Avalanche

Power Tailgate Lock

Installation Instructions

Thank you for purchasing our power tailgate lock kit, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. Please read through these instructions before starting your install.

First, open the tailgate and locate the two smaller torx screws and remove them.

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After removing the screws, close the T/G and gently but with some force, use your fingers to pull the handle bezel from the T/G. This bezel has two plastic studs located at the bottom area that will pull out of the T/G “skin”.

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Next, take the paper template provided and cut along the outer dark lines. Also cut out the the area with the diagonal lines. Then place the template on your tailgate as shown. Use the original stud holes and those marked on the template to check alignment.

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Use a marker and trace along the area of the template you just cut out (where the diagonal lines were) to mark where the T/G skin must be cut. Also mark or carefully drill the holes used for mounting the power actuator plate.

Use a Dremel tool ( or similar ) with a drill bit or cutting wheel and cut the T/G skin where you  previously marked it. Only let the cutting tool penetrate about a ¼ inch max. The skin is only about 1/8 inch thick. Be careful not scratch the paint not covered by the bezel. WEAR EYE PROTECTION

 

 

Drill a 1/8” hole in the OEM lock arm as shown.

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Place towels or some other protection on top of your Avalanche bed panel and then remove the tailgate. Place the tailgate on top of the towels with the painted skin facing up. Use a 3/8 inch drill bit and drill a hole in the center of the bottom edge (the edge that faces down toward the road when the gate is closed) of your tailgate. May require a long drill bit or extension.

Use a coat hanger or other stiff wire and insert into the hole and work it up to the area where you cut the skin. It’s usually best to bend a small loop on the end of the coat hanger or wire. Hook and tape the wire coming from the power actuator and pull the wire down and out of the hole. Leave just a few of inches of slack up where the actuator installs.

You may now want to wrap the actuator in a rag to protect your paint.

  Replace the tailgate and close.

Insert the preformed metal rod link into the hole in the power actuator as shown. (may already be installed before shipping)

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Insert the power actuator into the tailgate. Rotate the formed rod into the hole drilled in the OEM lock arm and thread the speed nut clip onto the rod, (this speed nut cuts its’ own threads) not too tight.  Align the holes in the plate with the holes you drilled in the skin. Use the screws provided and secure the actuator in place. NOTE: Leave this in un-locked (DOWN) position before replacing bezel.

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Wiring

Route the wires carefully along the chassis and secure at several points. Leave a little slack under the bed just behind the bumper to allow the T/G to open and close without wires binding. Alternatively, if you think you may be removing the T/G for some reason, you may want to add a weatherproof plug here to allow complete removal of the T/G. Most people never remove their tailgate.

Remove the plastic door sill panel at the back door behind the driver’s door and drill a 5/16ths inch hole and install the nylon grommet and run the wires from the T/G actuator through the grommet. After the wires are through this hole, lift the door sill panel at the driver’s door and route the wires to this area. You can now use the quick splices and On 2002 models, connect the red wire from the actuator to the tan with black stripe wire and connect the black wire from the actuator to the gray with black stripe wire.

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For 2003+ models: Red to tan and black to gray . (NO black stripes) 

 

 

 

 

Adding the Key Un-Locking Part

 

Look at the back of the bezel you first removed, remove the small locking part that is attached to the key lock cylinder.

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Replace that OEM locking arm with the new unlocking part provided with the kit. The lock should be in the horizontal position. NOTE: Be sure to replace the thin metal keeper lock from the top down, so it wont fall off (as shown)

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Check for proper operation then replace the bezel, do not over tighten the torx screws.

You’re done !

 If you have any problems please e-mail us and we will reply in a timely manner and assist you. If you have suggestions to make these instructions or our product better please let us know.

Again, thank you for purchasing our product. We hope you enjoy the convenience it will provide.

Disclaimer:

 Since this is a do it yourself modification of your vehicle we cannot be held responsible for any mistakes made or damages occurring during installation or its use. Done carefully and properly this conversion kit should give years of trouble free operation. We do recommend that you periodically inspect the components of the kit and make sure all parts are secure and in good operating condition.