I haven’t been able to open my multifunction tailgate for the last week. I’ve tried depressing both latches, the tailgate release inside the cab and my key fob but cannot get it to open. I don’t even hear an audible “click” like it wants to open. It’s basically dead. I have a truck cap on my bed so accessing the inside of the tailgate makes things a little more difficult. I checked the fuse and it tested ok. I dropped it off at the dealership this morning at 8:00am and they notified me at 4:00pm that they have the tailgate open but haven’t looked at the wiring yet. I’m guessing it’s the electric latches or wiring harness since it’s completely dead. The truck has been in a heated garage for days so no issues of something being iced over or frozen. I don’t even want to think what this repair is going to cost in labor. You think they would’ve installed some kind of manual lever or something where you could still open the tailgate if the electrical latches or wiring system is inoperable.
5thGenRams Forums
Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
2020 Ram Limited Multi Function Tailgate Won’t Open
- Thread starter Johnwi
- Start date
Just heard back from the dealership on the non-opening tailgate. I was told the module needs replacement. I don’t have any specifics or part numbers as of yet. I assume there’s a control module in the tailgate or somewhere else. $592.50 for parts and labor as of right now
Intreresting.
I was able to open my tail gate after playing around with some wires. Also my 115v inverter isn't working and the left hand switch on my steering wheel. Someone else posted that they changed the inverter module and thier steering wheel functiomns came back.
I was able to open my tail gate after playing around with some wires. Also my 115v inverter isn't working and the left hand switch on my steering wheel. Someone else posted that they changed the inverter module and thier steering wheel functiomns came back.
Where were the wires located that you played around with?
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2020
- Messages
- 58
- Reaction score
- 36
- Points
- 18
- Age
- 61
Ugh, hate to hear about this. First, I love the multi function tailgate. Second, when I got my ‘22 Longhorn, the first thing I didn’t like was it’s electrically actuated. Plus the Ram Box lids are the same. My thought was, I hope I never have trouble with the lids or the tailgate not opening. I haven’t had any trouble YET!
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2019
- Messages
- 2,215
- Reaction score
- 1,566
- Points
- 113
- Age
- 64
- Location
- Southern Maryland.
It is in the tail gate.
The rule used to be two thirds labor, looks like that has gone out the window.
Last edited:
It was the passenger side kick panel. Unpluged some stuff and got it working a few times under a weird electrical glitch. My blinkers were flashing also. weird stuff. Might to reflash the system.
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2019
- Messages
- 2,215
- Reaction score
- 1,566
- Points
- 113
- Age
- 64
- Location
- Southern Maryland.
What made you go there?
One thing that kind of puzzled me and made me think it was some kind of electrical glitch was when I depressed the tailgate handles. Sometimes upon doing that, the air suspension would adjust itself immediately upon depressing the tailgate handles. Since you mentioned blinkers blinking, every time I wash my truck by hand or with a pole on a brush, the blinkers will blink several times. It happens quite a lot so I just remove the key fob from my pocket and set it down away from the truck and it stops. Definitely has some electrical gremlins
This issue isn't limited to the MFT. The regular tail gate also has electric actuators.
Had some of my own wiring running down that way.
I understand there’s a recall on some year models with the regular tailgate opening up unintentionally. Too bad they didn’t include the MFT as well. Hard to believe there isn’t some kind of manual opener backup in case the electronic tailgate fails to work. If you have a truck cap or tonneau cover it’s definitely a compromising situation to gain access to your truck bed. For those of us that live in colder climates with snow and liquid salt brine being applied to the roads, it’s probably just a matter of time before the electrical connections fail or short out. The liquid salt brine gets into everything.
PatriotLonghorn
Active Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2023
- Messages
- 62
- Reaction score
- 39
- Points
- 18
- Age
- 40
That's somewhat normal with 'fob' vehicles, as the water/brushes act like your hands and it'll try and lock the vehicle(s). Ford, Jeep, RAM, Porsche, Hyundai have all done that for me over the years.
PatriotLonghorn
Active Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2023
- Messages
- 62
- Reaction score
- 39
- Points
- 18
- Age
- 40
I, too, have the MFT, been good so far, but that's not 'terrible' for dealer pricing on that. If I get outta there for under a grand, I consider it a win anymore with how many 'modules' these new vehicles have.
Just received another update from the dealership on my multi function tailgate. They installed the new module and can now communicate with it and it’s sending a code for the left swing latch. They ordered a new one and it will be in tomorrow. The additional part was $90.00. They said they will cover the labor since it is taking so long and hope to have the truck ready to go tomorrow.
Last edited:
Thanks for the update. Sounds like you have a decent dealership to work with.
let us all know if it all works out.
The dealership installed installed the new part but was unable to get the right door on the tailgate to unlatch yesterday. I called to check on the status of the tailgate yesterday afternoon and they were still trying to figure out how to get the latch open. I was just notified this morning that my vehicle is ready to go and the total for parts and labor was $727.43. I’ll post in the future if I have any issues. Once I receive the invoice, I’ll post what was repaired hopefully with part numbers or other specifics.
