My powered tailgate button will not release lower the tailgate down. Has anyone experienced this before? The tailgate release button on the keyfob, and the keypad on the driver side door works normally. I checked the fuse #16 (tailgate release) in the passenger footwell compartment. The reverse camera, trailer light, actuator, and the button works fine. I checked the connector that plugs into the tailgate release switch with my multimeter, and got a reading of 2.72V DC. Any suggestions?
2015 Ford F-150 Lariat with powered tailgate and tailgate step

 

Did you just buy the truck used? It may be possible the previous owner added the power tailgate to a truck which was not originally equipped with one and someone changed the logic in the BCM for the tailgate / liftgate release circuit back to stock during the trade in process.

In the BCM you can program if the tailgate release switch is normally open or normally closed. I’m nearly certain that it is N/O.

The likely scenario is you might just have a bad ground between the tailgate release switch and the chassis.

 

I did purchase the truck used but not recently. It's a 502a Lariat and I think the power tailgate is standard. I know that the previous owner did not install it. It has been working for the last few years, and just stopped working last week. I will check the ground for the tailgate. Thanks!

 

Just updating for anyone else who might be experiencing the same issue. The truck went to the dealer last year for the tailgate recall, where the push button and the wiring harness was modified. I called the dealer asking if the recall/parts had warranty, however they said it does not. The dealer wanted to charge me a diagnostic fee which I refused. The issue was behind the rear bumper, next to the trailer plug which the dealer added two pigtails. The dealer tapped off of the tailgate wiring harness, into those two connectors. Months after the recall was done, the wire corroded and the wire broke off which prevented the tailgate button from working.

 

Pretty sloppy splice job IMHO

 

Yes I agree. I also figured out that other trucks were "fixed" using the same method. I'm surprised the dealer doesn't replace the tailgate harness, but splices it poorly.

 

Thank you for this thread!! My tailgate button also stoped working. The dealer connections on mine were ok but when I followed the wires all the way back to where they cut opened the covering they cut into one wire. It actually lasted a few months but I guess over time the wire separated. It was tough to find because upon first inspection I did not think to trace back that far and visually it looked ok but when I flexed the individual wires it was only wire covering holding it together.

 

I have a 2017 Lariat w/ the power tailgate. Sometimes, particularly when there might be a load pressing against the tailgate, I can press the release button on the tailgate and I hear the solenoid click, but the latch does not release the tailgate. Sometimes, a second push of the button will cause it to release, but other times I have to give a push inward on the gate while pressing the button.

Ironically, today I received a letter from Ford stating that they had a launched program 21M06 for customers who are “continue to experience unintended tailgate opening and would like an enhanced repair”. Also for those who have not had previous repairs but need one.

Having bought the truck used in July of 2020, I have no idea if there was a previous repair or not. In any case, whadda think my chances of getting them to actually have the problem occur on their watch and would they repair it if it actually could be reproduced?

 

I had the same issue happen to mine where it sometimes wouldn’t open on the first try. I solved the issue by removing the tailgate cover on the inside that are held on with torx screws. You then have to release those pink clips shown in the pictures, and tension those two metal rods that go to each side. That should solve your problem.

 

Horrible splice attempt. Is there a proper fix to the water intrusion on the power tailgate?