Mr.Electron
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- #1
I have seen alot of posts regarding the power tailgate issues. After collecting data from multiple sources I have determined the fault to be due to poor fore thought and an overlook during the quality control phase of the design of this truck.
Once I opened the tailgate back cover I realized the primary water drains for the tailgate step ladder and the spring loaded clamp mounting holes are pouring water on the tailgate connectors. The drains are located right above the connectors for the light bar, primary junction connector between ladder rails, and the tailgate body control module. Additionally under the body control module is the motor/connector that actuates the tailgate up and down.
I fabricated a bottle cover for all 4 connectors. I tried to take multiple photos but it was dark but hopefully it highlights the concerning areas well.
I basically removed all connectors in the tailgate and filled them with dielectric grease.
Then I crafted some deflectors out of some plastic bottles I had. Where I could I notched out the plastic to fit under the connector mount and it appears to hold securely. All edges of the plastic bottles were heated by a lighter briefly to remove the sharp edge to protect the wiring from chafing. I made a point to not encapsulate the connectors so they could breathe freely.
I reset the battery and I had an issue where the tailgate was not responding to button presses. I had to manually close it and it worked perfectly fine after that. I assume it is because the tailgate position sense needed to be calibrated by closing the tailgate.
Note: One of the contact pins on my light bar was so corroded from water intrusion it just popped off.
Note #2: There is a connector near the spare tire that comes out of the tailgate it is white/tan in color. I also found water in that connector. I suspect the water saturating the connector between the ladder rail is seeping between the conductor and its insulation to drain via gravity into the lower connector by the spare tire. I just filled that one with dielectric grease as well.
Once I opened the tailgate back cover I realized the primary water drains for the tailgate step ladder and the spring loaded clamp mounting holes are pouring water on the tailgate connectors. The drains are located right above the connectors for the light bar, primary junction connector between ladder rails, and the tailgate body control module. Additionally under the body control module is the motor/connector that actuates the tailgate up and down.
I fabricated a bottle cover for all 4 connectors. I tried to take multiple photos but it was dark but hopefully it highlights the concerning areas well.
I basically removed all connectors in the tailgate and filled them with dielectric grease.
Then I crafted some deflectors out of some plastic bottles I had. Where I could I notched out the plastic to fit under the connector mount and it appears to hold securely. All edges of the plastic bottles were heated by a lighter briefly to remove the sharp edge to protect the wiring from chafing. I made a point to not encapsulate the connectors so they could breathe freely.
I reset the battery and I had an issue where the tailgate was not responding to button presses. I had to manually close it and it worked perfectly fine after that. I assume it is because the tailgate position sense needed to be calibrated by closing the tailgate.
Note: One of the contact pins on my light bar was so corroded from water intrusion it just popped off.
Note #2: There is a connector near the spare tire that comes out of the tailgate it is white/tan in color. I also found water in that connector. I suspect the water saturating the connector between the ladder rail is seeping between the conductor and its insulation to drain via gravity into the lower connector by the spare tire. I just filled that one with dielectric grease as well.
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