F150 Tail Lights: Easy to Steal, Expensive to Replace!

[Xman]

Does the 24 even have a lock linkage? I thought the latches were electronic

I will find out in about 3 weeks when my 2024 F150 arrives

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[FaaWrenchBndr]

I will find out in about 3 weeks when my 2024 F150 arrives

Im 99% sure it’s electronic…….

 

[Xman]

Im 99% sure it’s electronic…….

You are correct, FaaWrenchBndr. Here is a picture of the all-electronic tailgate on my 2024 Lariat. It even looks like the access hole in the center where a screwdriver could be inserted to unlock/open the tailgate is no longer a threat.

 

[Speck512]

This is an old thread, but I thought I would post my solutions… just in case.

My F250 lights were stolen in San Antonio.

When replacing them, I put in LatchLids, but also used two different security screws for the tail lights.

In the access hole in the tailgate, I put a machine screw with another security head.

When I had that all installed and adjusted, I took an 1/8” drill bit and drilled the tail gate access panel screws heads just to the point that the torx bit would not remove them.

IF at a later time the access panel needs to be removed, I will cut a line into them with a Dremel and use a flat head.

All in all, the lights can still be stolen, but maybe this slows them down enough to get caught or miss out on stealing someone elses…

I have just started looking into solutions for my 2024 F150 and found this thread.

 

[Goldeneye36]

I remember looking into this issue before buying my truck as I had heard about the thefts and how much the lights cost to replace but revisiting this thread has been a good reminder.

I'm glad it looks like Ford made some revisions to the 2024+ tailgate to make it harder to open but when looking at mine just now I noticed something that I didn't see mentioned in the thread. It turns out that, when closed, there is plenty of gap between the tailgate and body for me to insert a 5/16 wrench and turn the bolts. I didn't try removing them all the way but there might be enough wiggle room in there to get the bolts out if they are the 3/4" length mentioned earlier. It would definitely take longer vs dropping the tailgate but depending on the situation it may not be enough to deter a thief.

I ordered the screw'd hardware mentioned earlier in this thread prior to checking this but it was an interesting discovery.

 

[TheSnotRocket]

Sorry to yet again bump an old thread. On a 22 platinum f150, is the ebay latchlid kit still the preferred method?

 

[Kodiak]

Sorry to yet again bump an old thread. On a 22 platinum f150, is the ebay latchlid kit still the preferred method?

I have not seen otherwise and that is what I did for my 2022 PB.

 

[Ziggy73]

My neighbor returned from a trip where the theft of both tail lights occurred in the hotel’s parking lot. Thieves have found the trick to quickly and easily lifting F150 tail lights, even with a locked tailgate. I searched the forum and didn’t find a similar post so started this one.

When he walked to his truck in the morning, he found wires hanging out of the back, tailgate down, and tail lights gone. The thieves were able to pop-open the hard tonneau cover and remove four screws from the tailgate’s panel. They then were able to slide their hand behind the panel, grab the unlock cable, and manually activate it to open the tailgate. With the tailgate open, only four bolts had to be removed to lift out the tail lights and unclip them. All fasteners were left in the bed of the truck. The tailgate panel was not bent but the locking tabs were broken off on the connectors. Only one dealer in San Antonio had the LED tail lights in-stock for the 2019 Lariat but not the replacement cables. The technician did demonstrate how easy it was to get the tailgate open and said this theft has become common. The kicker … the bill from the dealer was north of $6,000 which included $950 in labor. This does sound unreasonably high but the LED tail lights are around $1,500 retail and the BLIS sensor another $600. I could not find the parts cost for the new 2024 LED tail lights. I do not know if any calibration of sensors were required. Owners beware.

That pisses me off. He's lucky they left the tailgate. People piss me off taking others stuff.

 

[Ziggy73]

Using security screws I would expect your truck to be all scratched up when they are frustrated.

Yes, I thought of that too, if you use several different brands of security bolts then they made do just like that, bust the lenses out, or key the truck. I would hate to find them, I don't want to go to jail for theft, but people piss me off taking other people's stuff.

 

[Mud]

I am really starting to despise our modern "society".

I'm sure the replacement was needed right away, but seems less expensive to go with aftermarket units vs stock dealer parts.

Tail lights cost more than my first truck!

 

[flatag]

I used this system- https://www.taillightknight.com/

If someone is looking for a quick grab of your taillights they’ll find different screws and a plate covering one of them.

I have no affiliation with this company

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I used this system- https://www.taillightknight.com/

If someone is looking for a quick grab of your taillights they’ll find different screws and a plate covering one of them.

I have no affiliation with this company

I looked at their offerings about a week ago
Out of stock

 

[Ford blue blood]

I installed the #12 "screwd" security screws. The drive key is unique, only clocks to one location. Damage wise, repairs to vandalism and such would probably be a wash cost wise. Either way, my truck will keep it's tail lights!

 

[Speck512]

I installed the #12 "screwd" security screws. The drive key is unique, only clocks to one location. Damage wise, repairs to vandalism and such would probably be a wash cost wise. Either way, my truck will keep it's tail lights!

Thats the thing. Either way its probably an insurance claim. I just want to buy time to catch the f@cks and prevent them from getting paid for their theft.

 

[Ziggy73]

I installed the #12 "screwd" security screws. The drive key is unique, only clocks to one location. Damage wise, repairs to vandalism and such would probably be a wash cost wise. Either way, my truck will keep it's tail lights!

I just emailed them asking what size I'd need? So just order 4#12 screws and that's all the info I need to order? How much were they? You're right, I get they'll smash them once they figure they can't steal them. Pricks. Thanks for the info.

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