Tailgate latch. Oops now what

[t arnold]

Posted the other day about tailgate failing to open. Made an adjustment to “fix?” Someone posted about a ford fix for known problem. Just dawned on me that I have a trifold hard cover that can only be opened with tailgate down to unlatch.
(It was off when I had the failure). So all with a cover, watcha going do?

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[Blu]

Pull cable or latches on the sides? In either cases. something U shaped like a unbent clothes hanger will work. Should be able to lift up from the center a bit.

 

[Joe Strummer]

So all with a cover, watcha going do?

Call Ghostbusters...

 

[t arnold]

Op here. Forgot to mention that there are safety pins in each latch that have to be removed before latch will open.

 

[TowmanDoug]

Had this exact issue with my SD. I cut the cover hold-downs by sandwiching a hacksaw blade between 2 pieces of sheet metal to prevent damage to the bed rail and the tri-fold.

I wasn’t happy about it, but it worked. Had to buy new hold-downs but got in for repairs without significant damage.

 

[MarcoG]

D

Posted the other day about tailgate failing to open. Made an adjustment to “fix?” Someone posted about a ford fix for known problem. Just dawned on me that I have a trifold hard cover that can only be opened with tailgate down to unlatch.
(It was off when I had the failure). So all with a cover, watcha going do?

Don't get what is occuring? I have a tri-fold. and have never had an issue with the latches. Also have the little hydralic arm and tailgate security lock. Are you saying the tailgate dropdown latches are prone to, or at times, can freeze up and not open? Why would that happen? Frozen cold, or?

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Posted the other day about tailgate failing to open. Made an adjustment to “fix?” Someone posted about a ford fix for known problem. Just dawned on me that I have a trifold hard cover that can only be opened with tailgate down to unlatch.
(It was off when I had the failure). So all with a cover, watcha going do?

On mine I spray the latches 2-3 times a year with dry lube. When mine doesn't unlatch I can lean on drivers side of tailgate while pulling on the release as that is the "sticky" side on my truck. Perhaps your passenger side is your problem. I have been successful just pushing hard on whole tailgate to maybe completely close the latches before pulling the release.

 

[t arnold]

D
Don't get what is occuring? I have a tri-fold. and have never had an issue with the latches. Also have the little hydralic arm and tailgate security lock. Are you saying the tailgate dropdown latches are prone to, or at times, can freeze up and not open? Why would that happen? Frozen cold, or?

The problem is with the tail gate. Not the cover, unless the tail gate won’t open. There is a ford know problem with the 2 rods that rotate to unlatch the tailgate locks. See my other post. The rods are held in place (sometimes!) with a CHEAP PLASTIC CLIP that allows the rods to slip enough that the unlock function doesn’t work.

 

[MarcoG]

Go

The problem is with the tail gate. Not the cover, unless the tail gate won’t open. There is a ford know problem with the 2 rods that rotate to unlatch the tailgate locks. See my other post. The rods are held in place (sometimes!) with a CHEAP PLASTIC CLIP that allows the rods to slip enough that the unlock function doesn’t work.

Got it. Thanks.

 

[t arnold]

Op again. I just came in from applying a good dollop of jb weld on the threaded rods that are pinched by the CHEAP plastic holders. Sorta like belt and suspenders. If you’ve got time, get a #25 torx and take the cover off the inside of your tailgate and take a look.

 

[Hammer]

On mine I spray the latches 2-3 times a year with dry lube. When mine doesn't unlatch I can lean on drivers side of tailgate while pulling on the release as that is the "sticky" side on my truck. Perhaps your passenger side is your problem. I have been successful just pushing hard on whole tailgate to maybe completely close the latches before pulling the release.

i had tailgate stuck 3 times in the last few months and also have hard tri-fold cover preventing bed access I did the same as you mentioned, pushed hard on tailgate, but right in the middle of the tailgate at latch area. . It eventually opened but took a few attempts.

 

[Red Rover]

I am new to the site. I just got a Maverick XLT. I need to get a cover and floor mats. So many on line. Not sure where to start. I do want a hard cover, maybe fold back to get as much bed as possible. All the tech stuff is stressing me and learning to park and back. I was driving a car before. I don't understand what you are saying about the cover and the tailgate.

 

[MaverickDragon]

Hi @Red Rover
Welcome aboard.
The issue the OP (original poster, creator of the thread) had was that he had a cover installed over the pick up bed that locked and his tailgate would not unlock so he could not open it.
A bit of a problem that's not much different from the trunk of your car not being able to open when it was locked.

There is a learning curve with any current car model as they are rolling computers.
The hybrid I drive has even more things to learn about.
Poke around the forum and you will find all kinds of things you didn't know you needed to know.

 

[rk06382]

I am new to the site. I just got a Maverick XLT. I need to get a cover and floor mats. So many on line. Not sure where to start. I do want a hard cover, maybe fold back to get as much bed as possible. All the tech stuff is stressing me and learning to park and back. I was driving a car before. I don't understand what you are saying about the cover and the tailgate.

Welcome to the Maverick Truck Club forum from Alaska!

Please post pictures of your new Maverick.

 

[BlueSpec1]

Pict of the 2 clips on the rods that go to each side of the tailgate to latch/unlatch it.

My soft tonneau has a lever to open it after opening the truck's tailgate.

This pict will help me remember when to place a shim to unlatch the tonneau cover if my tailgate wouldn't open.

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