I was driving the other night, and I accidentally hit the tailgate release (non-powered) on my '21 XLT, and nothing happened. It might allow the tailgate to drop at 0 mph, but if the vehicle is actually moving, I think it would inhibit the release from happening. I am at work, and can't go try it at the moment. Just a curious thought is all!

 

Hmmm, will have to recheck. I have the power tailgate and was picking up friend at the airport and press the power tailgate button on the dash and it didn't move (transmission in Drive) Placed the transmission is Park and press the button and the tailgate lowered... Unless I missed the button or something like that it appears that the power tailgate has a interlock.

 

This is correct. You must be stopped.

 

I would not just rely on "put it in drive and it went down". My 2015 can drop the tail Gail when stopped but will not go down when moving. If you want to test them make sure there is nothing until the bed, while driving see if it will go down. Nothing bad will happen because it is just like driving with the tailgate down.

 

I verified it last night, while making a quick trip. I was on the interstate, and moving at speed... pressed the tailgate release button, and nothing happened. It is interlocked, and will only allow you to remotely open the tailgate, when stopped. Mystery solved! LoL!

 

I too can attest to the tailgate not releasing or raising while in motion. Tried it today and had to put it in park before it would actuate.

 

Manual describes that tailgate will not lower if at "speed 3 mph or greater".

 

The system is the same one used on the Super Duties and they designed it to drop while in gear so you can lower it while backing up to hook up a goose neck. You sometimes forget to do it before getting in the truck.