Gladiator tailgate actuator drama...

[Wasatch1]

So this is the 2nd factory tailgate actuator failure. Lock, the piston is down, easy with gravity. Unlock on the piston it is vertical, this is a problem. Also I feel the spring or cam is too much pressure for unlock mode to be flawless every time. I have adjusted the main rods to fully clockwise, but not much help. So, I removed all of the factory grease on the cams and used a silicone spray. So far it seems OK, however, who knows with temp changes etc... My next move will be to dremel the unlock cam for smoother operation. My rig is a 2020 Launch with 30k miles
Really, I hate using my key which ive taped shut for another issue....

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[Wasatch1]

Here's the actuator open/closed, rods adjusted, silicone, etc... and yes, ive moved the rods in every position available...

 

[Hootbro]

Weird. Have not hear much others talking about failed lock actuators in the tailgate.

In my experience, aerosol silicone sprays only buys a short window because mostly the spray is primarily just carrier agents that dissipate leaving very little actual silicone on the surface.

 

[Wasatch1]

I fully agree, grease should be king here. I might have to check the date on last actuator install. Maybe its still under warranty? And, yes they wanted $600 for the last one, before I proved my extended warranty. I will add both fobs, new batteries...

 

[Alx63]

So this is the 2nd factory tailgate actuator failure. Lock, the piston is down, easy with gravity. Unlock on the piston it is vertical, this is a problem. Also I feel the spring or cam is too much pressure for unlock mode to be flawless every time. I have adjusted the main rods to fully clockwise, but not much help. So, I removed all of the factory grease on the cams and used a silicone spray. So far it seems OK, however, who knows with temp changes etc... My next move will be to dremel the unlock cam for smoother operation. My rig is a 2020 Launch with 30k miles
Really, I hate using my key which ive taped shut for another issue....

I would think the problem is not at the actuator, have you pulled it out and tested it and if there is any current while its being opened or locked on the wire. Check the wiring...

 

[Wasatch1]

Ya, I will give it a test, and maybe you're correct... thanks for the advice.

 

[Wasatch1]

I think I will go through every connector and apply, dielectric lube... maybe the tailgate slamming has things a bit off, again thanks.

 

[Aleph]

Did you figure it out? I’m having problems with my tailgate actuator not working with remote lock/unlock. Wondering if it’s an electrical issue or an issue with the actuator assembly. Assembly replacements are like $60 or so.

 

[Wasatch1]

I actually disassembled all of the linkage on the actuator. I measured everything 50/50 in the middle. It's an improvement, but still at 80% unlock luck. Really a pain to break out the key... My dealership said, they could not replicate the issue. Hmmn, maybe Jeeps don't like 5000ft above sea level?

 

[NC_Overland]

Interesting. I’ve never had a failure and mine has literally taken a bullet through it and overhauled so many loads of rock that I’ve had to vacuum out a half a bucket of rocks a few times. I hope I didn’t just jinx myself. Lol

I’ve never understood how so many rocks get inside of it.

 

[Wasatch1]

All good, maybe your temps are not the same? Either way, this intermittent lock issue sucks. It is 2020 Launch. A tailgate shouldn't piss me off on mountain or Lowe's trips.

 

[Rusty PW]

There was a recall on it about 1 yr ago or so. They replaced mine even tho I had no issues.

 

[Wasatch1]

Thank you man! Hopefully, I can get this issue resolved...

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