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2021 Ford F-350 Owners Manual - Tailgate



Owner’s Manuals 2021 Tailgate

Tailgate

TAILGATE LOCK (IF EQUIPPED)

The tailgate lock can help prevent theft of the tailgate.

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Insert the ignition key into the tailgate lock. Turn it to the left to lock the tailgate. Turn it to the right to unlock the tailgate.

ELECTRONIC TAILGATE (IF EQUIPPED)

WARNING: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a crash, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and properly using a safety belt. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious personal injury or death.

The electronic tailgate release will not operate when:

    The battery voltage is below the minimum operating voltage.
    The vehicle speed is at or above 3 mph (5 km/h).

Press the remote control button twice within three seconds.

    Unlock the vehicle with the remote control or power door unlock control. If an intelligent access transmitter is within 3 ft (1 m) of the tailgate, the tailgate will unlock when you press the tailgate release button.

    Press the button in the top of the tailgate handle.
    Push the tailgate up to close the tailgate.

Note: The electronic tailgate is not a powered tailgate. The use of a tonneau cover or other aftermarket accessories, freezing conditions or being parked downhill may stop your tailgate from opening automatically after it is unlatched. You may need to pull the handle to open the tailgate if the tailgate does not automatically lower after being unlatched.

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WARNING: Always properly secure cargo to prevent shifting cargo or cargo falling from the vehicle. Failure to do so could result in compromised vehicle stability and serious personal injury to vehicle occupants or others.

You can remove the tailgate for more loading room.

    Obtain the tailgate removal kit from the glove box.

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    Locate and disconnect the frame connections. They are on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

Note: Your vehicle may have up to three frame connections.

    Install the caps from the tailgate removal kit on the in-line connectors that remain on the vehicle.

Note: If you do not install the caps on the connectors, some features may not operate as intended.

    Partially lower the tailgate. Carefully feed the tailgate harness up through the bumper and place it out of the way.
    Lower the tailgate.

    Use a screwdriver to gently pry the spring clip on each connector past the head of the support screw. Disconnect the cable.
    Disconnect the other cable.
    Lift the tailgate to a 45 degree angle from horizontal.
    Lift the right side off its hinge.
    Lift the tailgate to an 80 degree angle from horizontal.
    Remove the tailgate from the left side hinge by sliding it to the right.

Reverse the steps to reinstall the tailgate.

TAILGATE STEP (IF EQUIPPED)

Use the step to make entering the truck bed easier.

To reduce the risk of falling:

    Only operate the step when your vehicle is on a level surface.
    Only operate the step in areas with sufficient lighting.
    Always open the step panel to widen the step.
    Always use the grab handle when climbing on the step.
    Do not use the step with bare feet.

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    Make sure the step is clean before use.
    Keep the step load, you plus the load, below 350 lb (159 kg).

Note: Make sure to close and fully latch the step before moving your vehicle. Do not drive with the step or grab handle open.

    Lower the tailgate.
    Push the button in the center of the step molding. The step pops out slightly.
    Pull the step out fully. Lower the step to its lowest position.

Note: Do not tow with the step or grab handle.

Replace the slip resistance tape or grab handle molding if it appears as worn or damaged.

    Press the yellow button on the telescoping handle to lower the handle, then press the yellow lever at the bottom of the handle to unlock the handle. Rotate the handle down from vertical to horizontal and push it into the tailgate.
    Rotate the step up until it is horizontal, then push it back into the tailgate until the step is secure.

BED EXTENDER (IF EQUIPPED)

Note: Do not use the bed extender when driving off road.

Note: Make sure to engage the locking pins and knobs fully before driving your vehicle.

Note: Make sure to secure all cargo.

Note: Do not exceed 150 pounds (68 kilograms) on the tailgate when your vehicle is moving.

Note: Do not keep the bed extender in the tailgate mode when you are not using it for restraining cargo. Always keep the bed extender in the grocery mode or the stowed position with the tailgate closed.

    Pull the yellow handle stop backward out of the tailgate until it fully extends.
    Rotate the handle up from horizontal to vertical until you hear a click. You have locked the handle in place.

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    Pull the locking pin toward the center of your vehicle.

    Open the latches to release the panels.

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    Connect the two panels. Rotate both knobs one-quarter turn clockwise to secure the panels.

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    Make sure to insert the latch rod into the tailgate hole. Make sure to engage both sides of the locking pins into their holes in the pick-up box.

Reverse the steps to store the bed extender.

3. Rotate the panels toward the tailgate. Repeat Steps 1-3 on the other side of your vehicle.

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E163100

Follow Steps 1-4 of the tailgate mode instructions by rotating the panels away from the tailgate. Close the tailgate.

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