‘24 Owners Who Removed Tailgate

[Trapper]

Figured it out.
When I put the tailgate on, I had the wires in the bed, and had to go somewhere and closed it. Well, with an electronic latch, you can’t open it. I had to take the panel off and access the inside of the tailgate, look in with a light, and reach in with a screwdriver to pop each latch by turning the plastic screw the direction of the arrow. Very easy to do, and pops quick with just a slight turn, but I found out in my troubleshooting, you must also turn the screw back the other direction. Doh!
Everything works fine now, and anyone reading this just learned how to pop a locked electronic tailgate.

 

[Chadx]

Figured it out.
When I put the tailgate on, I had the wires in the bed, and had to go somewhere and closed it. Well, with an electronic latch, you can’t open it. I had to take the panel off and access the inside of the tailgate, look in with a light, and reach in with a screwdriver to pop each latch by turning the plastic screw the direction of the arrow. Very easy to do, and pops quick with just a slight turn, but I found out in my troubleshooting, you must also turn the screw back the other direction. Doh!
Everything works fine now, and anyone reading this just learned how to pop a locked electronic tailgate.

Glad you are now good to go.

Yeah, the tailgate thieves already know this and can remove our expensive tailgates extremely fast and easy. Makes me miss mechanical handle tailgates with a keyed lock.

 

[Mr. D]

Great thread folks! I just purchased my 23 f350 from a neighbor with a camper. He put the tailgate back on, but the backup camera displays a mostly blue screen and the guide bars. No warnings or errors . I cleaned the connectors, but still no joy - thoughts?

 

[dv8ing]

Wanted to give a big thanks to everyone on this thread that figured this out! Was able to make the modification with ease yesterday and everything is now working great. I ended up getting 10 of the pigtails from digikey, so if anyone needs some, I am happy to mail out the extra ones I have.

 

[Twowheels19]

Wanted to give a big thanks to everyone on this thread that figured this out! Was able to make the modification with ease yesterday and everything is now working great. I ended up getting 10 of the pigtails from digikey, so if anyone needs some, I am happy to mail out the extra ones I have.

@dv8ing ,
I’d be interested in some of your leftovers.

 

[dv8ing]

@dv8ing ,
I’d be interested in some of your leftovers.

Sent you a direct Message. Happy to mail some your way.

 

[jpaul]

2025 tailgate issue fixed

UPDATE Edit on 04/01/2025 Post #17 Screenshot of all the networks and modules in my truck. ... ... ... Module names: FD1 - Network PCM Powertrain Control Module ABS Anti-Lock Brake System AWD All-Wheel Drive BCM Body Control Module BCMC Body Control Module C IPMA Image Processing Module A TCM...

www.fordtremor.com

Shared this on the '25 tailgate page, figured I'd share here because this thread gave me all the inspiration to do this fix myself. Dealership wasn't much help so I took matters into my own hands. Crazy to think we are in production year 2026 and no fix from Ford.

 

[Slippers]

I wonder if the upcoming OTA for this recall will resolve some of our issues:

Ford Is Recalling 4.3 Million Vehicles That Can Lose Brake Light Function While Trailering

The integrated trailer module can lose connection with the car, which can stop the trailer brake lights and turn signals from functioning.

www.caranddriver.com

 

[pedroonvaca]

Wanted to give a big thanks to everyone on this thread that figured this out! Was able to make the modification with ease yesterday and everything is now working great. I ended up getting 10 of the pigtails from digikey, so if anyone needs some, I am happy to mail out the extra ones I have.

I know it's been a while since your post offering leftover wires. If you have any I'd be interested. Thanks.(don't see myself needing a dozen...)

 

[jpaul]

I know it's been a while since your post offering leftover wires. If you have any I'd be interested. Thanks.(don't see myself needing a dozen...)

I have 3 left from an old harness if you want them. I'm down the road in Erie, CO if you want to swing by and pick them up.

 

[pedroonvaca]

I have 3 left from an old harness if you want them. I'm down the road in Erie, CO if you want to swing by and pick them up.

That would be great. I’ll dm you.

 

[pedroonvaca]

I have 3 left from an old harness if you want them. I'm down the road in Erie, CO if you want to swing by and pick them up.

Thanks again. Installed and working great.

 

[SlowernOlder]

Wanted to report this worked on my 2026. Thanks to all that contributed to this thread.

 

[tec69e]

New member with a 2026 F-350 Lariat. Found this thread when I asked ChatGPT for a fix to the 'tailgate ajar' message. Thankful to all that contributed their experiences to this 'fix'. And strange the 'tailgate delete' kit has not addressed this yet. Happy trails . . .

 

[Chadx]

...And strange the 'tailgate delete' kit has not addressed this yet.

Still an issue with the '26? Dang.
Well, maybe with the next superduty redesign? Ha.

I guess too many of us have fixed it ourselves and not enough people have made Ford fix it. It would be such an easy change/fix to correctly ground the tailgate removal harness for their suppliers next run.

 

[tec69e]

Yep, my dealer said it needed a software update. But then I found this 'thread' and the experiences documented here compelled me to DIY it. So glad I did. And you are right, it would be an easy fix to just add the three wires to ground the tailgate. Suppose the population of 'tailgate delete' folks is not a priority yet. Thanks again for sharing this 'fix' . . . . I read all of your posts. Really nice to get rid of that error message and have my rearview mirrors operational again.

My next project will be installing the 'trailer camera' (ford accessory) on the back of my Northern Lite camper. Should be a no-brainer . . . famous last words.

BTW, if anyone is in need . . . I have 7 extra 16 awg leads from DigiKey.