Inoperable Tailgate

[AP in MD]

2023 F150 Lightning Lariat-In early March 2026, started getting tailgate warnings; chimes and warnings every 15 seconds while driving. Took it to the dealer and they told me the tailgate harness was bad and needed to be replaced, but no parts. Put tailgate in manual mode, but could still use it. After a few weeks, when I press the button, I would get 3 beeps, but it would not open. Now, when I press the button, I get nothing. So, like others, I have a $75k worthless pickup truck that I cannot open the tailgate. Any suggestions on what to check?

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[richguy82]

I had a similar issue once. I ended up having to push the tailgate in hard while pushing the button. Worth a try, hopefully it works for you.

 

[AP in MD]

I had a similar issue once. I ended up having to push the tailgate in hard while pushing the button. Worth a try, hopefully it works for you.

thanks..tried that with no luck...

 

[richguy82]

thanks..tried that with no luck...

I can’t recall if I was in auto or manual mode when I did it. You’ve likely tried both. Back to the dealer I suppose .

 

[Heliian]

Does it work with the button inside the truck or the key fob?

 

[AP in MD]

Does it work with the button inside the truck or the key fob?

Nope...not even a "beeping" sound anymore...nothing. Checked the fuse and it looks fine.

 

[tubby]

Maybe somehow rig a temp manual puller once you take the inside tailgate cover off...if you can use the puller with your tonneau cover?

 

[oldman_74]

Amazon 2017 - 2021 https://www.amazon.com/Tailgate-Act...rd+f-150+tailgate+,aps,237&xpid=TMHj6fdFqmT94

Amazon 2017-2024 https://www.amazon.com/QIUMATIC-201...ightning+tailgate+parts&qid=1777991936&sr=8-2

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

2023 F150 Lightning Lariat-In early March 2026, started getting tailgate warnings; chimes and warnings every 15 seconds while driving. Took it to the dealer and they told me the tailgate harness was bad and needed to be replaced, but no parts. Put tailgate in manual mode, but could still use it. After a few weeks, when I press the button, I would get 3 beeps, but it would not open. Now, when I press the button, I get nothing. So, like others, I have a $75k worthless pickup truck that I cannot open the tailgate. Any suggestions on what to check?

Is it still under warranty?

 

[AP in MD]

Maybe somehow rig a temp manual puller once you take the inside tailgate cover off...if you can use the puller with your tonneau cover?

Hmmm...haven't tried that and my tailgate is a little different, but worth a shot! thank you!

 

[AP in MD]

Is it still under warranty?

Just a few miles over 36k...of course

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