I have a 2011 Ram 1500 Big Horn and have a question on the tailgate lock. If I unlock the tailgate lock manually and then drive somewhere, I find that most of the time after I shut the truck off, the tailgate is locked. When I use the fob to unlock the doors, the unlock function doesn't unlock the tailgate and I can't find any description on how this is supposed to work and would appreciate any input

 

I am pretty sure that once you start to drive, the locks auto lock at like 15-20 mph to include the tailgate. You would probably have to hit the FOB twice for unlock of all the doors and tailgate. At least that is the way that I have to IOT unlock my doors/tailgate with the FOB

 

Alfons,

With power door locks, an Auto Lock feature can be enabled. As @bluebeast1562 has indicated, this feature will automatically lock your doors when the vehicle speed surpasses 24km/h.

I had an opportunity to test the door locks on a 2013 Ram we have in our lot. The key fob did unlock the tailgate when locked with the fob, as well as when locked manually.

Have you had a chance to run the issue by your servicing dealer?

For reference, I have attached 2 pages from the owners manual that outline auto door lock programming procedure.

 

Thanks for the information. Up to now, I've tried to set things up using the EVIC, but didn't really follow any sequence as described in the manual - I'll check this out and see if I need to take it into the dealership. I sometimes fall into using the philosophy of "if all else fails, read directions".

 

Alfons,

I'm happy to help out any way I can. Keep us posted on the results.

 

I took the tailgate apart (not much of an effort and I would have answered my own question had I done so earlier) and here's what I found:

• No solenoid - my tailgate lock is strictly "hand"raulic technology.
• The seemingly lock/unlock issue that I thought was the result of a faulty connection or solenoid was caused by bumpy roads and poor lock lubrication. The lock mechanism can be jarred/bumped into a locked position.
• I cleaned up the locking assembly and used some garage door lube on all moving parts and haven't had the problem since.

• Final question on the tailgate lock - is there a recommended electric lock mechanism I can add to my truck? I know Dodge carries one with a harness that will work with the cabin keyless entry system but would like to compare cost and quality to any aftermarket systems that are available.

 

I'd recommend the dodge system, just because it works and is easy to install. I've got a writeup with pictures here on the installation.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/4th-gen...k-install.html

 

i would probably also reccomend going with the dodge system. i have had the pace edwards powergate lock on my 09 for probably 4-1/2 years or so. it is a good system and back in 09 (especially those of us with early build 09 trucks that didnt even come with the manual key lock) there was unknowns about what parts would work.

the reason i say go with the dodge system is i have had my lock "hang up" and not unlock now 3 times, and two were quite inconvienent. as it has worn i need to open it up and spray it with lubricant more often i guess as two failures were in last 9 months.

the problem is that i cannot override it with the manual key lock, where as with the dodge system i believe that you can do that in the event of an electrical component failure. i have to unscrew the inner panel and manualy move it. luckily my cap allows me to do that faily easy, depending on what is in the truck.

 

Thanks for the info, and oldjeep, that was a great writeup you put together, it should make installation fairly simple - I just picked up my kit this morning.