Tailgate lock starting to act up

My tailgate lock is starting to act up so at times I have to jiggle and mess with it to get it to lock.

It is the manual, lock with key. I dont need a remote/electric setup, just would like what I have got to work. I am afraid it may hang up and I wont be able to unlock it or get it to lock which could be problematic since I have a bed cover.

So I am sure this has happened to others. Is it easy enough to replace the lock cylinder?

I am not finding much in searching here or web, plenty have replaced the tailgate handle but I am not seeing anything about the lock.

I am really not interested in a remote lock, I dont need that ability and would rather not run any wiring.

Any maybe it is not the lock, could be some other part in there so looking for any insight from those that have had the tailgate latch/lock/handle apart.

 

Have you taken the inside tailgate panel off and looked inside?
It may be as easy as tightening a loose bolt or something.
I'd also try lubricating the lock cylinder with silicone spray or graphite powder if you have it.


Although you made it very clear you didn't want a pop & lock, I have no regrets about installing mine.
I know the tailgate is locked when I lock the truck.
It's easy to unlock without having to use the key..
It only took a couple of hours to install..

DIY Guide to installing OEM led Bed Light and Pop & lock for tailgate | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

Good luck..

 

Ive not opened it up at all. I have found a couple vids of first gen tailgate handle replacement and one for a 2007 latch replacement.

I could be open to a fully plug and play option for remote lock, I just don't want to deal with running wires, tapping, etc. Im fine with my keyed setup and a simple fix if desired.

 

#12 in the 2nd breakdown....I don't think it would be hard at all.

https://www.sparksparts.com/v-2016-toyota-tundra--sr5--5-7l-v8-gas/body--tail-gate

 

I'd pull the panel and check it out.
Make sure everything is tight..
I can't remember what it looks like in there but there are some screws or clamps that may have worked loose.

They do now make a plug-and-play pop and lock for the tundra.
Although there is no way around running a line to the cab.
I just zip-tied mine to existing wire looms, poked a hole in the rubber bushing in the driver's floorboard, and tapped into the appropriate wires.
Looks like now they have a PNP adapter so there is no wiretapping..

Pop & Lock Custom Tailgate Lock with Plug & Play T-Harness - Power - Black Pop and Lock Vehicle Locks PL94FR (etrailer.com)

 

Damn...someone is encouraging me to want a pop and lock now.

 

I certainly would have thought you already had one.

Before I had it, even though I'd rarely unlock the tailgate, I would always pull the handle when I parked the truck.
I KNEW it was locked, but issues get the best of me..

It's nice to know it is locked every time I lock the doors.
I hear the newer ones with the plastic cases are a little quieter than my old-school PNL.

Old one


New one


Also the newer ones have the replacement grommet for the tailgate that has room for OEM wires and the P&L wire.
Had to shove both of mine into the OEM grommet.

 

Yep, my 19 has already needed this. Open it up, clean out the old dirty grease as much as you can, and relube.

 

If you have a spare key that isn’t worn at all, try that. Just not the grey valet key.

Or, I’d have a new key cut by key code (can be a cheap, non-transponder key) and see it that works well.

As the key wears, mainly from use in the ignition, it will stick in the tailgate lock and in the driver’s door lock first.

Had this very issue with mine, and that was the fix.

 

I am in this exact same boat I've just been to lazy to make a thread about it. Mine is stuck in the unlocked position

 

I recently replaced the lock with a OEM part because it was missing when I bought the truck. So it locks and unlocks just fine, my issue is, the lock falls into the gate sometimes when I try to insert the key. Should I assume the socket/clip in the handle is worn causing this issue and replace it?