Keys for Anti Theft Tailgate Lock are missing

[Gschaef]

Ordered the anti theft tailgate lock as part of the manufacturer build. The lock is there but keys are nowhere to be found. The dealer says they will need to break the existing lock and install a new one with keys since the keys are unique to each lock. That will work but I am wondering if anyone else who ordered this option had the same issue. And if not, where did you find your keys? Thanks.

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[Ozarkbeard]

Ordered the anti theft tailgate lock as part of the manufacturer build. The lock is there but keys are nowhere to be found. The dealer says they will need to break the existing lock and install a new one with keys since the keys are unique to each lock. That will work but I am wondering if anyone else who ordered this option had the same issue. And if not, where did you find your keys? Thanks.

Is it a different lock than this one?

 

[Gschaef]

Yes, this is a separate anti theft lock that installs where the tailgate attaches to the bed. They include 2 keys that are more bolt like. Can’t find where mine were included anywhere.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Never seen one of those. But where I live, it wouldn't be something most people would think about ordering.

 

[dlhort1955]

Yes, this is a separate anti theft lock that installs where the tailgate attaches to the bed. They include 2 keys that are more bolt like. Can’t find where mine were included anywhere.

Mine was in the bag with the lock, but there was only 1 key.

 

[Gschaef]

Thanks for the reply. Mine was installed during the factory build so no bag. Maybe that’s the problem. At least the dealer will replace but they have to break this one off first and I would like to avoid that.

 

[Gschaef]

Never seen one of those. But where I live, it wouldn't be something most people would think about ordering.

I ordered it by mistake. At first I thought the XL didn’t have a locking tailgate and this was an add on option. By the time I realized my mistake the truck was already in production. Not a big deal but I would never have added it otherwise.

 

[MetalsGeek]

Instead of buying this from Ford, I went aftermarket with the McGard #76029 Tailgate Lock. Being paranoid, I also purchased a backup key from them. The Ford lock may well be the same exact part. The torque required to remove it should not be high since it's just a hose clamp, but if a socket kludge fails, cutting the band with a die grinder should be straightforward and not damage the truck.

 

[Old Fart]

The one installed on my 22 XLT is bolted to the tailgate, I've never seen what you show in your picture, manager at the dealership said they put simple ones on to prevent tailgates from walking off the lot.

 

[DinoLord]

I ordered it by mistake. At first I thought the XL didn’t have a locking tailgate and this was an add on option. By the time I realized my mistake the truck was already in production. Not a big deal but I would never have added it otherwise.

I thought the same.

These are not factory installed, though. Dealer installed option...my dealer actually forgot to put it on so I have it loose. Once I realized the tailgate did in fact lock on its own, I have no need to use it.

 

[Gschaef]

I thought the same.

These are not factory installed, though. Dealer installed option...my dealer actually forgot to put it on so I have it loose. Once I realized the tailgate did in fact lock on its own, I have no need to use it.

Thanks. I didn’t realize this was a dealer installation. Maybe the sales person didn’t know either.

 

[Waterick]

Thanks. I didn’t realize this was a dealer installation. Maybe the sales person didn’t know either.

I would guess the tool (key) must be at the dealer where they prepped your truck. The lock will still be handy for you if you ever have to leave the tailgate down. The built in lock is only effective when the tailgate is closed. Tailgate must be opened to be stolen. Edit: If locked.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Thanks for the reply. Mine was installed during the factory build so no bag. Maybe that’s the problem. At least the dealer will replace but they have to break this one off first and I would like to avoid that.

Mine was shipped in a bag containing the lock and the key along with the other dealer installed items. The dealer placed the plastic bag containing the key in the same envelope that contained the key for the wheel locks and the pig tail for the 12v user install. You might also look for it in glove box or maybe under the rear seat storage. Might also be put in the bag with the jack tools. It's a small 1/4" socket made just like the larger socket for the anti theft lug nut. Dealer should ask his installer where he put it?

 

[Larrythelunatic]

Thanks for the reply. Mine was installed during the factory build so no bag. Maybe that’s the problem. At least the dealer will replace but they have to break this one off first and I would like to avoid that.

Then leave it.
I bought one with my Mav, installed it, and forgot all about it. It will probably stay until I sell it, 15-20 years from now.
Rather than Ford paying for a new one (along with the labor involved in cutting off the old and installing the new), perhaps you could get an oil change or two out of it.

 

[Gschaef]

Then leave it.
I bought one with my Mav, installed it, and forgot all about it. It will probably stay until I sell it, 15-20 years from now.
Rather than Ford paying for a new one (along with the labor involved in cutting off the old and installing the new), perhaps you could get an oil change or two out of it.

Thanks, and I agree with you. The dealer says they will break off the current one and install a new one at no charge, and can do this at the next oil change, which is fine by me. I have driven pick ups for 40 years and have never had to remove the tailgate. But Murphy’s Law says this will now be necessary strictly because I don’t have a key to unlock it. All my fault for not reading the option description more carefully.

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