All About Car Tailgate Locking Assembly

Curiousto know more about a tailgate locking assembly? Well, a tailgate locking assembly is used to lock the tailgate that is closed while a tonneau cover aids in covering the possessions in the truck bed. At times, you are likely to notice that the automakers utilize a manual key-operated lock, power locking tailgate or no locking device. The mechanical parts firmly latch the tailgate handle when the tailgate lock is mounted correctly, while on the other hand, when the tailgate locking assembly is damaged, the tailgate lock cylinder fails to turn or would turn at times without a change in the lock position. So in case if the power tailgate locking assembly has failed, you will not be able to change the lock position at all even by pressing the lock or unlock function.

It is also defined as a group of mechanic components that function to firmly lock and keep the tailgate closed in the truck. Generally, trucks have a tailgate lock solenoid, power locking tailgate or manual lock. While sometimes they don’t have a single device at all too. Withe issues in the assembly, the wireless signal fails to operate for the tailgate solenoid.

No idea about the operations of the tailgate locking assembly? Well, the tailgate locking assembly can be used to lock tightly. This ensures the safety of the contents present inside. Also, the tailgate locking assembly works both ways, even when the cover, that is also known as the truck bed cover turns out with a hard or soft top. Number of parts present in the tailgate locking assembly work together to latch the truck’s tailgate handle. To lock or unlock the mechanism, a cylinder is placed with either the key in or turned out. So a failure in the tailgate locking assembly can be problematic as you won’t be able to lock or open the possessions as per the needs.

Doyou know the functions of a tailgate locking assembly? The tailgate locking assembly plays the role of handling the movement of the lock. This lock prevents the movement of the handle so that the gate doesn’t open. You can activate it from the key fob, or from the driver lock controls.

Here we have listed the common symptoms that include the power lock not working, tailgate lock not latching, and tailgate lock cylinder not turning:

1. A failure in the operation of the power - The power-operated tailgate locking system works by simply pushing the button for unlocking and locking it. Note that your power locking system has failed when if you push the button and nothing seems to happen. Also, we advise you to check the batteries in the remote before concluding onto a failure in the locking assembly.
2. Tailgate lock fails to latch - Happens when you're able to ‘lock’ the cylinder, but still it doesn't latch. In such cases, problems with the assembly should be suspected. Possibly the only solution to it is a replacement.
3. Tailgate lock cylinder won't turn at all - At times, when you place the key in the cylinder and you are not able to turn it for locking or unlocking, this should be taken as a sign for a damaged tailgate locking assembly. Perform quick replacements. 

How you can maintain the locking assembly:

For proper functioning of the tailgate locking assembly, we advise you to clean and lubricate the tailgate locking assembly at suggested service intervals. Well, the tailgate locking assembly on the truck helps in locking up the belongings and ensuring their safety at the time. Although, if yours has failed, we advise you to perform a quick replacement for the same.

It is said that a workman is only as good as his tools, and it is definitely true when it comes to the car bodywork. It is vital to have the right tools to repair your tailgate locking assembly or else a straightforward job would turn into constant headaches. So that’s why we have listed out some invaluable tools below which you will need while repairing your tailgate locking assembly:

• Pliers
• Replacement tailgate lock assembly
• Socket set and ratchet
• Star bit screwdrivers

You won’t have to think a lot while purchasing if you are already using a particular car part brand and are fully satisfied with it. There are a lot of people which trust a specific brand and would go with it once again with a minimum of thought. Here we have the best tailgate locking assembly brands to help you out in choosing your favourite one in case you don’t have any. So what are you waiting for? Have a look below and choose the best brand for your tailgate locking assembly: 

Tracrac Tailgate Lock Assembly

There might be a big-picture overview of tailgate locking assembly in your mind, and now it’s time to look at its related components:

• Tailgate Lock

I bet that you’re thinking as to how much does a tailgate locking assembly replacement cost. Just keep in mind that it is not as easy as putting a fast and hard number on it. This is because the replacement/repair cost would be different for every tailgate locking assembly and it would also vary depending on how in-depth the repair needs to be. If you are thinking about the exact cost, then you might take help of an expert mechanic.

Looking forward to changing the tailgate locking assembly? Well, the tailgate locking assembly performs the task of controlling the lock and you can actuate it by simply using a key fob or the driver lock controls. It is also responsible for the movement of the lock. This lock prevents the handle’s movement so that the gate doesn't open. If the power lock isn’t working then your tailgate locking assembly needs a replacement. When the tailgate lock doesn't latch or lock cylinder fails to turn, then a replacement of the assembly should be performed. Here we have listed a few simple steps:

How to perform the replacement of a tailgate locking assembly

Step 1:

Firstly, remove the access panel by lowering the tailgate. Then you need to locate the access panel on the inside of the gate. It should be noted that the exact size and number of screws vary according to the make and model. You’ll find them next to the tailgate handle, if in case you want to access to the handle and lock. Then you should disconnect the star bit screws holding the panel in place and the panel will lift out.

Step 2:

Now, find and unplug the locking assembly. If the panel has been removed, move onto locking assembly that has to replaced next. Now that the locking assembly has been located, find the wiring terminal. The connectors should be removed from the terminal. Place the connector on a side after the assembly has been unplugged. Use gentle pliers if you are not able to remove the plier.

Step 3:

Then the linkage should be carefully removed. Note that a number of makes/models have linkages between the locking assembly and its related parts surrounding it. Almost all of these pop into place and if they don’t, there will be a small clip fixing it right into its place. Please be careful before attempting at the link. Ensure that the connection has been removed properly as breaking a link can simply lead to extra time and money.

Step 4:

The retaining bolts should be removed that hold the assembly in place. You will find a set of screws or small bolts mounting it right into its place. Keep them on a side safely as the replacement may or may not come with them. Then you’ll see that the tailgate locking assembly can be removed by simply lifting it out.

Important note: Make sure that you check the replacement assembly matches to the assembly that was already there as at times they may vary for every make/model as wrong replacement can critically harm other parts involved as well.

Step 5:

Connect the new assembly by placing your replacement assembly in the right position and threading it in the retaining screws. Assure that these have been tightened but also avoid over-tightening it.

Step 6:

Now that all has been done, connect the wiring terminal again by connecting the wiring connectors into the terminals. Make sure that they pop into position without any kind of restrictions. Be careful while working with the terminals as breaking them can lead to all the more extra expenditures.

Step 7:

All the linkages should be connected again that you might have removed while performing the step. Ensure that these simply go in straight, and in the exact formation they were when they were removed. Be careful as they were designed to work only with the specific layout and will fail to function in any other order.

Step 8:

Now the unit should be tested. Before the access panel is removed, test the unit. You should lock and unlock the tailgate utilizing the key fob and the driver lock controls. If all works well, take this as a sign of a successful repair and if in case it does not, then retrace the steps and make sure all is done correctly.

Step 9:

Now with the unit installed and tested remove the access panel that had been removed earlier. Ensure that the screws are hand tight.