2013 F-150 tailgate not latching

[BartmanMN]

Does anyone have troubles with their tailgate not wanting to latch when it it really cold out. I've had a couple nights where when closing it from the middle like I always do, it just bounces back and does not latch. Last night I figured I could push with my hands closer to the latches on the back of the tailgate and that seemed to work.

My truck has a standard rollup tunnel cover if that matters. Has anyone else noticed this?

[Eric Wettschreck]

My chevy's have done this often. A shot of WD-40 in the little tabs that stick out the side and under the handle have done the trick.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

I have not had any similar complaints as of yet with this concern, but a little lube wouldn't hurt.

(I work at a ford dealership)

[JeremyCampbell]

Same thing with mine but it got to the point where lube wasn't working anymore so I ripped off the plastic interior of the tail gate and now I just reach in and manually push the lever down to open.I'm sure I could have handled it a better way but that's how I role.

[delcecchi]

Same thing with mine but it got to the point where lube wasn't working anymore so I ripped off the plastic interior of the tail gate and now I just reach in and manually push the lever down to open.I'm sure I could have handled it a better way but that's how I role.

Seems a little, uh harsh?, for a pretty much brand new truck.

[JeremyCampbell]

My bad I didn't mention that mine isn't brand new.This is my second f150 and both had that issue. but It's a fl50 and I've heard similar complaints about the tailgate latch sticking on the fords

[Scott K]

Quote:

My truck has a standard rollup tunnel cover if that matters. Has anyone else noticed this?

If you roll this up, does it open and close better? The cover could be in the way, and need to be adjusted.

[givetoget]

no problems here yet.

[delcecchi]

My bad I didn't mention that mine isn't brand new.This is my second f150 and both had that issue. but It's a fl50 and I've heard similar complaints about the tailgate latch sticking on the fords

I figured yours wasn't brand new. I have done equivalent things on older vehicles, like duct tape over the rust holes.

Personally if it was my 2013, I would be stopping by a dealer.

[BartmanMN]

I'll take a closer look at it the next time it happens. The last time it happened, I stuck my finger in the holes on each end and the latch moved freely, so that was not stuck. It does act like something is blocking it. Usually I am leaving hockey with my son at night, and don't want to play with it much.

Since it does not sound like others are having the issue, I'll just have the dealer take a peek if I can't figure it out.

[SkunkedAgain]

It's usually just scissor link operating the tailgate, so there are only one or two spots where it could be having problems:

1) Tailgate itself not closing

a) check for ice

check tonneau cover

2) Tailgate not latching

a) grease tabs where they move out of the tailgate

open tailgate (usually a few bolts/screws) and grease the scissor links; also check for obstructions

I'd follow the other advice on a 2013 though, and take it to the dealer because that shouldn't be happening on a newer vehicle.

[BartmanMN]

It appears to have something to do with the tonneau cover to some degree. I'll keep playing around with it.

[HNTNBUX]

I was advised to open the latch on the cover to preserve the seal and it can get in the way.

[SkunkedAgain]

It depends on the cover. None of my Truxedo or Access covers every needed to be unlatched to preserve the seal or allow the tailgate to function properly. I assume that every brand is different, but I also think that if the cover is in the way then it is either not a good fit for the vehicle or not installed correctly.

[Ballyhoo]

My 13 F150 latches just fine. My prior 2 Dodges tailgates were horrible. As soon as it got -10 or colder the tailgate would not latch. If you sprayed the latches with WD-40 and worked them a couple of times then it would latch. I hope I don't have the same issue on my Ford. I also had covers on all 3 pickups and on the Dodges, it didn't matter if they were open or closed.

[BartmanMN]

Came down to my Line X spray in liner adding that additional depth to the bed and tailgate. I will either be trimming the rubber tailgate bump stops or taking them out completely. The tonneau cover has it's own bump stops as well.