tailgate lock

[Pooh]

I have a 2000 f150 and the ignition/door key doesnt lock the tailgate. Is there a way to have a key made for it? I dont think it is the original tailgate. Or will I end up changing the entire lock for the tailgate? It would be nice to lock the tailgate when Im out hunting. Anyone have any ideas?

[Macgyver55]

A locksmith can make a key for it (different than ignition), or you can remove the lock and re-key it so its the same as the ignition. If you replace it, it wont be the same anyway.

[Pooh]

whats it take to rekey the lock?

[Macgyver55]

They will have to remove the tumblers and put in the proper ones to match your ignition.

Very simple for a locksmith, especially if you remove the lock assembly and bring it in to them.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

If you replace it, get the tumbler from the dealership, and ask to have it coded to your "key" or you could have a new key cut by a locksmith like stated above.

[Tom7227]

FYI the local locksmith in White Bear Lake sold me a new ignition key for about half the cost that the dealer down the road wanted. Make a couple of calls and see what works for you. I saved $27.

[randerson]

Your lock should be keyed to the ignition key as it was a factory option

[SkunkedAgain]

It may have been a factory option, but the guy is saying that he thinks that the entire tailgate is aftermarket. Is it a standard lock or did someone install a PopLock in the tailgate? That might make a difference.

[Pooh]

the tailgate and lock are factory, just not the original on my vehicle. my ignition key fits the lock just wont lock or unlock it. If you look at the tailgate in the sun, freshly washed it looks to have been repainted. makes me think its not the original tailgate, handle and lock. Was hoping it was a possility to use my current ignition key and get the tailgate lock to match.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Once you pull the lock cylinder it is not that hard to pull them apart. You may even be able to rekey the one you have with the tumblers it has in it. There are plenty of videos on youtube that show how to do this.

With the tumblers exposed and the key installed you will see what lines up and what doesn't. With a little trial and error you should be able to reconfigure it to work with your key.

If all else fails you can still bring the lock cylinder and key to a lock smith or dealer and they will be able to get it to work.

The other possibility is that the cylinder is frozen from lack of use? Try spraying it out with brake clean then apply penetrating lube (deep creep of course would be great for this!). Then try turning the key. Repeat this several times. If you start to make some headway keep repeating. If nothing is happening then I would try rekeying it.

[Pooh]

thanks airjer