Thanks for the suggestion 52merc, I would have never thought of that! Hmm looks like I have no BCM DTC's. Do I need to try hitting the tailgate release button in order to trigger the DTC, scan while the truck is running, or anything else? Or is it safe to say that because I don't have the DTC you mention, then my keyless entry rear antenna is fine?

 

It seems unlikely that the antenna is not functioning properly with no BCM DTCs but you can't rule it completely out. The WSM says to monitor BCM PID DECKLID_R_SW, but in my list of FORScan monitorable PIDs I show that PID to be DL_LFTGLS_SW. It should show open until you press the release button and it should show open again as soon as you let go of the button. If it is showing that the switch is always closed, disconnect the tailgate harness to see if the problem is in the tailgate (harness wiring or switch) or the harness from the BCM to the back of the truck. If the switch never shows closed, disconnect the tailgate harness and momentarily short out the switch pins in the truck harness side connector while monitoring the PID. If it momentarily shows closed, your problem is in the tailgate.

My F150 has had a recall performed on the tailgate switch and it now has its own connector so it no longer is the same as the schematic. Don't know if this applies to your truck. You might have to trace wires back from the switch to make sure you have the correct circuit to test. Good luck.

 

Trying to help my neighbor with this issue on his 2017 Lariat.

The button on the tailgate stopped working. Using the keyfob the tailgate opens. So I think that means the actuator is OK.

He checked the switch right at the switch connector and it closes the circuit when the button is depressed. I did not verify yet.

I see a few comments here about broken wires in the harness? Is this typically on the truck side or within the tailgate? I imagine somewhere that the wires are flexing repeatedly?

Is there any way to disable the tailgate button? I don't think so but want to confirm. The owner said he was messing with the door keypad programming around the time it stopped working but it could just be a coincidence.

I do have forscan. Which module are the PIDs in to check?

 

Locks are controlled by the BCM so all the PIDs to monitor are there. I had to change the actuator in my F150's tailgate. When it started to go bad, it would open from the fob or the keypad, but not the tailgate button. I though that was odd since all three just signal to the BCM to unlatch the tailgate. Also determined that temperature had a lot to do with it. The hotter it got, the less it worked. A new Ford actuator has solved the problem. See my earlier posting for the PIDs.

 

Hi there I’m having the same issues. What was the problem?

 

Hi did you find a fix for this?

 

Hi @52merc would you be able to share the wiring diagram from the tailgate button switch to the BCM?

I checked using Forscan DL_LFTGLS_SW on the neighbor's truck I mentioned above. No signal.
Checked on my truck to verify the PID and it shows a signal when pressing the button.
There is a second PID under DL_LFTGLS_* (can't recall the exact) that also shows when the actuator is commanded. Observing both is very helpful.

Tested the button with continuity and it works.
Checked wiring from the button connector to the tailgate connector near the spare tire and there is continuity.
So it appears to be an open within the wiring between the tailgate connector and the BCM which is possibly the worst failure option. Was hoping for an actuator or button replacement.
I think the wires split to different connectors or may change color so the diagram will help inspect further.

Thank you.

 

This schematic does not include any wiring changes that may have been made as a result of a recall. When the recall was performed on my truck, the tailgate circuit was rewired to a separate connector right at the tailgate.

 

Much appreciated.

This harness has a single connector coming from the tailgate, and then what I would describe as a "jumper" harness from the tailgate plug to the nearby frame rail that splits off into a few separate connector housings. The tailgate sensor wire was on a separate 2 wire housing there.

Seeing the switch +hot and ground wire detail is helpful, will check for ground continuity now that I know that.

 

Your truck has had the Recall performed. I think it was 20S01. I would carefully check the work on that newer wiring. Ford only allows a certain amount of time to perform the work and it might have been a little rushed.