Tailgate Locks

I installed my

$200 PL8540 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Smart Lock Combo with Bolt Technology for Toyota Tacoma, Fits 2005 to 2015 Models (OEM Color Black, PL8540)

PL8540 powered lock in January of 2014, and had no issues till last weekend. I have an Access Limited cover and had my bed loaded up with power tools to do some work at my in-laws' house. When I got there I went to open the tailgate and the latch release lever was a little strange on the first pull, and didn't release, so I tried again. There was a cracking noise, followed by the lever being completely free moving. The inside lever that actually releases the latches snapped off. Luckily I was able to get to the release from the Access cover and get my tools out. I also figured out a few days later, wasn't in a huge rush at that point, that if you can pry up the top cap on the tailgate, you can manually push down on the metal release lever to open the tailgate. When i got it opened I took the inside cover off and found the piece that had broken.



I contacted P&L customer service and they said that is would be covered under their one year warr. however I was 2 years outside of that. They did however help me by letting me know that I can get the

$96 PL5400 Black Manual Tailgate Lock with Bolt Codeable Technology for Toyota Tacoma

PL5400 and just swap over the lever mechanism, instead of needing to get a whole new powered unit. The customer service person, Pam, was extrememly helpful! And I have the PL5400 on order to get my latch fixed.