$10 DIY Power Lock Tailgate

The reason why I offset the actuator to be the same level as the factory latch is the closer you can get straight on the better. Bending the actuator rod in a “L” too drastic can sometimes cause binding and puts unwanted pressure in the wrong direction on the factory plastic mouthing tab. Yes it will work, but I always try and keep the rod as straight as possible. Also, make sure you loctite those little set screws holding the rods together. Those are the first to get loose after multiple lock/unlock actions.

 

Thanks for the feedback!
I agree that there will be some torque...but I checked to make sure there is no binding, although I have no idea how much of an issue the bending could potentially be. Should the actuator fail, however, it will take me 5 min. at most to replace it. And yes, normally I would use CA - but in this case, I scored the surface of the pushrods to make sure the screws have something to grab onto (just in case I need to replace the actuator).
Bernie

 

Just ordered parts to do this mod - thanks for keeping it alive so I saw it!

 

Finally got around to do this mod, and let me tell you... I LOVE THIS! I used to keep forgetting my sliding key in the lock, as with push button start there really is no reason to take my key fob out of my pocket. Thank you @mesojdm and everyone else for posting pics and steps!

 

Attempted this mod today. Ran out of daylight but I got to the point of running wiring. Is there any chance that someone took pictures of the wiring route? I am not the most mechanically inclined and had a difficult time locating the path from the path from the tailgate to the B post wiring harness. I tried using some of the pictures in the thread as reference but still couldnt quite find it. I appreciate anything anyone has.

 

Hi, I just ran outside and snapped a few pics with the cellphone - sorry for the crappy quality and editing. I'd start at the junction box because it's easy to locate and work my way backwards. Note that I used a 1/4" split wire loom which I wrapped in electrical tape.

Hope this helps...

Bernie

 

Awesome that definitely helped. When I looked originally I believe I was looking down the drivers side. Off I go wish me luck. (Edit: just completed it and it works great. Couldn’t be more excited)

 

Yay!

 

just did mine - easy and very pleased with the result!

 

all that time u took building and installing that stuff I already got my stuff out of the truck using my key lol =P very cool mod !!!

 

This is great thanks

 

Literally took less than 30 min when I did this mod lol

 

Difference is...we only have to install once and it’s seconds to unlock thereafter.
You have to dig your keys out every time and manually unlock the tailgate.
Just sayin’.

 

using a key is difficult lol .. =P

 

It is when I have a keyless fob

 

after market fob ? my stock one has the key built in just push the button

 

No, removed for weight reduction. Because MPGs.
Do you manually unlock the drivers door with a key every time?

 

I would be ok with keys I use it all the time to start my bike .. lol but ya I use the fob to unlock the doors but it came with it .. I miss the days when vehicles were not a dam computer .. so much easier to work on . One of the service guys at Toyota calls the mechanics IT specialists since all they do is plug in a device to diagnose most stuff on these vehicles .

 

2016 TRD Off Road with push button start - Key in the key fob will not lock the tailgate..... have to use a separate key to lock/unlock the tailgate.... this is a GREAT mod for my year truck

 

Yeah, luckily they changed that for the ‘17 and up. Or at least my ‘17 can use the same key. But no need after this 30min, $12 mod