2017 King Ranch with electronic tailgate. Tailgate won't open with the tailgate button, but does open by double-pressing the tailgate button on the FOB. This behavior started a few months ago, and wasn't related to anything like 'driving through a rainstorm' or any other electrical issues happening. Yes the doors are unlocked, and it's the same whether the truck is running or off.

In my quest to troubleshoot this, my first step was to replace the truck battery, which was showing signs of weakness. I did the 'battery relearn' thing. I then checked Forescan for any codes and didn't see anything that would be related to this. My next step will be to replace the actuator in the tailgate, but here's my question:

Would a bad or weak actuator fail when pressing the button, but work correctly when the FOB is pressed? It seems to me that both processes would trigger the actuator in the same way, but since these things are as complicated as the space shuttle was, who knows.

Thanks in advance!

 

Since the actuator consistently works with the fob, and consistently does not work with the tailgate button, the faulty piece of hardware is very likely the button.

 

its easy to check by removing the panel with the 8 torx on the tailgate interior.
You can also access the button there as well.
Dilectric grease would help isolate if there is corrosion present. Just use it as a gasket not packing the connector like a bearing.

 

OK I will try that. I had the panel open to examine the actuator, and I was wondering about the button. Looks like I can remove it without removing the actuator itself, so I'll try that next and test it. Is the button simply a contact that closes (so I can meter it for continuity)?

The reason I didn't suspect it originally is because it's bone-dry in the tailgate, the rubber cover over the button is intact, and the tailgate really doesn't get opened that often. Hard to imagine that the button would be wore out, but who knows!

Thank you!

 

Update: Replaced the button. Problem still persists. Old button tested fine as well, but I just left the new button in. My next troubleshooting step is to crawl under the truck and examine all the wiring, connectors and ground points. Then take a look at the connectors under the hood. That's not happening until it gets warmer.

This is exactly the thing that drives me crazy about these trucks. This is the second time I've chased an electrical gremlin through this thing.

 

That's frustrating. Good luck.