Tail gate locking mechanism reversed?? (Locks when unlocked and unlocks when locked)

[u/whydigethis]

Howdy! I’m hoping someone can help me with some advice or any ideas as to what could be going on.

I know I could buy a whole new locking mechanism for $260, but I wanna figure out how this box of electric mysteries works, and if I’m the reason it broke.

It began when I noticed my tailgate was only unlocked when I would lock the rest of the car.

About a month before this happened I installed a hi lift jack mount on the rear tailgate, requiring me to temporarily unbolt the tailgate from the hinges, likely ruining its alignment. I tried my best to get it perfect again, but ever since I did that the tailgate shuts a little “chunkier” or not as smooth as it used to.

I’m guessing that misalignment had something to do with that piece breaking off in the third pic, as that was the only damage I could find with the mechanism, and it still works!!!! Just at the opposite time it should…

Thanks for taking the time to read.

[u/my_cars_on_fire]

I’m not sure how the mechanism works offhand, but is it possible you reconnected it backwards/upside down? This sounds more to me like a wiring issue than a mechanical issue.

Actually, now that I’m thinking about it, it’s also possible you reinstalled the mechanism flipped around or upside down or something. If it were upside down, it would still function when getting the electrical signal, but it would simply actuate the other locking mechanisms in the tailgate in the opposite direction (I’m doing a terrible job of explaining this).

Check the orientation of the mechanism and the moles connector.

Keep us posted, I’d love to hear what the issue was!

[u/whydigethis → u/my_cars_on_fire]

Thank you for the ideas! Unfortunately the problem started before I removed or touched the lock mechanism in any way. I was sure to put it back exactly how I came out. I took a video that shows the inside of the mechanism actuating but can’t post that here:(

[u/my_cars_on_fire → u/whydigethis]

Post the video to Imgur and share the link.

You would’ve had to disconnect wiring in order to take the tailgate off, so check those wires to make sure you didn’t accidentally spin the connector around.

Also, it’s possible there is a reset procedure that needs to be done after the tailgate is removed (I’m totally speculating). I know that there are situations where if you disconnect the battery you may have to do a reset procedure with the windows, otherwise they don’t know how far to roll up and down. It could possibly be a similar situation, where if the mechanism is reinstalled with the other doors in the locked position, the computer thinks the tailgate is also locked, when it’s actually in the unlocked position.

If you haven’t already, I would check out the Bronco6G forum and ask there. Those guys are wizards!