If I remember correctly, disabling the power liftgate just disables the switch on the dash in pre 2016 models. The fob would still open it. This was discussed a few years ago by a member who was concerned about the liftgate accidently opening while he had the vehicle hooked up to tow.
My wife helped someone chase their dog around the WalMart parking lot because it escaped from an Ex when the owner left it unattended in the fire lane (serves them right, I say) and another shopper walking past the rear activated the liftgate.
It really doesn't require any more "balancing" than walking. Like walking you just put one foot ahead of the other but in this case your final step should end up moving forward under the bumper and then back to a standing position...........You got your hands too full of stuff to press a button, so this system requires you to balance on one foot, and wave the other about in front of you in some kind of weird Hokey-Pokey/field sobriety test mash-up.
Kind of a silly feature IMHO. Glad my Ex doesn't have it.
Then you immediately have to step back, lest the liftgate knock the double grande half-caff soy caramel extra foam macchiato out of your hands.It really doesn't require any more "balancing" than walking. Like walking you just put one foot ahead of the other but in this case your final step should end up moving forward under the bumper and then back to a standing position.
I suspect that if the 'gate' opens by simply walking by it that there may be an issue with the sensor alignment since it would not be normal.
Peter
Welcome to the Forum.
Mine opened as my automatic garage door was opening. It seems the motion of the garage door caused the liftgate to open. The bottom edge of the lift gate got jammed against the garage door and was bent. Cost me $1,000 to get repaired at a body shop. Twice it closed on people who were removing things from the cargo area & hit them on the head. It takes a lot of pressure to push against the liftgate to make it stop closing.
Welcome to the Forum.
What is a TSB? As some have suggested, I tried the "disable" lift gate that is on the "settings" section on the instrument panel (left side), but it also disables the switch on the lift gate. So, I unplugged the "hot" wires to the sensor module that is in the bumper. That disengaged the hands free sensor only, which is what I was trying to achieve. BTW, my friends were very upset to be hit in the head by the lift gate when it closed on them.Welcome to the Forum.
Since there is a TSB on this issue perhaps Ford may do something to help out with the damage repair. You never know until you ask.
Peter
Technical Services Bulletin. Issued by Ford to correct a known issue.
Thanks for the info. BTW I have the towing package on this vehicle.
That's what I did
Why not just get it fixed? Seems a drastic measure for a feature on a new vehicle and possibly for a feature that was desired.
I would take it in anyway if the problem is the same as for the non tow models since it is not functioning the way it was designed. If enough reports are filed by the dealer perhaps the coverage will be extended.
I was able to find some info on the internet as to how the system works. I found the "module" under the bumper where the ends of the sensor wire plug in & where the wire that connects to the system plugs in. I just unplugged this one & the motion activated sensor stopped working. Every other switch still works to open & close the liftgate.
I plan to do this when I bring in the vehicle for maintenance service.
