This procedure replaces the tailgate liftgate actuator on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150, which controls the power operation of the tailgate.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tailgate liftgate actuator assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Trim panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Ford trim clip assortment

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Open the tailgate to the fully lowered position
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding
4. If equipped with a bed liner or tailgate protector, remove it to access the interior trim panel
5. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative battery terminal bolt. Move the cable away from the battery post and secure it so it cannot make contact. Wait at least 2 minutes for vehicle systems to power down.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove tailgate interior trim panel
   With the tailgate in the lowered position, use trim panel removal tools to carefully pry out the plastic clips securing the interior trim panel. Start at the edges and work around the perimeter. There are typically 8-12 clips depending on configuration. Disconnect any courtesy light or handle switch connectors if present. Set the panel aside in a clean area.
3. 3

   Support the tailgate
   Have an assistant support the tailgate, or use a suitable prop to prevent it from falling when the actuator is disconnected. The actuator provides tension support, and removing it without support can cause the tailgate to drop suddenly.
4. 4

   Locate and access the liftgate actuator
   Using a flashlight, locate the liftgate actuator on the passenger side interior of the tailgate. It is mounted vertically along the right side panel with a connecting rod to the tailgate mechanism. Clear away any wire harnesses or insulation that may obstruct access.
5. 5

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the actuator electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires. If the connector is difficult to remove, spray electrical contact cleaner around the seal and wait 30 seconds before attempting again.
6. 6

   Remove actuator mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the two mounting bolts securing the actuator bracket to the tailgate inner structure. Support the actuator as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect actuator rod from linkage
   Locate the ball joint connection where the actuator rod connects to the tailgate linkage mechanism. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to carefully pry the retaining clip off the ball joint. Once the clip is removed, pull the actuator rod straight off the ball stud. Note the orientation of the connection for reassembly.
   ⚠The retaining clip is under slight tension. Wear safety glasses as it may spring away when released.
8. 8

   Remove old actuator assembly
   With the rod disconnected and mounting bolts removed, carefully maneuver the actuator assembly out of the tailgate. Thread it through any wire harness routing clips and remove it completely from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting bracket and ball joint for wear or damage.
9. 9

   Install new actuator assembly
   Position the new actuator in the same orientation as the old unit. Route the electrical connector through the same path as the original. Align the mounting bracket with the bolt holes on the tailgate inner structure.
10. 10

    Install mounting bolts
    Thread the two mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Using a 10mm socket and torque wrench, tighten the mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect actuator rod to linkage
    Align the actuator rod end with the ball stud on the tailgate linkage. Push the rod firmly onto the ball stud until it seats completely. Install the retaining clip, ensuring it snaps fully into the locked position. Tug gently on the rod to verify it is secure.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the actuator electrical connector and push it firmly into the socket until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place.
13. 13

    Reinstall tailgate interior trim panel
    Reconnect any courtesy light or handle switch connectors. Align the trim panel with the tailgate and press firmly around all clip locations to seat the panel. Verify all clips are engaged and the panel is flush with the tailgate surface.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery
    Clean the negative battery terminal and post if necessary. Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten the terminal bolt to specification using a 10mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
3. Check that trim panel clips are fully engaged and panel is secure
4. Confirm tailgate actuator rod is properly connected to linkage with retaining clip installed

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Listen for the actuator self-test cycle (may hear a brief motor sound)
• Use the tailgate release button on the key fob or interior switch to test power operation. The tailgate should unlatch and begin to lower smoothly
• Manually raise the tailgate to closed position and verify it latches securely
• Test the power close function if equipped. The tailgate should close and latch automatically
• Cycle the tailgate through several open/close operations to ensure consistent operation
• Check for any error messages on the instrument cluster related to the tailgate system
• If the tailgate operates erratically or does not respond, disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset the Body Control Module, then retest
• If problems persist after reset, professional diagnostics with a Ford scan tool may be required to recalibrate the tailgate module

More procedures for this vehicle