Tailgate won't open - help!

[RZ Lee]

Last week I was loading up my MAV for a trip. I closed the tailgate and.......that's the last time I've been able to open it.

I've tried unlocking it - with the fob, the button, and the key. All nothing. I've tried pulling, pounding, and prying. I have a tonneau cover on so I had to rig up some zip ties to be able to open it and get stuff in/out of the best.

I assume there is either a cable or rod system inside the tailgate that opens latches on each side of the bed. I've not tried yet - can the inner panel on the bed side of the tailgate be opened up to access the latch mechanism? Does anyone have pictures or a video of what's inside?

Since I was packed for a trip I didn't have time to dig into it more before I left. Looking for previous experience and advice to see what I need to get into to fix it.

I guess it's better that it's stuck closed vs. open?!

Thanks, Lee

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[dalola]

I recall a similar post here a while back of this same problem. If my memory is correct (unlikely!), the lock rod inside the T/G had come undone. You can access it from the panel on the inside of the T/G.

 

[BlueSpec1]

Photo of the lock's rods from 2022 Ford Maverick XL power tailgate lock swap on reddit.

 

[RedRider]

Just take it to any dealer and get it fixed, probably under warranty unless its due to owner damage.

 

[Tiger Dude]

There's an access panel that gives access (duh) to the mechanism.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Just take it to any dealer and get it fixed, probably under warranty unless its due to owner damage.

This.

Just let the dealer fix it if it's still under warranty.

 

[FamousAmos]

This.

Just let the dealer fix it if it's still under warranty.

Yes. Better the dealer attend to it than you. If you try and don't succeed, he can blame it on something YOU did, and not cover it under the warranty.

 

[Maverick2023]

I had this happened once and had to remove the panel to access the locking mechanism. The rod got loose and it wouldn’t lock. I had to duct tape them back in place.

 

[RedRider]

I had this happened once and had to remove the panel to access the locking mechanism. The rod got loose and it wouldn’t lock. I had to duct tape them back in place.

Why didn't you get it repaired under warranty?

 

[Tim d]

You don't h

Last week I was loading up my MAV for a trip. I closed the tailgate and.......that's the last time I've been able to open it.

I've tried unlocking it - with the fob, the button, and the key. All nothing. I've tried pulling, pounding, and prying. I have a tonneau cover on so I had to rig up some zip ties to be able to open it and get stuff in/out of the best.

I assume there is either a cable or rod system inside the tailgate that opens latches on each side of the bed. I've not tried yet - can the inner panel on the bed side of the tailgate be opened up to access the latch mechanism? Does anyone have pictures or a video of what's inside?

Since I was packed for a trip I didn't have time to dig into it more before I left. Looking for previous experience and advice to see what I need to get into to fix it.

I guess it's better that it's stuck closed vs. open?!

Thanks, Lee

you don't have to worry about fixing it....Ford does.

 

[Maverick2023]

Why didn't you get it repaired under warranty?

It wasn’t broken just the tabs that holding the rods in place came loose when I installed the power lock. It’s the poor quality of parts. You can replace the tabs but it still gonna come loose later. At least I know what the issue is if it happens again down the road later.

 

[TheSEARCH]

It does bring up a question about warranty repair. He said he has a cover on back like I do. Mine is a tri fold hard cover. Not sure if OP has the same. I would think the owner is responsible for getting that cover open FIRST. Would he not as it isn't factory. Plus they may just break it open.

I guess I could get mine open? Lucky I don't have this problem. Get a coat hanger inside to pull cable release I guess?

 

[Rexus99]

It does bring up a question about warranty repair. He said he has a cover on back like I do. Mine is a tri fold hard cover. Not sure if OP has the same. I would think the owner is responsible for getting that cover open FIRST. Would he not as it isn't factory. Plus they may just break it open.

I guess I could get mine open? Lucky I don't have this problem. Get a coat hanger inside to pull cable release I guess?

Re-read, He got his tonneau cover open.

 

[TheSEARCH]

Re-read, He got his tonneau cover open.

No I saw that I was thinking if it happens to me or another Mav owner. The owner would have to get the cover opened before bringing to dealer? .

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