Factory Tonneu Cover not locking

[Direct Freak]

Hey guys,



I bought a Ford Tonneu cover from someone locally, and installed it.

I even got a copy of theur key (without the PATS system chip) so I can lock it, unlock it.



It was working fine, and always auto-locked when I closed it. However, a few weeks ago,

I drove with it half open (had some stuff in yhe bed) and it banged against the cargo.



Since then, it won't lock anymore. It fully seats, and I can actually see that it goes down flush

like before. But no locking.



Is there something I need to do to "reset" it or something?



Thanks,



Alex R

 

[Chris Taylor]

There are little tabs that can get hit when it's open, and they go to the closed(locked) position. It looks like it's closed when down, but is not locked. I've had to unlock it while it was open and double check that those tabs have retracted, before closing it again. In my case, the tabs were a little stuck, so some WD40 took care of that.



If it's the front section, then check the emergency release and see that that is not bound up and keeping the lock from engaging.

 

[Richard L]

Chris T is probably correct. When your cover banged, it probably moved the latches into the Locked mode. you can tell this if you look at the latch mechanism and there should be an open "U" that the striker bar (on the bed) fits into. Once the striker hits the bottom of the "U" shaped slot in the latch, a latch hook will grab the striker bar and keep the cover closed. The cable from the key lock is used to release the latch hook.



It is also possible that the latch hook or cable release may be jammed. You can test the latches manually by simply pushing a screwdriver into the "U" shaped slot in the latch and see if the latch hook grabs the barrel of the screw driver. If that works then you can manually release the latch by pulling back the release where the cable connects, or turning your key.



It is also possible that your key lock is jammed and stuck in the unlocked position which means it is always pulling on the release cables and cannot spring back to allow the release latch to relax.



...Rich

 

[hal keiner]

Even if you find and fix the problem, you might consider installing a power lock on the tailgate and manual quick releases on the cover. With this mod, the tailgate locks and unlocks automatically with the power door locks and you can open the cover manually without needing a key. Very convenient. I did this mod on my Sport Trac and I think it was the best mod I did. Just my thoughts...



The below titled projects can give you an idea as how to do this:



- Power Tailgate Lock

- Cheap Tailgate Lock Actuator

- Another Approach to Ford Factory Cover Quick Release



Note: I bought an lock actuator specific for the Sport Trac rather than trying to jury rig a generic one.