyone went through the engine bay like the video instructed. Just worried about water coming up into the cab if you go through the floor board.

 

I did. I went through the factory grommet as the video showed.

 

I'm going to get some silicone and seal up the rubber grommet in the floor board at some point, just to make sure it doesn't leak.

 

Thanks for posting this

 

I ended up doing this. Never got any moisture, but did it more so as a precautionary measure.

 

Take a good look at the grommets under the front seats. There are already several wire bundles running through them, with no silicone or other sealant used by Toyota. Those rubber grommets are tight and stretch to form well around any wiring running through them. Indeed, you're have a time feeding wires through those grommets, especially with the split plastic sheathing for that wiring intact (how I did it). Those grommets are also coned shaped to funnel water down, away from the vehicle interior.

The grommets feeding into the engine bay may be a different story. However, I suspect Toyota also designed them to prevent water problems without any extra help from some type of sealant.

 

This is from my write up a few pages back. Haven't had any moisture problems in the truck. Solid seal and really easy.

 

Does anyone have any experience with wiring one of these into an 05? Here is my problem. The directions say I should have a blue/pink and a blue/white wire on the harness going to the driver side door to patch into. Well when i look at my harness it has a blue/pink but no blue/white. There is a blue/yellow so I gave that a shot. The lock would fire in one direction but not the other. so I have disconnected the wiring until I can figure out the correct wire.
There is a tech support number on the pop n lock and I will give them a call when I get a chance. Just thought maybe a member on here could tell me.

 

Try this link out. This member installed it in a 08. Hope that helps.

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

 

Thanks for the link, I searched around the other day but didn't find this one. I think Ill have to get out the tester and search until I find the second wire. I was rushed the other night and didn't have the time to keep at it. Ill report back when I find out which one it is.

I also emailed etrailer and pop and lock to see what they say. No response yet.