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Is there not an inside button to remotely release the tailgate? I have the remote tailgate release option, but the only way I have found to use it is to use the key FOB. With keyless entry and engine start, I can't believe you have to dig out the key FOB to remotely release the tailgate. Every SUV or car I have bought in the last 10 years has a BUTTON inside the car to do this. With the greatly increased curbside pickup options due to COVID, it is inefficient to require the use of the key FOB - just for that!
Well boys and girls it is out there. Also on 17 & up Super Duties
My first 2016 F150 501a Lariat, 2.7 EB the was the switch under the the light controls and wondered what it was for. AKA along side the electric pedal adjust switch.
Pushed it and heard a weird noise and wondered what had just happened.
Got out to find the tailgate had released, closed tailgate and got back in and pushed the switch again the tailgate released.
My 18 502a Lariat didn't have it nor does the 19 701a Platinum.
Why don't know but some Limited's may have had the feature also.
There are two reasons why you must not be able to open the tailgate:
1. for accidentall fall down during driving. The tailgate can't be opened if vehicle speed is more than 3mph
2. It can be stolen if there is a button to open it.
How to remove tailgate for more loading room (from owner's manual)
1. Locate and disconnect the power door
locks in-line connector. It is under the
pickup box on the right-hand side of
the vehicle near the spare tire.
2. There is a protective cap in the glove
box. Install it on the in-line connector
that remains under the pickup box.
3. Partially lower the tailgate. Carefully
feed the tailgate harness up through
the gap between the pickup box and
the bumper and place it out of the way
under the pickup box.
4. Lower the tailgate
5. Use a screwdriver to gently pry the
spring clip on each connector past the
head of the support screw. Disconnect
the cable.
6. Disconnect the other cable.
7. Lift the tailgate to 45 degrees from
horizontal.
8. Lift the right side off its hinge.
9. Lift the tailgate to 80 degrees from
horizontal.
10. Remove the tailgate from the left side
hinge by sliding it to the right.
Reverse the steps to reinstall the tailgate
Why would this be useful for curbside pickup? The person putting the stuff in the bed can't release the tailgate by pushing the button on the tailgate?
There are very few scenarios where you would want to open the tailgate without being at the tailgate. Opening one and not knowing what it may hit while lowering could be a bad thing. I can see it on the Super Duties since they are more for professional use where the driver would actually know when the tailgate needs to be open and might have a crew waiting to load it. The F-150 typical weekend warrior is more likely to be a "what does this button do" in traffic or at a light. The 2021's have an auto-close feature which is nice.
The F-150 typical weekend warrior is more likely to be a "what does this button do" in traffic or at a light. The 2021's have an auto-close feature which is nice.
Easy enough for the BCM to lock this button out unless in P or N.
Why would this be useful for curbside pickup? The person putting the stuff in the bed can't release the tailgate by pushing the button on the tailgate?
I do grocery pick up all the time...contactless pickup.
There are requirements such as backed into a numbered stall, and the hatch or doors must be open for the clerk to load the items.
So I back into stall...when the clerk arrives, I just press the keyfob button and BAM!!!! The tailgate opens, clerk loads my stuff, they close tailgate and i'm gone!
I know...this is such an antiquated system, and a burden but hey, its working so far!
The curbside scenario is the one where it would be appreciated. I release the tailgate (currently with the key FOB) and the person delivering curbside closes it after putting it in the bed.
On F150s with an electric tailgate release, the BCM monitors circuit CPL60. When the BCM sees CPL60 grounded to chassis, it sends the power to the tailgate release solenoid which releases the tailgate.
Adding a cabin mounted switch to release the tailgate is a simple process. For my 2016 Lariat, all I would need to do is tap circuit CPL60, which is the tailgate release circuit and mount a momentary push button switch to ground this circuit when a tailgate release is desired. On my 2016, this circuit is a BN-YE wire at connector C2288E Pin-14.
