Poplock (PL5300) 2009 Tacoma with Cam -Install Tutorial

2014

 

Did you notice anything different from the pics in this thread? I originally mine installed mine in an '09 then removed it and reinstalled in my '13. No issues whatsoever.

 

Nice

 

I did this to my Taco too. It's a great feature. I just wish it opened as smoothly as the OEM handle. That's my only small gripe.

 

I just did a Pop and Lock install in my 2015. PL5500 is the correct part for 2015 and it went sooth as silk. I am very pleased. Here is a link to the install video I used. Bob
https://video.search.yahoo.com/vide...&age=1389130040&fr2=p:s,v:v&fr=yfp-t-901&tt=b

 

Poplock for 2013 Tacoma
??? With camera

 

I put the model 5400 (key-alike model) in my 2015 a month or so ago. It went in fine, took about 15 minutes or so. The only challenge I had (aside from cutting my finger on one of the metal internal supports of the tailgate) was that the handle didn't seem to operate well, meaning, it took a lot of torque to open and the driver's side always seamed to stick. I'm not sure about all the previous versions of the lock and earlier model years, but the instructions for this model require turning the driver's side rod end-for-end. If you don't, the rod rubs on the lock cylinder; when you do, the routing is odd and there is no middle support and the pulling angle on the latch is different. So, after a month or so, I opened the gate back up and made a small modification. By putting the rod back in it's original orientation and making a small bend in the rod about two inches or so from the connection to the lock, all is better (see images). In this alignment, the rod still clips into the middle support, but with the bend, there is no interference with the lock cylinder. Hope this helps some folks who experience issues with operation.

This image shows the final install in the closed position. Note the new bend I put in the driver's side rod (the one with the red attachment to the lock) about 2 inches to the left of the connection point. (I put this bend in by putting the rod in a bench vice where I wanted to make the bend and then bending to the extent shown.)


When the handle is flexed, the rod now has plenty of clearance around the lock cylinder, without having to reverse the rod and thus loosing the center support and creating a poor angle for pulling on the latch.


Hope this helps a few folks...

 

I did not have the special type of screw driver to remove them so I used a flat screw driver of the same diameter and was able to unscrew them no problem.


These are the small ones. In total remove 15 of them

For future reference, I believe you can just use a 4 mm Allen key if you do not have a torx bit

 

Excellent!
1. did the popnlock come with the camera?
2. do they sell a rear view with monitor? if not, which rear view would you recommend and where can i buy one?

 

Lesson Learned on this handle: I recommend you pull the two scews out of the lock and latch mechanisms on the back of this handle and put some thread locker on the threads. I have had the screw holding that unlatching pivot plate (don't know what else to call it) come loose twice, and suddenly the handle stops working because of the play that develops between the plastic lever of the handle and the projection on this plate. When that happens, you have to unbolt and pry off the top cover of the tailgate and reach in with something like a piece of clothes hanger to hook and pull the wires to get the gate open. I put thread locker on a few months ago and it seams to have solved the problem.

 

Great video that I referenced when I originally installed the Pop & Lock on my '09 Tacoma. Unfortunately, after several issues with this lock and one replacement, I am back to the original handle. Of course I miss having the ability to lock the tailgate, but the Pop & Lock is just not built well enough to put up with any longer. I must say that their company has great customer service and provided me with a free replacement, but the product continued to be problematic.
The first Pop & Lock had issues opening the tailgate, which I believe ended up as a recall. The warmer the outdoor temperature became, the more difficult the handle was to use, eventually leading to not being able to open the tailgate at all. Fortunately for me, I have a soft tonneau cover and I was able to access the clips to release the cover. Customer support sent me a replacement which worked much better, but the paint finish began to flake and peel off. I finally gave up on the Pop & Lock and re-installed the original handle. The original handle operates so much better and easier than the Pop & Lock ever did. It's unfortunate that Toyota did not offer a lockable handle until the 2016 model year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!!!

 

In the company's defense, they don't have a lot of real estate to play with without modifications to the tailgate. A lock and a handle of sufficient size to gain much leverage is a big challenge in the space allotted. However, I would probably pay more if they put out a model with more solid metal parts. In my case, I will eventually reinstall the factory handle and outfit the gate with electric locking bolts. For now, with the small bends I made in the wires and some thread lock on the screws it is working well enough.

 

Thanks for the help. The pics really made it easy. Much clearer than the manufacturers instructions. So now with the pop n lock, solid tonneau cover and hose clamp on my tailgate pin, the rear of my truck is finally secure!!!

 

Update:

$94 Pop & Lock PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HLK77YO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just installed mine yesterday... used this write-up, did the little bend in the actuator arm as mentioned above.. Did not use thread locker, due to it being plastic... Works great, very easy install...

Few differences I noticed:

The new instructions suggest you flip the driver side actuator arm this gets rid of the need to bend the arm (I had already made the bend so not sure how well this works..

The model I bought the camera is on the same side so no need to re-run the wires...

 

This is great thank you! Do you have to buy a special rear view mirror for this? I just have the regular mirror.

 

after reading alot of reviews on P&L i decided to just get the 8521 and retain the original handle.