Ford Thunderbird Tailgate Lock Solenoid Replacement at your home or office.

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Tailgate Lock Solenoid Replacement Service

How much does a Tailgate Lock Solenoid Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Thunderbird Tailgate Lock Solenoid Replacement is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1967 Ford ThunderbirdV8-6.4LService typeTailgate Lock Solenoid ReplacementEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1981 Ford ThunderbirdL6-3.3LService typeTailgate Lock Solenoid ReplacementEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1963 Ford ThunderbirdV8-6.4LService typeTailgate Lock Solenoid ReplacementEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1984 Ford ThunderbirdV8-5.0LService typeTailgate Lock Solenoid ReplacementEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2005 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9LService typeTailgate Lock Solenoid ReplacementEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
1980 Ford ThunderbirdL6-3.3LService typeTailgate Lock Solenoid ReplacementEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1974 Ford ThunderbirdV8-7.5LService typeTailgate Lock Solenoid ReplacementEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1982 Ford ThunderbirdV8-4.2LService typeTailgate Lock Solenoid ReplacementEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Ford Thunderbird Tailgate Lock Solenoid Replacement prices

What is the Tailgate Lock Solenoid all about?

“Solenoid” is a big word that simply refers to the concept at the heart of your truck’s keyless entry. Just about every modern car model has keyless entry where you just click the button on a fob and your vehicle is now open. Many even give you an option where you can click your trunk wide open too. It was only a matter of time before truck manufacturers caught on and added the technology to their tailgates. Nowadays, most people can click the tailgate on their truck open from a distance. This makes it much easier to transfer an armful of materials into the truck bed.

To answer the question, though, a solenoid is just the coil of wire that converts an electric current into a magnetic field that, then, is used for powering a switch. When it comes to your truck, a solenoid is able to flip the tailgate lock open by using this field.

Keep in mind:

  • If your tailgate isn’t opening, it might not have anything to do with your solenoid. For example, if it recently took an impact, the lock may be smashed such that it can’t actually open at all, period.

How it's done:

  • The tailgate is opened and supported, then the inside trim panel is removed
  • The defective tailgate lock solenoid is removed
  • The new lock solenoid is installed
  • The tailgate inside trim panel is reinstalled and the support is removed
  • The tailgate is locked and unlocked to check the lock solenoid operation

Our recommendation:

As long as your tailgate will open manually, getting your tailgate lock solenoid repaired may not be much of a priority for you. It’s not like the truck won’t operate without it. At worst, you’ll just be inconvenienced from time to time. That being said, if you find yourself using your truck bed frequently, those inconveniences can quickly pile up. Our recommendation is that it’s a matter of preference, but given how affordable it is to have your solenoid repaired, there’s really no reason to put it off.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Tailgate Lock Solenoid?

  • Obviously, the most common symptom that will tip you off that your tailgate lock solenoid needs repairs is that nothing happens when you click your key fob. If your tailgate remains locked and you were in range when you tried it, then it’s ceased.

How important is this service?

Again, it’s up to you. Do you work construction or otherwise use the truck bed a lot? If so, having that keyless entry feature is probably worth keeping around. Also, as we mentioned above, it’s not like this isn’t an extremely affordable fix.

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David

36 years of experience
195 reviews
David
36 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-5.8L - Wipers are not working - Azusa, California
I have a fully restored '60 Thunderbird and the only issue with it is that the windshield wipers are not working. The system is vacuum and not electric. I asked my regular mechanic to see what he could do and he had no clue. Can't really blame him because I wouldn't want to tackle that project either. I contacted you folks and you sent me "David". He is an absolute prize. Not only did he have full and complete knowledge of how these wipers work, but he was not intimidated to handle the project. In so many words he in essence told me, "I can handle anything". After diving in, he found the control switch was bad as well as a diaphragm leak in the wiper motor itself. It seemed to me that the best thing to do would be to convert to electric wipers. He agreed and we set up another appointment for him to return when the parts arrived. Honestly, I was a bit nervous about who might be showing up. I envisioned a chap who might crawl under the dash cursing and complaining and throwing tools. Not so with David. The smile never left his face and he explained what was going on with every step. Mechanic or not, David is one of the most personable individuals I have ever met.

Lucas

21 years of experience
893 reviews
Lucas
21 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-4.6L - Car is not starting - Los Angeles, California
Thanks for going over what happened.

Jesus

16 years of experience
68 reviews
Jesus
16 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-6.4L - Inspection / Diagnostics - Redondo Beach, California
Knowledgeable and polite mechanic. Would recommend and use again if the need arises.

Rocco

22 years of experience
302 reviews
Rocco
22 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V6-3.8L - Ball Joint Front Replacement (Lower Left) - Long Beach, California
he did a great job on my car it was quick and fast and professional I'm going to use him for now on out

Excellent Rating

(157)

Rating Summary
149
3
2
0
3
149
3
2
0
3
Number of Ford Thunderbird services completed
1727+
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