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If your F-150 tailgate won’t open, start with the simple causes: the truck is locked, the tailgate is under pressure from a load or ice, or (on power release tailgates) the button needs a double press. After that, look at the handle, the latch rods and clips inside the tailgate, the latches themselves, and on power tailgates the fuse and lock actuator. Below is a step-by-step checklist, Ford’s official note on 2015–2020 power release tailgates, and four parts that were in stock on Amazon US (ZIP 10001) when we checked.
Quick fix to try first: unlock the truck with the remote or the power unlock button, put it in Park, and press the tailgate button (inside or on the handle) twice within three seconds. That’s how Ford’s owner’s manual addendum says to open 2015–2020 power release tailgates after Customer Satisfaction Program 21M06. On a manual tailgate, take the load off it and pull the handle while a helper presses the top of the tailgate gently toward the cab.
Common Causes at a Glance
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Button does nothing | Truck locked, not in Park, single press after the 21M06 update, low fob battery, or an electrical fault | Unlock, Park, press twice within 3 seconds; then have the circuit checked |
| Handle moves freely, tailgate stays shut | Latch rod popped off its clip, or a broken handle | Inspect behind the inner panel; replace clip or handle |
| Handle is stiff or won’t move | Dirty, corroded or frozen latches; load pressing on the tailgate | Take the pressure off, thaw, clean and lubricate |
| One side releases, the other doesn’t | One latch or rod sticking | Lubricate; replace the latch if it stays stuck |
| Power release dead, manual handle works | Fuse, wiring or lock actuator | Check the relevant fuse in your owner’s manual chart; diagnose before replacing parts |
| Key won’t turn (older trucks) | Dry or worn lock cylinder | Lock lubricant; replace the cylinder or handle |
Step-by-Step: Getting a Stuck F-150 Tailgate Open
- Unlock the truck. On trucks with a power-locking tailgate, the tailgate locks with the doors. Use the remote or the power unlock button, and try again.
- Use the right button sequence. For 2015–2020 power release tailgates after Ford’s 21M06 update, Ford says the truck must be in Park to operate the power release tailgate; press the instrument panel button twice within three seconds, or, outside, unlock and press the button on top of the tailgate handle twice within three seconds. With intelligent access, the tailgate unlocks when the key is within 3 ft (1 m) and you press the release button.
- Take the pressure off. A load leaning on the tailgate, a bed cover or a cargo bar can bind the latches. Move it, then pull the handle while a helper presses the top of the tailgate gently toward the cab.
- Check for ice. In freezing weather, let the latches thaw (park somewhere warm) rather than forcing the handle.
- Try every release method your truck has. If the power release does nothing but the manual handle works, look at the electrical side (step 7). If none works, recheck that the tailgate is unlocked, then look at both the mechanical (step 6) and electrical causes.
- Mechanical: handle, rods, clips and latches. If the handle moves with no resistance, a latch rod has likely come off its plastic clip or the handle has broken. The rods and clips are behind the tailgate’s inner panel; with the tailgate closed, getting to them is harder, so follow the Ford workshop manual or have a shop open it. Clean and lubricate stiff latches; replace a handle, clip or latch that’s broken.
- Electrical: fuse, wiring and actuator. Look up the relevant circuit in your truck’s owner’s manual fuse chart and replace a blown fuse only with one of the specified rating. If it blows again, stop and have the circuit diagnosed. A failed tailgate lock actuator can leave the tailgate locked; check the wiring and the actuator’s operation before replacing it.
- Check open programs and recalls. Ford’s dealer bulletin for Customer Satisfaction Program 21M06 (on NHTSA’s site) covers certain 2015–2020 F-150s with a power release tailgate for unintended opening, with a no-cost repair (if needed) for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start. Ask a Ford dealer to check your VIN.
Don’t force the tailgate open with a pry bar: you can bend the tailgate or damage the latches and make the repair bigger.
Keep It From Happening Again
- Clean the latches and strikers when you wash the truck, and lubricate them a few times a year and before winter.
- Don’t load cargo so it leans on the closed tailgate.
- Check that the tailgate is fully latched on both sides after closing it; Ford’s customer sheet notes a tailgate can look closed but not be fully latched.
- Replace a weak key fob battery before it causes lock problems.
4 Parts for Common F-150 Tailgate Fixes
| Part | Fits (per listing) | Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| LiquidFix Door, Lock and Hinge Lubricant | Multipurpose (car hinges and locks per listing) | May ease stiffness from friction; won’t fix broken parts |
| Tailgate Handle (2004–2014 F-150) | 2004–2014 F-150 and selected Super Duty models; check exact fit | Broken handle on older trucks |
| Dorman 38673 Tailgate Latch | F-150 1997–2016 and other listed Ford/Lincoln models | A side latch that stays stuck |
| Tailgate Lock Actuator (2017–2021) | 2017–2021 F-150, F-250, F-350 | Power-locking tailgate that won’t unlock |
LiquidFix Door, Lock and Hinge Lubricant
A lock and hinge lubricant with a 4 oz dropper and a 0.5 oz needle oiler for getting into latch pivots and locks. The listing says it stays fluid down to -55 °F, which helps with winter latch problems. Use Ford’s specified lubricant if your manual names one. Clean the latch first, apply a little, and work the handle several times; it can ease a stiff latch but won’t fix a broken one.
- Multi-Purpose Lubricant: LIQUIDFIX Door, Lock & Hinge Lubricant offers a complete solution for cleaning and maintaining …
- No More Squeaks: Instantly silence squeaks and eliminate unwanted sounds in door hinges and sliding door tracks for a qu…
- Easy Application: Two bottle sizes make application easy; use the 4 oz bottle for larger applications and easy refilling…
Tailgate Handle for 2004–2014 F-150
A replacement handle listed for the 2004–2014 F-150, 2008–2016 F-250, F-350 and F-450 Super Duty, 2010–2016 F-550 Super Duty and other listed models, with the OE numbers it replaces (8L3Z-9943400-AA and others) and a gasket. Check it matches your handle style (keyhole, camera, chrome or black) before ordering.
- FITMENT:Tailgate Handle Compatible with 2004-2014 Ford F-150, 2008-2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty, 2008-2016 Ford F-350 Supe…
- REPLACE OE NUMBER:Tailgete door handle replaces 8L3Z-9943400-AA, 4L3Z-9943400-AAA, 8L3Z9943400AA, 4L3Z9943400AAA, FO1915…
- Easy to Install: The new tailgate Handle has undergone a rigorous testing to ensure proper operating parameters to facto…
Dorman 38673 Tailgate Latch (Left or Right)
A replacement side latch; the listing title says left or right, but confirm the installation position for your truck. Dorman’s description lists the F-150 from 1997 to 2016 among other Ford and Lincoln models, and says to confirm fit for your trim with Amazon’s garage tool before buying.
- Direct replacement – this tailgate latch is designed to match the fit and function of the original latch on specified ve…
- Restores functionality – this latch is made to fit and fully restore part functionality after the original latch fails
- Durable construction – this part is made from quality materials to ensure reliable performance and long service life
Tailgate Lock Actuator for 2017–2021 F-150
A power tailgate lock actuator listed for the 2017–2021 F-150, F-250 and F-350, with the Ford part numbers it replaces (GC3Z-9943170-E, FL3Z-9943170-C and others). Match the part number on your old actuator before ordering.
- VEHICLE FITMENT – rear gate powered tailgate lock actuator designed to fit 2017-2021 ford f150, f250, f350. this rear ta…
- REFERENCE PART NUMBER – replaces GC3Z9943170E, GC3Z-9943170-E, FL3Z-9943170-C, GC3Z-9943170-A, GC3Z-9943170-B, GC3Z-9943…
- EASY INSTALLATION – enjoy a straightforward installation process with no need for special tools or modifications. Simply…
Black Friday Tip and Gift Idea
Black Friday tip: if your tailgate handle or latch is getting stiff, note your truck’s year, trim and the part number on the old part now. When deals go live, check the listing’s fit list against your truck before you buy, and compare the current price.
Gift idea: a lock and hinge lubricant is a small, useful stocking stuffer for any truck owner heading into winter.
FAQ
First make sure the truck is unlocked. On 2015–2020 F-150s with a power release tailgate that have had Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program 21M06 done, Ford says the truck must be in Park to operate the power release tailgate, and to press the button twice within three seconds, inside or on top of the tailgate handle. If it still won’t release, have the circuit and the tailgate lock checked.
How do I open an F-150 tailgate that’s stuck shut?
Take any load or pressure off the tailgate, unlock the truck, and try the handle while a helper pushes the top of the tailgate gently toward the cab. If ice is the problem, let it thaw. If the handle moves freely but nothing happens, a latch rod or clip has probably come loose inside the tailgate; the latch rods are behind the inner panel, so follow the Ford workshop manual or have a shop open it.
Does the F-150 tailgate lock with the doors?
On trucks with a power-locking or power release tailgate, yes: Ford’s addendum for 2015–2020 power release tailgates says to unlock the vehicle with the remote or the power unlock button before using the outside tailgate button. Locking arrangements vary by year and equipment, so check your owner’s manual.
What does Ford’s program 21M06 cover?
It’s a Customer Satisfaction Program for certain 2015–2020 F-150s with a power release tailgate, about unintended tailgate opening. Per the dealer bulletin on NHTSA’s site, it gives a no-cost repair (if needed) of the power release tailgate feature for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever comes first, and adds the Park and double-press requirement. Ask a Ford dealer whether your VIN is covered.
Can I replace an F-150 tailgate handle or latch myself?
Many owners do, with basic tools and the inner panel off, but buy the part listed for your exact year and trim (camera, keyhole and power release versions differ) and follow the workshop manual. If the tailgate won’t open at all, the job is harder; a shop can open it and fix the cause.
What lubricant should I use on a tailgate latch?
Use the lubricant Ford specifies if your manual or workshop manual names one; otherwise a lock and hinge lubricant or a white lithium grease made for latches and hinges. Lubricant can help a stiff latch but won’t fix a broken part. Clean off dirt first, apply sparingly to the latch and pivot points, and work the handle several times. Don’t put grease into a key cylinder; use a lock lubricant there.
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