crowtc
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- August 22, 2020
- Messages
- 16
- Reaction score
- 9
- City, State
- Wapakoneta, OH
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2012 Explorer XLT
I posted this on Reddit while the forums were down, but I figured it would be a good idea to repost here for a better response.
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I only got a couple of responses on Reddit, but it made me think the following problems may occur:
Does anyone here think this is doable? Any advice?
Thanks!
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My 2012 Explorer XLT does not have a power liftgate (and TBH, I don't really need it). It seems weird to me that there is no button in the cab that releases the latch, especially since it appears that the release mechanism is electronic, not mechanical.
My left side dash button panel currently only has the single "tow" button. I am considering adding the 2-button version (BB5Z-13D730-CA - liftgate+tow) or the 3-button (BB5Z-13D730-AA - liftgate+tow+auto-park) and using the liftgate button to actually trigger the latch release. I could theoretically rewire the "auto-park" button for something else later.
BB5Z-13D730-AA
In a perfect world, simply adding the switch (and maybe some BCM programming) would make the button pop the liftgate, but I doubt I'm that lucky. I can see at least one spot in the schematics where I could possibly trigger the release relay with one or two wires, right under the dash, but I don't know how the BCM would react.
Has anyone here attempted a modification like this on a Gen 5 Explorer?
-----I only got a couple of responses on Reddit, but it made me think the following problems may occur:
- The button would simply do nothing
- The button would unlatch, but not unlock the liftgate
- It might trigger vehicle security
- It may simply cause the BCM to freak out
Does anyone here think this is doable? Any advice?
Thanks!