getting tailgate re-keyed

I dont know if the previous owner swapped out tailgates, or what, but my keys dont work the lock. hasnt been an issue till now, but im planning on buying a cap, so id like to be able to secure it.

none of the keys work it, and all of the keys work the glove compartment, so its not a vallet key issue.

wondering what the best route to go to get it fixed would be? is this a dealer trip, or can a general locksmith redo the lock?

thanks for your help.

 

It could just be seized if the key actually seems to fit. You should be able to zip the screws out to remove the panel inside the tailgate that covers the mechanism. Hit everything with WD40 and work the moving parts manually to unfreeze them. Worst case (ie it really is a tailgate or lock swap) you could probably change the lock mech yourself as it isn’t too complex in there.

 

Once you do get it open you could install a pop lock.

 

so i have had the back open in the past, and if i remember correctly, i was able to rotate the locking mechanism by hand from the back, but not with the key. could the lock cylinder itself be seized?

the lock would be super easy to get out. by "change" it, do you mean, change this one to work with my key, or swap it out for another lock cylinder??

 

its a nice thought, but i live in a pretty rural area and honestly, i rarely lock my truck... and would even more rarely lock the bed, even with a cap on. not to mention, id have to buy the pop lock option for the cap as well... so itd be $140 for the tailgate, plus another $140 for the cap... not something i think i need to have.

 

That lock on the back should have an identifier on it. Or, you can call Toyota dealer with your VIN and they should be able to order a new tailgate cylinder for you in the event that it is seized. I would start with some wd40/white lithium grease and try cleaning that cylinder out. My tailgate latches were nearly seized making it incredibly difficult to release the tailgate, white lithium grease took care of it for me, works like new now.

 

thanks. the identifier would only work if its the correct lock, and in this case, im not confident it is. but the VIN route should work nicely.

but to be honest, i find it real weird that it wouldn't be original. the truck only had 30k on it when i bought it 2 years ago, and they didn't live in an area you would think it would have been stolen, that it would need a replacement. and it definitely wasn't in an accident. ill have to give the lithium grease a try. even though the truck was garage kept, i suppose if they never used the lock it might have become seized in place.

 

I was meaning swap the cylinder if you had to but yes it could be seized. I actually had this issue with mine. It was the lever/toggle part moved by the cylinder that was stuck (I’m sure it has a proper name lol). Liberal wd40 and some fiddling with a flathead screwdriver got it all moving again.

 

Found that out when I was dealing with an issue with the dealership I bought my truck from. They only sold the truck with the Valet Key. Locksmith that was out here called Toyota and provided the VIN and gave him the key cut codes for my particular truck then programmed new master keys. He though my locks may have been switched out because they did NOT have the identifier on them like most Toyotas do. Even if Toyota cant provide a new cylinder for some reason, it may be worth reaching out to a locksmith to see if they can order a replacement with the appropriate lock combo you need that Toyota could provide. The lock cylinder in the back is pretty generic. Best of luck.

 

thanks. im going to try some penetrating oil and see if that will do the trick.. then try the dealer with a vin.... and if not, ill be calling a locksmith to see if they can get me an appropriate lock cylinder.. like i said, im pretty sure these arent valet keys cause they open the glovebox. but who knows.