Pop n lock not unlocking

I got the pop n lock installed and it worked for a few months. Then all of a sudden it will no longer unlock my tailgate.
I contacted Pop n Lock and they sent me a new actuator. Install it, and it works for a week then same symptoms, no unlock. It locks great, but unlocks about 1 out of 20 times.

Has this happend to anyone else? Anyone have suggestions?

 

I've used them for over 3 years without a problem. How are you splicing into the wires?

 

I tapped into the Passenger side foot well just as they recommend. The only difference is that I also put a T-tap that runs to my bed cap for that actuator so I can lock my cap as well. I tapped into the wire right below the tailgate and ran it up to the control box inside the cap.

I figured that it draws such little power It shouldn't effect the PnLs operation. I am going to pull the quick connects on the bed cap actuator and see what happens

 

I had to disconnect mine last winter when it stopped working. I had it open and watched as the actuator no longer flipped the lever. It would try but couldn't do it. I thought it needed a little alignment, but no matter how it was positioned it didn't work. Haven't looked at it since and just have it floating in my tailgate.

Does it sound like your's tries to close everytime?

 

I have the opposite problem...pop n lock works every time but the cap unlocks when it damn well pleases. locks every damn time, though

 

Do you have a multimeter? You can 1) check for continuity and then, 2) see if current is getting to the actuator? I have read of others having issues with splices and intermittent "power" sounds like that to me. You might repair/reconnect the splice (solder). I plugged directly into the harness (solder wire end from Pop & Lock to make stiff and just plug into harness slot (with some dielectric grease - see pic). Then I ran a pigtail with a plug at the end that was pretty easy and gets around splicing. If there is an issue I just unplug. The black/red connectors are Anderson powerpoles (used in HAM radio/Ecomms).

 

Yup it tries and it is loud in its trying. When I opened it up its like the throw of the actuator leaves it right in the middle of the unlock process. It has enough throw to lock, not enough to unlock.

When will Meso just make us one that works?

 

Great advice. Thanks man! I will give that a try today.

 

maybe one of @KTJO 4x4 actuators and plates would work if the pop n lock won't

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...lock-tailgate-bolt-n-open-by-ktjo-4x4.592685/

 

Try lubricating the moving parts both at the lock and latches.

 

At circuit isn’t designed for that much current. You’re running 3 actuators. You’ll need to wire up an additional relay to boost the power

 

What all did you do here? I have a plug-n-play Harness I sell so you don’t have to tap into OEM Wiring. I know popnlock unfortunately makes it so people still have to tap into their factory wiring. :/

I’m sorry to hear about your issues with the Actuator. Unfortunately, with some trucks I have found out that some Actuators with certain trucks and other Actuators don’t. I haven’t been able to explain why yet. If you send me a address I can send you an Actuator to try out and see if it will fix your issue with this style free of charge. Send me a PM with your info and just remind of the situation because it will get in the masses of PMs. I’d love to help you out and get this squared away. If this doesn’t work I have one other Actuator I will suggest to you after.

 

If everyone had a FREE harbor freight multimeter, we would’ve have any TW electronic questions.

 

It’s called a Pop ‘n Lock not Pop ‘n Unlock.

 

True, but the battery died in mine. Now I need a free battery from Radio Shack...

 

I had the same problem a few months when I installed mine. I took it apart and saw the actuator not engaging all the way so I added a zip tie to the actuator to make it bigger and it has been going strong now for at least 3 years.

 

I’ve found it often to be the case that things don’t work as they should but with a bit of ingenuity can be made right. It shouldn’t be this way but I’d rather deal with it and get it to work than spend my time getting someone else to if possible.

 

I had the problem of mine not locking. I slipped a piece of rubber hose over the actuator to make it bigger.

Eventually the rubber hose fell off and it stopped working again.

The next time, I figured out how to bend the metal tab to give it a little more throw.

 

When you said doesn't open, does it make a sound or nothing at all?
Could just be connections. Did you give it some slack at the rear? Maybe it's pulling and has too much tension where the tailgate moves? Just a thought.

 

Is it for the cap or tailgate? The caps sometimes need to have the cable tension adjusted to work properly and I'd bet that the tailgate rods can be diddled to work better as well. My Snugtop wouldn't latch/unlatch properly on the driver's side until I tightened the cable on it.