electrical

Trunk/Liftgate Actuator

for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.6 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the replacement of the tailgate lock actuator on a 2014 Ram 2500, which controls the power locking and unlocking of the tailgate.

Warnings

⚠️This is a SAFETY-CRITICAL repair. The tailgate lock actuator is part of the vehicle's security system. Improper installation can result in tailgate failure to latch, causing load to fall onto roadway and potentially causing serious injury or death to following motorists.

⚠Disconnect battery negative terminal before beginning work to prevent accidental deployment of power locks or short circuits.

⚠Test actuator operation thoroughly before declaring job complete. A malfunctioning tailgate latch can allow tailgate to open during vehicle operation.

ℹ️Work in temperatures above 50°F (10°C) if possible. Cold plastic trim clips are more prone to breaking during removal.

Tools required

Trim panel removal tool setEssential

T-30 Torx driverEssential

8mm socketEssential

10mm socketEssential

Socket wrench with extensionsEssential

Flathead screwdriver (small)

Electrical contact cleaner

Shop towels

Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential

Parts

Tailgate lock actuator assembly × 1 — Mopar 68231335AA or equivalent
Trim panel clips (if broken during removal) × 1 — Mopar replacement clip assortment

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Open tailgate and prop in down position using tailgate cables
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
Gather all tools and new actuator before starting disassembly
Take photos of connector positions and routing before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1
Remove tailgate inner trim panel
Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the plastic trim clips around the perimeter of the tailgate inner panel. Start at the bottom corners and work upward. There are approximately 12-14 clips holding the panel. Once clips are released, lift panel upward to disengage from top retaining tabs. Set panel aside on a clean surface to avoid scratching.
2
Disconnect interior handle rod and electrical connectors
Locate the white plastic rod clip connecting the interior handle to the latch mechanism. Rotate the clip 90 degrees and slide off the rod ball joint. Disconnect any electrical connectors from the reverse camera or auxiliary lighting by pressing the release tabs. Completely remove the inner trim panel from work area.
3
Remove plastic moisture barrier
Peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheet carefully to expose the tailgate lock actuator assembly. The barrier is typically adhered with butyl sealant. Peel slowly to avoid tearing - you will need to reuse this barrier. If torn, obtain replacement moisture barrier material before reassembly.
4
Locate and access the lock actuator
The tailgate lock actuator is mounted on the passenger side of the tailgate latch assembly, inside the tailgate structure. It is a black rectangular module approximately 3 inches long with an electrical connector and a mechanical linkage rod connected to the main latch. Verify you have clear access before proceeding.
5
Disconnect actuator electrical connector
Press the red locking tab on the actuator electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect. Do not pull on wires. If connector is corroded or difficult to remove, spray with electrical contact cleaner and allow to penetrate for 30 seconds before attempting removal again. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion.
6
Disconnect actuator linkage rod
Locate the plastic linkage rod connecting the actuator arm to the tailgate latch mechanism. Using a small flathead screwdriver, carefully pry the rod clip away from the ball socket. Note the orientation of the rod and clip for reassembly. The actuator arm should move freely once disconnected.
7
Remove actuator mounting fasteners
Remove the two T-30 Torx screws securing the actuator to the tailgate latch assembly. Support the actuator with one hand while removing the second screw to prevent it from falling into the tailgate cavity. Carefully extract the actuator through the access opening in the tailgate inner structure.
8
Compare old and new actuators
Place the old actuator next to the new replacement and verify they are identical in mounting hole position, connector type, and linkage arm configuration. Verify the new actuator arm moves smoothly through its full range of motion by hand. Do not force - motion should be smooth with slight resistance.
⚠Installing an incorrect actuator can cause latch malfunction. If parts do not match exactly, do not proceed with installation.
9
Install new actuator to latch assembly
Position the new actuator onto the tailgate latch assembly, aligning the mounting holes. Install the two T-30 Torx mounting screws finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten in a cross pattern. While specific torque is not provided for these fasteners, tighten firmly but do not overtighten the plastic housing - approximately 4-5 Nm (35-45 lb-in) is appropriate for this size fastener in plastic.
10
Connect actuator linkage rod
Align the actuator arm with the latch mechanism linkage rod. Press the rod ball end into the actuator arm socket until you hear a distinct click. Tug gently on the rod to verify it is fully seated and will not disconnect. The rod clip should be fully engaged around the ball socket.
11
Reconnect electrical connector
Align and firmly press the electrical connector onto the actuator until the red locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector body (not wires) to verify secure connection. Ensure no wires are pinched or have contact with sharp metal edges.
12
Perform initial function test
Reconnect the negative battery terminal temporarily. Using the key fob or interior door lock switch, cycle the tailgate lock mechanism through 3-4 complete lock/unlock cycles. Listen and feel for smooth operation of the actuator. You should hear a solid mechanical engagement sound with each cycle. Disconnect battery again before proceeding with reassembly.
⚠️If actuator does not operate smoothly or makes grinding noises, stop immediately and investigate. Do not complete reassembly until actuator function is verified as correct.
Torque spec
Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13
Reinstall moisture barrier and trim panel
Press the moisture barrier back into position, ensuring complete adhesion around all edges to maintain water seal. Reconnect the interior handle rod by snapping the white clip back onto the ball joint - rotate 90 degrees to lock. Reconnect any electrical connectors for camera or lighting. Align the trim panel top tabs first, then press firmly around perimeter to engage all clips. You should hear distinct clicks as each clip seats.

Reassembly

Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification using torque wrench
Verify all trim panel clips are fully engaged and panel is flush with tailgate surface
Check that moisture barrier is completely sealed to prevent water intrusion into tailgate cavity

Verification

Test lock operation from key fob - tailgate should lock and unlock with audible confirmation
Test lock operation from driver door lock switch - all locks including tailgate should operate simultaneously
Manually verify tailgate latches securely in closed position and requires handle pull to open
Open and close tailgate 5 times to verify latch engages properly each time
With tailgate closed and locked, attempt to open with handle - tailgate should remain locked
Test backup camera and tailgate lighting (if equipped) to ensure connectors are properly seated
Take a short test drive and verify tailgate remains latched over bumps and during acceleration/braking
If any function does not operate correctly, STOP and re-inspect all connections before operating vehicle with loads in bed