Tailgate not level with bed.

[MakinDoForNow]

Just checked my 2022 XLT and the tailgate hangs about 1" too low with the driver's side cable being about 1/2" too long at 21 3/4" compared to the pass side cable.

The original 2022 had this problem. The dealer will replace with a matching set. How old is your truck? If one is too short it may be that one is out of position. But one too long? I bet it's just mfg error.

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[Bilbo_B]

The original 2022 had this problem. The dealer will replace with a matching set. How old is your truck? If one is too short it may be that one is out of position. But one too long? I bet it's just mfg error.

Probably MFG error. Both are too long actually. It's a 2022.
With the tailgate hanging down all the way, the Drivers side is too LONG in comparison to the passenger side by this amount:

and THEN f I bring up the tailgate to level with the bed, the passenger side is too long by the amount in the next image. So both cables are too long. These cables are very strong and nothing looks to have been moved. So, they most likely can't stretch without applying enough weight on the tailgate and not damage things.

(I'm very carefully wording this to be accurate) :

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Ok you got the bad cables. Dealer will replace with correct ones. (Or at least they were)

 

[Timothyd]

* Please note: This topic is in "Bed and Roof Mods" and not in "Issues, Repairs, Warranty, TSB, Recalls"

As the title suggests, the cables are too long and the tailgate is not level with the bed. It is also not level with the wheel wells when in the half-up position.

People have pointed this out before reacting to pictures and I assumed it was optical illusion but my Sola don't lie.

I just unloaded some 1/8 inch steel plates out of mine and the bed is even with the tailgate. They just slid off and on with no step. Maybe the gate is adjustable.
What I'd like to do is fill that bed/gate gap, I'm picking up a load of compost and it fills that gap and jams in there.

 

[jwiedle24]

Finally got around to solving this annoyance for myself. Ordered two new cables from FordParts through a local dealer’s website.

Picture #1 - OEM cables from my 2022 hybrid = not level w/big gap

Picture #2 - Visual comparison of new cable (left) vs original (right)

Picture #3 - Right side cable replaced; very close to level with a very small gap

Picture #4 - Notice the slack in the original left cable with the new right cable installed

Picture #5 - Wheel well test for plywood etc. pretty much level

Picture #6 - Other comparison of the left hand side cables; new on left and old on right

Picture #7 - same wheel well test with the left side cable

Picture #8 - Final visual for both new cables in the standard position

 

[Joe Strummer]

Must have been an early production run problem. My 24 Tremor has no issues.

 

[Timothyd]

I got a cool car for you, research : Volkswagen Saveiro, Fiat Strada or Fiat Toro. The VW is my dream, please come to the US lol

I had a few Fiats. Quality is terrible.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Must have been an early production run problem. My 24 Tremor has no issues.

Yes they fixed it in the late 2022 production

 

[Nw_adventure]

Went thru like 4 cables or so in late 2022. No two were the same length. Kinda gave up. Probably need to revisit this

 

[Bilbo_B]

Ok you got the bad cables. Dealer will replace with correct ones. (Or at least they were)

I've been in contact with my local dealer salesman and there aren't a lot of 2022 Mavs on the lot but he did say that there's a new Ford Ranger in the showroom with this very problem. So, I'm hopeful that they will replace the cables.

 

[clavicus]

Finally got around to solving this annoyance for myself. Ordered two new cables from FordParts through a local dealer’s website.

Picture #1 - OEM cables from my 2022 hybrid = not level w/big gap

Picture #2 - Visual comparison of new cable (left) vs original (right)

Picture #3 - Right side cable replaced; very close to level with a very small gap

Picture #4 - Notice the slack in the original left cable with the new right cable installed

Picture #5 - Wheel well test for plywood etc. pretty much level

Picture #6 - Other comparison of the left hand side cables; new on left and old on right

Picture #7 - same wheel well test with the left side cable

Picture #8 - Final visual for both new cables in the standard position

Do you mind sharing a link to the part you used?

 

[Bilbo_B]

The original 2022 had this problem. The dealer will replace with a matching set. How old is your truck? If one is too short it may be that one is out of position. But one too long? I bet it's just mfg error.

Well, I have taken mine to the dealer and the service tech: ""Customer states that the tailgate cable is loose and tailgate is dropping lower than it should be - please check and advise.
Tech's Response: Tailgate operates normally.

.
.
So, no repair or replacement from that dealership.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Well, I have taken mine to the dealer and the service tech: ""Customer states that the tailgate cable is loose and tailgate is dropping lower than it should be - please check and advise.
Tech's Response: Tailgate operates normally.

.
.
So, no repair or replacement from that dealership.

@fordmotorcompany
What did service manager say?
Go to another dealer or call Ford and report
Many cables have been replaced.
Edit to add: My dealerships service managers window has a sign = "Talk to me if you did not get 5 star service". Just a thought!

 

[Bilbo_B]

@fordmotorcompany
What did service manager say?
Go to another dealer or call Ford and report
Many cables have been replaced.
Edit to add: My dealerships service managers window has a sign = "Talk to me if you did not get 5 star service". Just a thought!

Thanks for the suggestions. I may pursue the service manager. The previous one actually used to be a good friend but he retired. I also have a second dealership well within the distance that I may try. I also brought the vehicle in for an oil change and tire rotation as well as three recall notices but apparently, they only did one of the recalls.

 

[Montana]

Wow I can't believe I missed this one.

My tailgate does exactly this and sits low. Interesting. What is the part number for the replacements? I searched but came up empty.

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