This procedure replaces the tailgate power liftgate actuator motor assembly on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150, which controls the automatic opening and closing of the tailgate.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tailgate power liftgate actuator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - Ford DL3Z-9928408-A or equivalent
• Electrical connector grease × 1 — Dielectric grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Open the tailgate to horizontal position and support with a suitable prop or have an assistant hold it
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Remove any cargo or items from the truck bed near the tailgate

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery cable
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable and secure it away from the battery post to prevent accidental reconnection during the repair. Wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove tailgate inner trim panel
   From inside the truck bed, use plastic trim tools to carefully pry out the tailgate inner trim panel. Start at the edges and work around the perimeter. The panel is held by plastic push clips - be gentle to avoid breaking them. Disconnect the puddle light electrical connector if equipped by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out.
3. 3

   Access actuator mounting area
   With the inner trim panel removed, locate the power liftgate actuator assembly. It is positioned vertically along the driver side of the tailgate, attached to the internal tailgate frame. Use a flashlight to identify the actuator motor, mounting bolts, and electrical connections.
4. 4

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the actuator assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight out from the actuator. If corrosion is present, spray with penetrating oil and gently wiggle while pulling. Inspect connector pins for damage or corrosion.
5. 5

   Disconnect actuator linkage rod
   The actuator connects to the tailgate latching mechanism via a linkage rod with a ball socket connection. Using a small flathead screwdriver or pick, carefully pry the ball socket clip off the ball stud. Pull the linkage rod free from the actuator arm. Note the orientation for reinstallation.
   ⚠Do not force the linkage rod connection. The plastic ball socket can break if excessive force is applied.
6. 6

   Remove actuator mounting bolts
   Using an 8mm socket, remove the three mounting bolts securing the actuator to the tailgate frame. Support the actuator as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. The bolts may have threadlocker applied - apply steady pressure to break them free.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove actuator assembly
   Carefully extract the actuator assembly from the tailgate cavity. Guide the actuator arm through the opening while avoiding contact with surrounding components. Inspect the mounting area for any debris or corrosion and clean if necessary.
8. 8

   Prepare new actuator
   Remove the new actuator from packaging and verify it matches the original unit in size, connector type, and mounting hole configuration. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the electrical connector on the new actuator to prevent future corrosion.
9. 9

   Install new actuator assembly
   Position the new actuator into the tailgate cavity, aligning the mounting holes with the frame. Ensure the actuator arm is oriented correctly for linkage connection. Thread in all three mounting bolts finger-tight before final torquing.
10. 10

    Torque actuator mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench with 8mm socket, tighten the three actuator mounting bolts to specification in a star pattern. Start with the top bolt, then alternate between lower bolts to ensure even seating of the actuator against the frame.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect actuator linkage rod
    Align the ball socket end of the linkage rod with the ball stud on the actuator arm. Press firmly until the socket snaps onto the ball stud. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the rod - it should not separate easily.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the actuator until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place. Ensure no wires are pinched or routed where they could be damaged by moving parts.
13. 13

    Reinstall tailgate inner trim panel
    If equipped, reconnect the puddle light electrical connector. Align the trim panel with the tailgate opening and press firmly around all edges to seat the push clips. Ensure all clips are fully engaged and the panel is flush with the tailgate surface.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and perform calibration
    Reconnect the negative battery cable and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Close the tailgate manually. Start the vehicle and access the SYNC system settings. Navigate to Power Liftgate settings and select 'Calibrate' or 'Reset'. The system will cycle the tailgate through several open/close operations to learn the full range of motion. Do not interrupt this process.
    ⚠Stay clear of the tailgate during automatic calibration cycles. The system will move the tailgate without warning during this process.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify linkage rod ball socket connection is secure before operating power liftgate
3. Check that tailgate inner trim panel is properly installed with all clips engaged
4. Confirm no tools or parts are left inside the tailgate cavity

Verification

• With vehicle running, use the tailgate release button to test power open operation - tailgate should open smoothly to full height without binding
• Press the close button and verify tailgate closes completely and latches properly without stopping prematurely
• Test the obstacle detection by gently blocking the tailgate during closing - it should reverse direction when resistance is detected
• Manually open and close the tailgate to ensure no interference with the actuator mechanism
• Verify no warning lights or messages appear on the instrument cluster related to the power liftgate system
• Test both key fob and interior button control functions to ensure full system operation

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