Small 4th July project.... Installed Power Tailgate Lock for 2025 XL.

[Mightybeast]

Since 2025 XL wiring completely different from XLT, and cable harness no longer an option after testing with multimeter connectors and cables under the bed.... Running a separate double 20AWG wire is the only option for and to install power tailgate lock. I used standard Ford Ranger/Maverick 22-25 powergate lock, 20feet of 20AWG wire, electric tape, mash fabric tape, a few zip ties, heat shrink cable tubes, electric cable pins, heat gun, soldering gun, glue gun. I had majority of items already in my possetion so minimal cost. Took me about 4 hours from start to fish with clean up. I would say it cost me about 150-180$ for all items. Let me know if you have any questions.

https://www.getoemparts.com/oem-parts/ford-remote-control-jb3z9943170a

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DLSQS7DT?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CLM6WGP?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/Ginsco-580-p...1751672355&sprefix=shrinktubes,aps,131&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Rolls-Wire-H...rical+tape&qid=1751672418&sprefix=fabric+tape
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[thev8man]

Since 2025 XL wiring completely different from XLT, and cable harness no longer an option after testing with multimeter connectors and cables under the bed.... Running a separate double 20AWG wire is the only option for and to install power tailgate lock. I used standard Ford Ranger/Maverick 22-25 powergate lock, 20feet of 20AWG wire, electric tape, mash fabric tape, a few zip ties, heat shrink cable tubes, electric cable pins, heat gun, soldering gun, glue gun. I had majority of items already in my possetion so minimal cost. Took me about 4 hours from start to fish with clean up. I would say it cost me about 150-180$ for all items. Let me know if you have any questions.

https://www.getoemparts.com/oem-parts/ford-remote-control-jb3z9943170a

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DLSQS7DT?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CLM6WGP?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/Ginsco-580-p...1751672355&sprefix=shrinktubes,aps,131&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Rolls-Wire-H...rical+tape&qid=1751672418&sprefix=fabric+tape
+ele%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-5-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfbXRm&psc=1

Booyah
Hallelujah, that was a great project and results.

 

[GoEers]

Cool project. Awesome job describing and documenting with pictures

 

[25XL]

Nice, seems to be the best option right now for MY’25 powered tailgate lock. Would you be able to write up some instructions? I get a bit lost looking at the images and trying to make heads or tails of what’s going on. I’m sure others would appreciate it too! Nice work!!!

 

[MTB916]

Nice, seems to be the best option right now for MY’25 powered tailgate lock. Would you be able to write up some instructions? I get a bit lost looking at the images and trying to make heads or tails of what’s going on. I’m sure others would appreciate it too! Nice work!!!

Wow. This 100% is the WAY. Would also love some additional detail as to what is going on in each photo/step. Thanks MightyBeast!

 

[Mightybeast]

Wow. This 100% is the WAY. Would also love some additional detail as to what is going on in each photo/step. Thanks MightyBeast!

OK..... In the First 4 pictures is the location of the cable, and place/wires that I used to connect gate wiring. Last 3 pictures just how I made a connection to the actuator. Pictures in the middle just how I run my wires in conjunction with the main body wiring harness.

 

[MTB916]

OK..... In the First 4 pictures is the location of the cable, and place/wires that I used to connect gate wiring. Last 3 pictures just how I made a connection to the actuator. Pictures in the middle just how I run my wires in conjunction with the main body wiring harness.

I am hoping this will make sense when I am looking at it but can you tell us more about the wiring in photos 3 and 4? Do you recall which wires you connected the new Red and Black to? Are those 2 wires specific to the polarity in that plug?

Aside form that I am tracking what's going on.

I am excited to make this happen. I already have the 22-24 lock from my failed attempt.

Thanks!

 

[dbbii]

The locking tailgate with a hard bed cover was a key factor in deciding on a Maverick. 2023 Lariat.

 

[MTB916]

The locking tailgate with a hard bed cover was a key factor in deciding on a Maverick. 2023 Lariat.

I was in a similar but opposite camp... I ordered the 2025 AWD Hybrid XL 'ASSUMING' that I would be able to add the rear locking tailgate. I even ordered the parts and harness prior to taking delivery - only to find out that Ford decided to save a few $ and run less wires to the XL tailgate starting in 2025.

 

[surfstar]

The locking tailgate with a hard bed cover was a key factor in deciding on a Maverick. 2023 Lariat.

Saving $10k was a key factor in my '23 XL purchase.

I've added the locking tailgate ($154), RC hard tonneau ($669), Bronco Sport wheels ($500), Adaptive Cruise Control ($665) and have nice, cloth seats (I hate sweaty, fake leather), dark interior and a cheap truck with money in the bank.

To be honest, I ordered a Lariat and an XL - the Lariat didn't get built, so I built my own. Main thing I wanted was ACC, but I also prefer cloth seats and the simpler color layout. The power/remote tailgate lock was also very nice to have - bummer for the '25 XL owners that can't do it in 15min!

 

[Mightybeast]

I am hoping this will make sense when I am looking at it but can you tell us more about the wiring in photos 3 and 4? Do you recall which wires you connected the new Red and Black to? Are those 2 wires specific to the polarity in that plug?

Aside form that I am tracking what's going on.

I am excited to make this happen. I already have the 22-24 lock from my failed attempt.

Thanks!

Sure, when you pull and disconnect connector from the door it will be 2 largest Gauge cables on the side, they are responsible for locking and unlocking door lock. It is easy to run cable from inside to outside just because of the cable need to go from under the seat to outside at next to the fuel tank, and it's almast impossible to do from other side. If you connect cables incorrectly, your back gate will unlock instead of locking. Only 50% if you do it wrong. Initially I did it wrong. If you did it wrong as I am, just siwitch places of those 2 cables by the passenger door before sealing everything.

 

[Mightybeast]

I am hoping this will make sense when I am looking at it but can you tell us more about the wiring in photos 3 and 4? Do you recall which wires you connected the new Red and Black to? Are those 2 wires specific to the polarity in that plug?

Aside form that I am tracking what's going on.

I am excited to make this happen. I already have the 22-24 lock from my failed attempt.

Thanks!

And using that wire connector kit/pins was a big game changer since I don't have 2 splice and cut original wires. They have lots of options in the kit that you can just plug into Mav connector securely.
Same for the back lock itself.... Find a female connector and use a heat shrink to plug and secure to the lock connector. I used hot glue just to provide an extra guarantee.

 

[MTB916]

And using that wire connector kit/pins was a big game changer since I don't have 2 splice and cut original wires. They have lots of options in the kit that you can just plug into Mav connector securely.
Same for the back lock itself.... Find a female connector and use a heat shrink to plug and secure to the lock connector. I used hot glue just to provide an extra guarantee.

Thanks so much for the clarifications! The plug kit looks key to the process it is on the way from amazon as I type this lol.

 

[jpt5775]

Since 2025 XL wiring completely different from XLT, and cable harness no longer an option after testing with multimeter connectors and cables under the bed.... Running a separate double 20AWG wire is the only option for and to install power tailgate lock. I used standard Ford Ranger/Maverick 22-25 powergate lock, 20feet of 20AWG wire, electric tape, mash fabric tape, a few zip ties, heat shrink cable tubes, electric cable pins, heat gun, soldering gun, glue gun. I had majority of items already in my possetion so minimal cost. Took me about 4 hours from start to fish with clean up. I would say it cost me about 150-180$ for all items. Let me know if you have any questions.

https://www.getoemparts.com/oem-parts/ford-remote-control-jb3z9943170a

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DLSQS7DT?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CLM6WGP?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/Ginsco-580-pcs-Assorted-Sleeving/dp/B01MFA3OFA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3DKMIKKXTJ6C5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.afAtOFc0AWv7IewHnY-SstQVNV3RHKFEncBXZVoeHl46ibQ_uPr0swN7BgPNbHDhbFJmVSlmoRmvPl1zZNHAL6Qd0olckFdzyCytrLqze7LDQULVhf3hFBEy80GCZP_GeXjOI1fjLzR6E5hDZwCK6lGoplvx_nGOgBlowEqdQlMXcPcv_LXZ6zQwyJOLK3zVMGXE-e8Z7O89oAOhn54Heg.eFP0vqehysseXulDc5-tRRvMCnOG7OFqxae-fwD11oM&dib_tag=se&keywords=shrink+tubes&qid=1751672355&sprefix=shrinktubes,aps,131&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Rolls-Wire-H...rical+tape&qid=1751672418&sprefix=fabric+tape
+ele%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-5-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfbXRm&psc=1

Since 2025 XL wiring completely different from XLT, and cable harness no longer an option after testing with multimeter connectors and cables under the bed.... Running a separate double 20AWG wire is the only option for and to install power tailgate lock. I used standard Ford Ranger/Maverick 22-25 powergate lock, 20feet of 20AWG wire, electric tape, mash fabric tape, a few zip ties, heat shrink cable tubes, electric cable pins, heat gun, soldering gun, glue gun. I had majority of items already in my possetion so minimal cost. Took me about 4 hours from start to fish with clean up. I would say it cost me about 150-180$ for all items. Let me know if you have any questions.

https://www.getoemparts.com/oem-parts/ford-remote-control-jb3z9943170a

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DLSQS7DT?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CLM6WGP?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/Ginsco-580-pcs-Assorted-Sleeving/dp/B01MFA3OFA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3DKMIKKXTJ6C5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.afAtOFc0AWv7IewHnY-SstQVNV3RHKFEncBXZVoeHl46ibQ_uPr0swN7BgPNbHDhbFJmVSlmoRmvPl1zZNHAL6Qd0olckFdzyCytrLqze7LDQULVhf3hFBEy80GCZP_GeXjOI1fjLzR6E5hDZwCK6lGoplvx_nGOgBlowEqdQlMXcPcv_LXZ6zQwyJOLK3zVMGXE-e8Z7O89oAOhn54Heg.eFP0vqehysseXulDc5-tRRvMCnOG7OFqxae-fwD11oM&dib_tag=se&keywords=shrink+tubes&qid=1751672355&sprefix=shrinktubes,aps,131&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Rolls-Wire-H...rical+tape&qid=1751672418&sprefix=fabric+tape
+ele%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-5-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfbXRm&psc=1

Will modifying the OEM door harness to add the electric tailgate lock as shown, void the manufacturer's warranty?

 

[Mightybeast]

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: A dealer must prove your aftermarket part directly caused the failure to deny the claim; they can't void the entire warranty for a small mod if it's unrelated.

That said if you install a lift kit on your vehicle it will void your powertrain warranty.

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