2024+ Tacoma - Power Tailgate Customization

[4gtacoadmin]

This thread expands on pages 143 and 641 of your owner's manual, providing a comprehensive guide to power tailgate customization settings on your 2024+ (4th Gen) Toyota Tacoma.

Tacoma Power Tailgate: Customize Height, Speed & Settings​

Safety Precautions​

WARNING: Jam Protection Function Limitations
The jam protection function may not work if something gets caught just before the tailgate fully closes. Be careful to not get fingers or anything else caught.
- Source: Page 143

WARNING: Jam Protection Function Limitations (Variable Objects)
The jam protection function may not work depending on the shape of the object that is caught. Be careful to not get fingers or anything else caught.
- Source: Page 143

NOTICE: Prevent Tailgate Closer Malfunction
Do not apply excessive force to the tailgate while the tailgate closer is operating. Applying excessive force may cause the tailgate closer to malfunction.
- Source: Page 143

NOTICE: Prevent Damage from Environmental Conditions
Make sure that there is no ice between the tailgate and frame that would prevent movement of the tailgate. Operating the power tailgate when excessive load is present on the tailgate may cause a malfunction.
- Source: Page 143

NOTICE: Protect Tailgate Sensors
Take care not to damage the sensors (installed on the right and left edges of the power tailgate) with a knife or other sharp object. If the sensor is disconnected, the power tailgate will not close automatically.
- Source: Page 143

Accessing the Customization Menu​

The power tailgate customization settings are accessed through the multi-information display on your dashboard:

• For 7-inch display vehicles: Navigate to the Settings screen
• For 12.3-inch display vehicles: Select Settings from the menu

Important - Settings Persistence: Your customization changes are not reset when you turn the engine off. Your preferences remain in effect until you manually change them back through the settings menu.

All Customizable Parameters​

Your Tacoma provides seven independent customization options for the power tailgate system:

1. Power Tailgate Operations

• Default: On (power tailgate enabled)
• Options: Off (disables entire system)
• Controls: Whether the power system is active at all

2. Close Assist

• Default: On (automatic close enabled)
• Options: Off (disables auto-close)
• Controls: Whether the tailgate automatically completes closing if you push it partway

3. Exterior Button / Handle Control

• Default: On (full operation)
• Options: Off (latch release only)
• Controls: What the exterior tailgate button and handle can do
• When On: Full power open and close
• When Off: Only manual latch release (no power operation)

4. Operating Signal (Buzzers)

• Default: Off (silent)
• Options: On (audio feedback enabled)
• Controls: Whether you hear audible feedback when the tailgate operates

5. Mechanical Key Linked Operation

• Default: Off (disabled)
• Options: On (enabled)
• Controls: Whether your physical key fob can trigger tailgate open/close

6. Wireless Remote Control Linked Operation

• Default: Off (disabled)
• Options: On (open only)
• Controls: Remote tailgate operation capability
• When On: Remote can open the tailgate only
• When Off: Wireless remote has no tailgate control

7. Wireless Remote Control Signal (Buzzer)

• Default: On (audio feedback enabled)
• Options: Off (silent)
• Controls: Whether you hear confirmation beeps when using remote tailgate commands

Real-World Tips & Community Context​

Community members have identified several helpful tips and important considerations for power tailgate customization:

Convenience Tips​

Close Assist Activation Method: The Close Assist feature responds to minimal input. A light knee bump against the partially open tailgate is enough to trigger automatic closing. This is particularly useful when your hands are full with cargo, tools, or other items.

Disabling for Accessories: If you use bike racks, cargo carriers, or other hitch-mounted equipment, disable the power tailgate through the settings menu. This prevents accidental operation that could damage your accessories or create a safety hazard. The setting remains disabled until you manually re-enable it.

Critical Cautions & Common Mistakes​

Sensor Sensitivity: The power tailgate sensors (located on each edge) are extremely sensitive to obstruction.

Electrical Connections & Water Intrusion: Wire harnesses beneath the tailgate can accumulate water from mud, rain, or off-road stream crossings. Water in connectors reduces electrical signal quality, causing the system to shut down for safety. If your power tailgate stops working after water exposure, apply dielectric grease to connectors and allow time for drying before assuming hardware failure.

Factory Bump Stops: The rubber stops between the tailgate and bed are sized for proper alignment. Removing them creates gaps that allow the tailgate to move side-to-side when closed, stressing power system components. Leave factory stops in place unless specifically instructed otherwise by a technician.

Close Assist Timeout: If the vehicle engine is off and the tailgate remains open for more than 8 hours, the Close Assist feature may not activate on the next start. The system will resume normal function once the engine runs briefly, restoring power to the electromagnetic mechanism.

Recommended Configuration Examples​

Your specific needs should guide your settings:

For Maximum Convenience: Enable all power features (Operations: On, Close Assist: On, Remote: On, Mechanical Key: On, Buzzers: On)

For Security & Quiet Operation: Disable audio feedback (Buzzers: Off, Remote Control Signal: Off), disable wireless remote (Remote: Off), disable mechanical key operation (Mechanical Key: Off)

For Hauling & Towing: Keep power operation enabled for convenience, enable buzzers for safety awareness during loading, disable remote to prevent accidental activation with cargo in the way

Customization Summary​

The power tailgate customization system gives you precise control over how your tailgate operates. Your configuration preferences persist across engine start-cycles and are not affected by weather or regular use. Any changes can be reversed by returning to the Settings menu.

Always ensure all obstructions are clear of the tailgate path before using power operation, and be aware that the system applies significant force during closing-sufficient to cause serious injury if fingers or hands are in the closing path.

Manual Reference​

For the complete official information, refer to:

• Page 143 - Power Tailgate Settings & Safety Warnings
• Page 641 - Customization Menu Reference Table

Community discussion about this topic occurs on established Tacoma forums including 4GTaco, 4thgentacoma.com, Tacoma4G, and TacomaWorld.

Source Attribution​

Manual Sources:
Toyota 2024+ Tacoma (4th Gen) Owner's Manual, Pages 143 and 641

Community Sources:
4GTaco Forums - Operating the Power Tailgate discussions
4th Gen Tacoma Forum - Power Tailgate configuration threads
Tacoma4G Forums - Settings and troubleshooting discussions
TacomaWorld Forums - Power Tailgate feature discussions

This thread is an independent synthesis of official Toyota documentation and community-shared experiences. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota Motor Corporation.

Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual (OM04041U) with supplementary information from the owner community and authoritative sources. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance. This is a reference guide only.