[HOW TO] Install OEM Power Locking Tailgate in a 2015-2019 GMC Canyon / Chevy Colorado (Retrofit)

[@michaelc1422]

I've got the pop & lock on my 2016 and still spent the 24 minutes watching this video. Your videos are always so detailed. Awesome install!

[@fondupot]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelc1422]

@@fondupot I'm sorry, I wasn't asking for a specific part number. I was just saying that I'd already installed the pop & lock on my Colorado and therefore had no reason to watch the video, other than the fact I enjoy your videos. They're the most detailed when it comes to installing parts. Watching your pop & lock video on your Colorado 2 years ago was when I'd decided I needed that as well.

[@fondupot]

Yea lol. I wrote out a response for a different comment. And accidentally posted it to yours. But thanks for the compliment. I’m glad you enjoy my videos! Thanks for being a loyal follower!

[@traviskimbrell1209]

I installed the pop & lock before watching this video and ended up ordering all the parts for the oem lock. The pop & lock works fine but it's sketchy and very loud. I like the idea of having oem parts in my truck.

[@fondupot]

You’ll love it. Mines still running great. Best mod I’ve done.

[@traviskimbrell1209]

@@fondupot cool deal! Also, awesome video. I really appreciate it. I wouldn't have known it was even possible had I not watched this. You did a great job!

[@fondupot]

Thanks very much! Glad it helped.

[@robeacott4436]

What a great video! I just moved up from a 2017 to a 2020 Z71 Colorado. Discovering this is now included was a pleasant surprise.

[@fondupot]

Thanks Rob! Enjoy your truck!

[@stevedonohue6648]

An excellent video. Well done!! Caveat - I own a 2015 GMC Canyon. I bought the parts and set upon installing per your video. The problem is the 2015 back up camera does not easily fit into the new tailgate handle. You can make it fit if you cut away some plastic ridges and drill new holes in the camera's bracket. The tailgate does not have recesses to mount the actuator as you show in the video. You have to drill new holes in the tailgate, then you have to mount the actuator underneath the tailgate inner sheet metal, otherwise the tailgate piece will not lay flat. I have yet to wire it up, but so far with a lot of modification to the parts I think it is working . Will let you know how it goes after I get the wiring harness.

[@fondupot]

Yea I think I remember reading another member with a 2016 having to do the same. But with a little ingenuity and power tools. You should be able to make it work. Let me know how it goes!

[@stevedonohue6648]

@@fondupot I made it work. The tailgate plastic cover doesn't fit flush because of the protruding nut used to attach the actuator. But I am happy with the result.

[@fondupot]

Awesome!

[@eddie984]

Thank you 👍🏼 Have 2016 Colorado added pop&lock but I was having trouble connecting to proper power wires. Your video helped at once. Thnkx again. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@fondupot]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@arthurannas]

2019 Colorado simple install and works great!!!! Thanks for the video tutorial.

[@fondupot]

Awesome to hear! Glad it worked! Thanks for watching.

[@andygolz3996]

I just attempted to do this mod on my 2018 GMC Canyon and I found some interesting things. First, the handle assembly 84377237 didn't work with my backup camera. I ended up having to swap the white crab claw mechanism from the new handle to my old handle, that did work out fine. Second, the lock cylinder isn't the 13536169 part number. That cylinder didn't come with the spring and the arm didn't align with the crab claw. I ended up just using my normal cylinder (different than the original one in your video) and modifying it by slipping some rubber tubing over the metal part that actuates the crab claw so it was a little wider. After doing all of that I can say it works great, I don't have a spring in my lock cylinder but that doesn't bother me and doesn't seem to affect the operation. I had the pop lock before this and can confirm that the OEM lock is much quieter and less clunky.

[@fondupot]

Thanks for your feedback. I've still been searching for the spring loaded lock housing. I cant find an exact part number for it. Strange your camera didnt work, what was different? Just the mounting bracket? Either way, glad you got it working. And I agree much better than pop-n-lock.

[@mhalpin08]

Thanks again for this video! I just finished up on my 2017. I used the part numbers below. Notes/tips: the handle was the non HD version. Also I had to use a file and remove a small bit of material from the metal arm where it connects to the lock. cylinder. Lastly, i recommend using some clamps to mock up motor placement prior to drilling and bolting it up (2017 doesn't have indented tabs to show you where to place motor). Handle: 84376533 Wiring harness: 84951860 Lock cylinder: 23338181 Motor/actuator: 84790352

[@fondupot]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.

[@michlabt6806]

Great video. Thanks. I ran to the same issue like a few others here: Ordered the wrong end gate lock (p/n 13536169 is wrong, p/n 23338181 is the correct one which has the spring). I'm still looking for the harness: p/n 84666895 and p/n 84951860 are not available anymore. Is there a successor? Thx for any useful help...

[@fondupot]

Not sure if there’s a successor part number. You can call a dealership parts department and they might be able to tell you.

[@michlabt6806]

A heads-up for everyone: finally I had time and went to my Chevy dealer: Harness with part number 84951860 is available and costs ~$40. Ordered mine, should come in within the next 7-10 days…

[@SuperOmniguy]

Great video! I’m going to check my 2015 tailgate to see if this set up will work. I’ve read reviews that say the Pop Lock is way to noisy. OEM would be a better option for me. I did call our local audio place that would do it, but with parts and labor it would be way too expensive.

[@fondupot]

It can still be done on your 2015. You won’t have the bracket mount holes like my 2019 did. But with a little ingenuity you could make it work. Others have done it. Thanks for watching. Good luck

[@billlambright339]

nice video, Have you had any issues with the pop n lock? since you installed it. would you change anything if you had to do it again thanks bill

[@fondupot]

@@billlambright339 it’s been flawless. No issues. I’d do it exactly the same way if I had to again.

[@billlambright339]

that install you did was it on a canyon or colorado. mine is a 15 colorado 4 door LT. I have no grouments like in your video have no way to get the wires inside besides drilling hole and fitting a groument

[@fondupot]

@billlambright339 my video is on a 2019 Canyon.

[@svpracer98]

Okay, this is cool, thanks for all the information.

[@williamrankin2299]

I used your previous video to install the Pop and Lock in my 2015 Canyon SLT and then to install it in my 2018 Canyon Denali (same color as your truck). My lock was working intermittently so I looked for your video to refresh my memory and found this new one. I used wire taps in the rocker cover originally and think that was where my issue was. I soldered the connection this time and I hope that does the trick. I wish I had known at the time about the connector under the dash. Would have been cleaner. This seems like a much nicer installation and the cost of the parts seems reasonable and comparable to the Pop and Lock system. Thanks for doing this. You have a real knack for explaining things. One additional thought - it would be great to get the "crab claw" part as a separate item and keep the original handle. I wonder if it could be 3D printed?! Bill

[@fondupot]

Bill! Thanks for watching. I hope your pop n lock is working well now. I was having issues with mine in the Colorado before. But so far the new setup in my canyon has been flawless. I’m sure that part could be easily 3D printed. I don’t have one. But a clever person could probably figure it out.

[@williamrankin2299]

@@fondupot I'm still having intermittent problems with my Pop and Lock, so I am seriously looking into this. Did anyone provide feedback on the lock cylinder part number? It does seem confusing when looking on the GM parts websites

[@fondupot]

I could never confirm the part number. But if you can find a handle on eBay from a Silverado/Sierra/canyon/Colorado that’s 2019+ that also includes the locking cylinder. Chances are it will have the spring loaded lock cylinder. Send me an email and I will look through some listings online and see if I can identify some for you. [e-mail]

[@williamrankin2299]

@@fondupot Sent you an email. I found something and actually placed a bid on it. Thanks for following up

[@fondupot]

Just replied to your email.

[@jerryschimelfening7216]

I have a 2018 Colorado. It does not have the indents for the actuator in the tailgate. I drilled 2 holes and used some washers and mounted the actuator on the inside of the tailgate. On the outside it won't engage the "crab" extension. My camera also did not fit into the mounting either. I opened the holes up in the camera for the mounting screws. I had to remove the guide pins to line up the camera as the mounting and guide holes are a different spacing. The camera hole needed a little filing to get it to sit in the handle flatly.

[@fondupot]

I suspected that might be the case with the earlier models. I think the 2019+ are the only ones that will have the indents on the tailgate. Sounds like you have it humming pretty good though! Glad you were able to do it! Thanks for watching!

[@Nick-zp2mg]

@@fondupot I just checked my 2018... It does have the indents. However I did factory order my 2018 Redline in May. It wasn't off the lot.. So maybe I got the newer tailgate. The actuator should be coming soon and I'll be doing the install.

[@Nick-zp2mg]

When did you purchase your 2018? Latter part of 2017? I just checked mine (factory ordered in May 2018) and it does have the indents.

[@fondupot]

Yea it’s possible they added the newer tailgate design part way thru 2018. Good luck with your install!

[@mhalpin08]

Great video. Any idea on what the total cost of the project was? Trying to decide how much the manual locking tailgate annoys me vs price.

[@fondupot]

Probably around $225. Give or take.

[@mhalpin08]

@@fondupot Thank you sir! Unfortunately my (Jan) 2017 SLT doesn't have the two indentations on either side of the handle in the sheet metal. There isn't a place for the motor/bracket to sit in. I suppose I could shim it down, but I don't think there is even room for the bolt heads to be recessed before hitting the cover. Bummer.

[@fondupot]

@@mhalpin08 i think someone did it on a pre-2019. Browse around on the ColoradoFans forums. There's a thread on there.

[@RatRacer88]

Another great, detailed how to.

[@fondupot]

Thanks dude!

[@anthonypierro5296]

Thank you! Great video and definitely on my things to do list for my 2019 ZR2

[@fondupot]

Anthony, you're welcome. Thanks for watching! Definitely do it on your ZR2

[@anthonypierro5296]

Fondupot's Garage just need to source a spring lock housing.

[@fondupot]

Yes. Check eBay. There are a few listings for handles with spring lock housings. Or check a scrap yard. Most higher end Silverados will have the lock housing dating back to 2015-2016.

[@fondupot]

@@anthonypierro5296 Also, check the coloradofans.com for sale forums. I have an extra one for sale.

[@daviericky58]

Hello, I’m curious to know did you buy your part from a Chevrolet dealer or a GMC dealer. I visited a Chevrolet dealer near me and the part numbers did not match. I would love to know where you purchase your parts because I would like to do the same thing to my 2019 GMC Canyon that you did, and switch to an electorate locking system.

[@fondupot]

I got my parts on GMpartsdirect.com or tascaparts.com.

[@daviericky58]

@@fondupot Thank you!!!

[@fondupot]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@mikeymike3760]

Why not use the Pop and Lock?? Same functionality, without key core swap- without handle swap- without custom harness. Cost is 100 bucks, how much was your set up using OEM???

[@fondupot]

Good question. I had a pop-n-lock on a previous truck and it crapped out after a year or so. Yes, my retrofit using the OEM lock, and custom harness was probably more expensive, I don't recall the exact costs. But it will last much longer.

[@mikeymike3760]

@@fondupot that makes sense now. I was curious if the pop and locks where too good to be true. I wonder if the failure point is the crimp tee connections off the factory lock wires. I think if I install it I'll do a cut and soldier connection.

[@fondupot]

I tried reconnecting all my wiring and still had issues. I think the actuators in the pop n lock kits just wear out over time.

[@Slimhaven1]

Awesome video! the one question I have what is the difference between this and pop a lock other than OEM? It seems pop a lock would be more cost effective.

[@fondupot]

OEM parts vs aftermarket parts. I wanted an OEM actuator. I’ve had pop n lock in the past. It failed after 2 years. So I wanted to try something different.

[@Slimhaven1]

@@fondupot Totally understand! I may give it a shot as well but need to check out the cost first. Have not done the pop n lock yet and was going to but now you have me thinking. Your videos are awesome and have followed your mods since I first found them. The first one was the fog and high beam jumper and it is awesome.

[@fondupot]

Right on! Thanks for being a loyal follower. Check the ColoradoFans.com forums for sale section. I have a spare handle and a spring loaded lock housing for sale. All you’d need otherwise is the harness and the actuator motor. Then you could do this mod. I’ve had pop n locks on previous trucks. The OEM lock is much more substantial. Will definitely last a long time. Or send me an email at [e-mail].

[@Slimhaven1]

@@fondupot Just sent you message on Coloradofans.com I am in. I am Baybilly on there just send me info and you have it sold. Thanks!

[@fondupot]

@@Slimhaven1 Awesome. I sent you a message on there.

[@wrcole66]

I'm having trouble locating the correct silverado lock mechanism. Ebay has lots but they do not look the same and are for 07-14 applications. Any suggestions as to the correct model years your lock came from?

[@fondupot]

Try to find one from 2016+

[@barrycraig6791]

Thanks for this. Do you have a part number for the Silverado lock cylinder?

[@fondupot]

Unfortunately I don’t have a confirmed part number. But I’ve seen listings on eBay for tailgate handles with the spring loaded key housing included.

[@elied0327]

Could you just swap out that new white actuator arm into the old handle assembly?

[@fondupot]

Yes. If you’re handy enough it can be done. I did it on mine

[@elied0327]

@@fondupot ok awesome. You'd still need to swap out the lock core though? Am I seeing that correctly - that you'd need the spring loaded lock housing?

[@fondupot]

@@elied0327 Yea, you need the spring loaded lock style. But you can swap your core over from your current handle, I did that as well.

[@percyvicknair999]

Awesome, well detailed video!

[@fondupot]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrTesedgar]

By doing this would the alarm work with the tailgate ? Like for example the doors am teying to connect the tailgate with alarm is that possible. Thanks

[@fondupot]

Not sure what you’re asking. It locks and unlocks with the key fob. The alarm has nothing to do with it.

[@bettystephens8062]

Lockable tailgate for a 2017 GMC Canyon pickup

[@allansensel9512]

My personal thanks for your video. I have a 2021 Chevy Colorado and had to get some different part numbers, "84790352 Actuator and 84665198 for Wire Harness to plug it in" as I couldn't find your numbers on the internet. I didn't have to switch the key lock as it was already mfg the way yours had to be modified. Other than that I plugged it in just as you identified Grey & Brn/Yel wires and it worked beautifully. Thanks again. I would say I used almost 20ft of wire to thread it front to back.

[@fondupot]

Glad you were able to make it work! Thanks for watching!

[@wrcole66]

What model 2021 Colorado do you have? I thought starting in 2020 they all came with locking tailgates

[@xblindfolded]

Not possible to just swap the plastic actuator instead of replacing the key core?

[@fondupot]

No. The electric actuator doesn’t work with the old style plastic piece.

[@andygolz3996]

It was for my 2018 GMC Canyon, the crab claw arm was the only part I used from the new handle

[@woodygeo1]

I did the Pop & Lock. It was a lot easier.

[@fondupot]

Pop n lock is much easier. But I’ve had several of their units fail over the years. I wanted something more OEM. So far this setup hasn’t failed me yet.

[@commonsense2469]

Just FYI, I think you have too many “3s” in your Lock Cylinder part number listed above.

[@fondupot]

Thanks I’ll check it out and correct it.

[@scottweihermuller]

What did this cost with all the parts?

[@fondupot]

I honestly can’t remember. But it’s still going strong. Haven’t had any issues at all. A pop n lock kit is much cheaper. But I’ve had two pop n lock kits crap out in the past

[@scottweihermuller]

@@fondupot like 500 or 1k?

[@fondupot]

Noooo. Not that much. I think around $250 max. I put links to everything in the description so you can source everything. And figure the price out.

[@davidwright5281]

So just so everyone knows I just tried to do this mod ordered everything and started it today got everything installed go to install the motor, and well you see in this video the 2 indents in the metal? my 2017 Canyon tailgate does not have those 2 indents. that for sure sucks im sure i can just drill a few holes and get it to fit but i wonder when they changed that design. but to also add the correct part number for the spring loaded assembly is 233338181

[@fondupot]

Thanks for posting the part number for the spring loaded housing. That’s helpful. Where did you find it? I could never find it. Your truck is a 2017 that’s why the holes weren’t there for the bracket. They didn’t start doing this until 2019 model year in preparation for the 2020s to get the locking tailgate. You can make it work tho just as you described. Let me know how it goes when you get it all installed. Thanks for watching!

[@davidwright5281]

I have a friend who works for a chevy dealer I gave her the vin number from a 2020 canyon Denali and asked for the part

[@fondupot]

Awesome. Good job!

[@Nick-zp2mg]

Hi, did you end up completing it on your 2017? Wondering if you can take a picture of the installation. I'd like to see how you mounted the actuator without those indents.

[@davidwright5281]

@@Nick-zp2mg not yet nick I'm going to take it to a mechanic friend of mine to. Help but I will update when that is done.

[@teamatz2016]

Doing it!!

[@fondupot]

Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

[@joed9224]

Looks extremely difficult to change the key housing.

[@fondupot]

It’s not too bad.

[@Nick-zp2mg]

Has anyone confirmed the part number for the spring loaded lock cylinder required to do this project? I hate that all GM Part websites only have drawings so you can never match anything up.

[@fondupot]

Negative, I did some extensive searching. Could never find it. Scour eBay and see if you can find a handle with a lock with the spring loaded key housing.

[@Nick-zp2mg]

@@fondupot Thanks. I have to find a website that has free returns. Unfortunately I'm not finding a complete handle with lock on eBay.

[@fondupot]

@@Nick-zp2mg This is one: www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Tailgate-Handle-W-Backup-Camera-2016-2019-Chevrolet-Silverado-GMC-Sierra/324425400055?hash=item4b8942bef7:g:g5UAAOSwuXJf36X4

[@fondupot]

@@Nick-zp2mg This one too: www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Tailgate-Handle-Backup-Camera-Opt-2016-2019-Chevrolet-Silverado-GMC-Sierra/143836763972?hash=item217d56d744:g:X-QAAOSw5epfrGVe

[@Nick-zp2mg]

@@fondupot Thanks... but as I'm in Canada, both don't ship to me :(