‘24 Owners Who Removed Tailgate

[AlanDickman]

Yes, I picked up a week ago. Took it out camping and everything worked perfectly.

My Windows don't fold automatically (I can do manually) and I have the tailgate open red icon on dash. Only two issues which I can probably live with. My local Ford dealer investigated the issue with their head tech and came up with a fix they are willing to do, but cost not covered by warranty. Said probably $400 bucks so I am kicking this around.

I had to call the dealer I purchased the truck from and had them send me the tailgate delete kit which they did free of charge. These are really only caps so they do not change the operation of anything.

Keep me posted on what you find out.

View attachment 198895

Thanks. Good looking rig!

You say windows don’t fold automatically, do you mean side mirrors? That would be a big deal for me.

As I understand it, there are caps for the smaller connections that don’t do anything, as you say. But what I am reading is that reconnecting the two larger plugs (one black, one gray) does matter and is the source of the other troubles.

I hope to get this figured out when I go to my dealer this Friday, I’ll try to remember to let you know what I learn.
Alan

 

[Blade420Play🔪🏆]

Thanks. Good looking rig!

You say windows don’t fold automatically, do you mean side mirrors? That would be a big deal for me.

As I understand it, there are caps for the smaller connections that don’t do anything, as you say. But what I am reading is that reconnecting the two larger plugs (one black, one gray) does matter and is the source of the other troubles.

I hope to get this figured out when I go to my dealer this Friday, I’ll try to remember to let you know what I learn.
Alan

If you have the tailgate "ajar" the automatic mirrors won't work until you "close" the tailgate. I didn't remove my tailgate but found this out one night trying to lock my truck from my camper. It would lock but the mirrors wouldn't fold until I bumped the tailgate with my shoulder to get that last little click

 

[AdvTremor]

Thanks. Good looking rig!

You say windows don’t fold automatically, do you mean side mirrors? That would be a big deal for me.

As I understand it, there are caps for the smaller connections that don’t do anything, as you say. But what I am reading is that reconnecting the two larger plugs (one black, one gray) does matter and is the source of the other troubles.

I hope to get this figured out when I go to my dealer this Friday, I’ll try to remember to let you know what I learn.
Alan

Sorry I meant mirrors not windows.

The caps don't don anything but cap the connectors at least in my case and what others have said.

My dealer has a workaround similar to what is posted on here, but have not had them do this since I might try to do this myself.

 

[Chadx]

Yes, I know about this, but with my hacking abilities not sure I could tackle this on my own. I might later if I get to that point.

Take it to the dealership, armed with data from this thread, and make them fix your "tailgate removal harness" to make it work how it is supposed to. They will do it under warranty.

 

[AdvTremor]

I tried with my local dealer. First they gave me the run around. After that they came up with a fix but want to charge which does not make sense. Tried calling Ford warranty telephone number but they are of no use. I might try another dealer.

Thx

 

[F350Dan]

I tried working with the dealer, they told me they can only do what Ford tells them to do. ( and get paid by Ford)

 

[Chadx]

I tried working with the dealer, they told me they can only do what Ford tells them to do. ( and get paid by Ford)

Ford says the "tailgate removal kit" is used to eliminate the tailgate ajar warning and associated issues when the tailgate is removed. This is how all previous harnesses worked before 2024 harnesses. And, if it was expected, then why would Ford even create and include a kit that does nothing?

It is a defect and covered under warranty. Either push the issue with your dealership or find one not so lazy (and tell the lazy dealership you'll remember their level of service when making your next vehicle purchase...with a smile, of course. Ha).

 

[F350Dan]

I built a patched harness myself. It works as it should.

 

[Gormagander]

This non-Tremor owner has benefited greatly from your discussion. Thank you! Here's another FYI that might help.
2024 F-250 XLT with 360 degree cameras, build date 9/24. It has 3 connections on the tailgate cable: camera, black connector, white connector.
A)
I disconnected the camera and the other 2 connections:
No tailgate disconnected or open warning
Reverse camera is blue screen and all other cameras work, including 360
In reverse, parking sensor problem warning with continuous tone
B)
I connected the Ford tailgate removal kit (not modified) that connects the white and black connectors; capped off the camera connect:
No tailgate disconnected or open warning
Reverse camera is blue screen and all other cameras work, including 360
No parking sensor warning - parking sensors are working (I know because the disconnected tailgate in down position triggered them.)

I was taking off the tailgate to mount a Four Wheel Camper, moved from my 2019 F-250 XL. I had an auxiliary camera that used a 6-pin connect. The 2024 has a small coax connect. Now I'll have to find an adapter or maybe use my Garmin GPS's wireless camera on the license plate frame.

Thanks to all of you! I hope I can be of assistance in some way later.

 

[AdvTremor]

My dealer is worthless and my handy skills are not too good as well.

If someone was so inclined could someone make the fix for some dollars.

Not sure if possible or if worth the money but putting it out there.

Thanks

 

[twd013]

Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for all this. I experienced the same issue when I removed the tailgate on my 2024 F250 XLT (plus some comfort/safety options, e.g. 360 degree camera). I purchased the pigtails from Digikey, installed them and now pretty much everything is working now (dummy light out, mirrors retract, Park Assist working). The only thing not quite back to normal is that I'm getting the "Reverse Brake Assist not available message" which I hope will disappear next time I drive it out of the driveway.

I can't thank you all enough for troubleshooting this and making the fix available to everyone!

For those interested, the tailgate came off to install my 2025 Overland Explorer Vehicles (OEV) Back Country. Also, I'm curious, is this the same @Chadx that was so helpful on an OEV Overlanding thread a couple years ago?

 

[the1adman]

Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for all this. I experienced the same issue when I removed the tailgate on my 2024 F250 XLT (plus some comfort/safety options, e.g. 360 degree camera). I purchased the pigtails from Digikey, installed them and now pretty much everything is working now (dummy light out, mirrors retract, Park Assist working). The only thing not quite back to normal is that I'm getting the "Reverse Brake Assist not available message" which I hope will disappear next time I drive it out of the driveway.

I can't thank you all enough for troubleshooting this and making the fix available to everyone!

For those interested, the tailgate came off to install my 2025 Overland Explorer Vehicles (OEV) Back Country. Also, I'm curious, is this the same @Chadx that was so helpful on an OEV Overlanding thread a couple years ago?

Was the pigtail from Digikey already modified? Do you have a link to the pigtails?

 

[twd013]

Was the pigtail from Digikey already modified? Do you have a link to the pigtails?

The "pigtails" I purchased from Digikey were just single wires with the correct Molex connector on one side and a pre-tinned bare wire on the other side. I followed the instructions in this thread (starts around Page 7) and inserted the three wires into the black Molex connector, then soldered the other ends together. The Digikey link is back in this thread somewhere but if you can't find it, I can add a link. You'll really want to read all of the good information others have already put there. I merely benefited from their efforts.

Update: Here's the Digikey link: https://www.digikey.com/en/products...?s=N4IgTCBcDaIJwAYEFowEYBsBmBa3rGQDkAREAXQF8g

 

[Chadx]

....Also, I'm curious, is this the same @Chadx that was so helpful on an OEV Overlanding thread a couple years ago?

If you are referring to the Expedition Portal forum, than yes, 'tis I. Same handle on that forum.

 

[twd013]

If you are referring to the Expedition Portal forum, than yes, 'tis I. Same handle on that forum.

That's the one!

Well then, extra thanks to you as I'm sure your inputs to OEV have found their way into my rig. Also, I personally got a lot out of your posts to help me prepare for my own Back Country - from your dimensions drawing to your choice of stairs. We're loving ours so far even though we've been confined to the east coast so far.

 

[AlanDickman]

Update: Just received the parts for my replacement backup camera that will mount on my camper, so went out to try that. At the same time, figured I'd check all the plugs for the "tailgate removed" kit. Unplugged, replugged, started truck; no difference. Unplugged all, restarted; same lights and messages. Plugged in all blanks and harness with truck running; no difference. Turned off, restarted; no difference. Checked for software updates, too, and none available.

Knew my salesman was working today so gave him a quick call. He is aware of the issue and has other '24 owners that have the same thing when they took off their tailgates (one replaced bed with flatbed). It's like the plug-to-plug bypass harness is dead or not working or not wire/pinned correctly. He'd turned those over to service and hadn't followed up to see the outcome so he is going to write up a ticket for mine on Monday when service department opens. It's opined that this is not an issue with the trucks, but is a bad batch of harnesses (meaning defective or wired/pinned wrong). Will find out more Monday when/if service department calls me with an update. Perhaps the news will be "Come on in and grab a different harness. We've got some laying here". or will be "We have you on the list for when Ford mother ship makes some correct/replacement harnesses is available".

Interestingly, when I plugged in my new backup camera, the backup camera view works when in reverse and also when sitting still through the camera select buttons, but all other cameras stopped working (blue screen). Unplug the backup camera cable and all other cameras work fine. Did that a couple times with same result. Assume that is a byproduct of the "tailgate ajar" error as well so will leave camera off and blank plug on the camera plug until the 'tailgate ajar' issue is resolved then try the camera again.

A year plus on, but I am having a similar problem with a 2024 Lariat. tailgate delete kit doesn't trick the truck into thinking all is good with the tailgate (red icon, power mirrors don't fold, touch key pad doesn't work...) Did you ever solve this problem?

 

[Chadx]

A year plus on, but I am having a similar problem with a 2024 Lariat. tailgate delete kit doesn't trick the truck into thinking all is good with the tailgate (red icon, power mirrors don't fold, touch key pad doesn't work...) Did you ever solve this problem?

Yes, there is a solution. Start reading from this post on: https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/24-owners-who-removed-tailgate.18096/page-5#post-403132

 

[AlanDickman]

Another grateful reader. Following these wonderful instructions and photos, My 2024 Lariat no longer has the red tailgate down icon, the mirrors auto fold again, and the guidelines for the (replacement) backup camera are back. The only thing that I notice still not working is the door handle touch pad and keypad for locking and unlocking doors. Perhaps tha is a separate problem, but it started happening around the time I took the tailgate off. It’s possible that both the truck battery and key battery are low, even though the truck is only six months old. I’m ver happy andd grateful to have accomplished this much, however

 

[Chadx]

FYI, I had no issues with touch pad or keypad during all of this, nor heard of others with that issue. I suspect it is unrelated.

 

[AlanDickman]

FYI, I had no issues with touch pad or keypad during all of this, nor heard of others with that issue. I suspect it is unrelated.

Thanks for that confirmation of my suspicion. I am wondering if it has to do with low battery, either truck or key or both. Although it locks remotely with the fob, so…