4gtacoadmin
Administrator
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2025
- Messages
- 17
- Reaction score
- 0
- Tacoma
- 4th Gen Tacoma
This thread consolidates tailgate operation procedures scattered across pages 137-138 and 641 of your owner's manual, with supplementary tips from the community.
WARNING - Critical Driving Safety:
Do not drive with the tailgate open.
Do not allow anyone to get on the rear step bumper.
These warnings appear on page 137. Failure to follow may result in death or serious personal injury.
Critical Verification Requirement:
After closing the tailgate, try pulling it toward you to make sure it is securely locked. This step is stated twice in the manual on page 138, emphasizing its importance for safety.
Your 4th Gen Tacoma offers three ways to lock and unlock your tailgate depending on your vehicle configuration:
Smart Key System (Vehicles with Power Tailgate)
Requirement: Carry the electronic key to enable this function.
Functions:
Important Note: The tailgate cannot be unlocked for 3 seconds after the tailgate is locked. This is a safety feature that prevents accidental unlock while driving or when doors are being opened/closed.
Wireless Remote Control
Available on equipped models. Convenient when your hands are occupied or vehicle is parked.
Mechanical Key
For vehicles with key cylinder:
Serves as backup when smart key battery dies or wireless remote is unavailable.
Opening:
1. Pull the handle to disengage the latch
2. Open the tailgate upward
Your tailgate opens slowly due to the damper (intentional). Support cables hold it horizontal.
Closing:
1. Lift and close the tailgate downward
2. Verify secure closure by pulling toward you
Six customization options via multi-information display menu:
- Tailgate opening alert (On/Off)
- Power operations (if equipped)
- Remote control linking options
- Park on level ground for safer operation
- Never rely on power operation on inclines
- Check tailgate latch after off-road driving
- Battery service requires manual tailgate reset
Owner's Manual pages: 137, 138, 641
Community sources: 4GTaco.com, TacomaWorld.com, 4th Gen Tacoma Forums
Disclaimer: This guide derives from official manual with community supplements. Always follow your owner's manual for warranty compliance.
Tacoma Tailgate Manual: Lock, Unlock & Operation Guide
Safety Precautions
WARNING - Critical Driving Safety:
Do not drive with the tailgate open.
Do not allow anyone to get on the rear step bumper.
These warnings appear on page 137. Failure to follow may result in death or serious personal injury.
Critical Verification Requirement:
After closing the tailgate, try pulling it toward you to make sure it is securely locked. This step is stated twice in the manual on page 138, emphasizing its importance for safety.
Tailgate Lock/Unlock Methods
Your 4th Gen Tacoma offers three ways to lock and unlock your tailgate depending on your vehicle configuration:
Smart Key System (Vehicles with Power Tailgate)
Requirement: Carry the electronic key to enable this function.
Functions:
- Button 1: Opens/closes the tailgate
- Button 2: Locks the tailgate and all the doors
Important Note: The tailgate cannot be unlocked for 3 seconds after the tailgate is locked. This is a safety feature that prevents accidental unlock while driving or when doors are being opened/closed.
Wireless Remote Control
Available on equipped models. Convenient when your hands are occupied or vehicle is parked.
Mechanical Key
For vehicles with key cylinder:
- Insert mechanical key and turn to unlock the tailgate
- Insert mechanical key and turn to lock the tailgate
Serves as backup when smart key battery dies or wireless remote is unavailable.
Tailgate Opening & Closing
Opening:
1. Pull the handle to disengage the latch
2. Open the tailgate upward
Your tailgate opens slowly due to the damper (intentional). Support cables hold it horizontal.
Closing:
1. Lift and close the tailgate downward
2. Verify secure closure by pulling toward you
Customization Settings
Six customization options via multi-information display menu:
- Tailgate opening alert (On/Off)
- Power operations (if equipped)
- Remote control linking options
Real-World Tips
- Park on level ground for safer operation
- Never rely on power operation on inclines
- Check tailgate latch after off-road driving
- Battery service requires manual tailgate reset
Source Attribution
Owner's Manual pages: 137, 138, 641
Community sources: 4GTaco.com, TacomaWorld.com, 4th Gen Tacoma Forums
Disclaimer: This guide derives from official manual with community supplements. Always follow your owner's manual for warranty compliance.
Last edited:
