Proper operation of lift gate button when vehicle locked

[Padraig1980]

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

Have you tried with the other key fob?

 

[BlkStingray]

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

My 2021 did that as well. The dealer rebooted the onboard computer, an it has worked fine ever since.

 

[BlkStingray]

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

 

[newmantjn]

Looking at the order guide for the 2020 Explorer XLT I don't see any option for the rear hatch unlock. Intelligent Access is standard on the XLT. It sure sounds like it quit working as it should. I hope Ford does correct this with your dealer.

Have the dealer demo the function on a like unit in the lot. Call your salesman to arrange it.

 

[b1b]

Contact Ford direct through the website or send them an email and tell them what is happening and what the dealer said. They helped me to get the dealer straightened out.

 

[Mr A]

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

well, my 2015 rear hatch will not open if locked and I don't have the key on me. If doors are locked and I have the key on me the rear hatch will operate even if the doors are locked. Not sure of 2020 model.

 

[Larry Compton]

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

Mine works just walking up to it.I will double check it in a few minutes.

 

[cmtrpatrick]

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

We have a 2020 limited. It works as you describe - opens manually if locked with a key close by.

 

[peterk9]

Peter, I agree. But the dealer where I bought my Explorer has already dismissed what the manual says as not applicable to my particular Explorer. Said the owner’s manual covers all variations of 2020 Explorers and that it was just wrong in failing to note that the language pertaining to my issue applies only “if equipped“. Claims mine is not equipped that way, according to his tech. I will take it to my next nearest dealer (about an hour away) if really necessary get the matter resolved. Meanwhile I hope someone at the company level will be able to set him straight.

To answer your last question, mine is a 2020 XLT with intelligent access, the 202a options package, and Class III towing package. I think the intelligent access is what is relevant to this issue.

Intelligent Access says it all and that standard on the XLT. Unfortunately, I believe your dealer doesn't understand the vehicle.

Peter

 

[peterk9]

Mine works just walking up to it.I will double check it in a few minutes.

Do you also have the 202A package Larry?

Peter

 

[Jost]

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

You are correct. It detects your smart key and you can press the button, just like the doors. My 21 xlt works that way and that is not a chance from the 20. Unfortunately some dealer techs are just lazy and it's easier to blame the customer then do something. My previous fusion had an intermittent power lumbar, the tech told me I didn't know how to use it.

 

[Skip Hood]

Thanks again to all who took the trouble to respond. To answer one question, yes we tried it with our other key fob. Same result. It‘s clear from your posts as well as my own experience that the dealer‘s techs are misinformed on this matter. I’ve been promised a call from someone on a higher level in Ford’s customer service food chain ( a “Customer Experience Specialist“, no less). I’ll of course ask them to set the dealer straight and hopefully tell them how to fix, as it’s obvious the dealer‘s techs have a clue. Will post whatever the fix may be. Perhaps just rebooting the onboard computer, as worked for BlkStingray.

 

[peterk9]

If you don't mind losing some saved memory settings, you could try disconnecting the negative battery cable for a few minutes. Not saying that would fix the issue but it has fixed some problems.

Peter

 

[Danad813]

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

For what it’s worth, I have a limited and had to have some sensors and the latch replaced on the lift gate because it malfunctions. It still does it sometimes though. If you can, take it to another Ford dealer. Any Ford dealer should service if it’s under warranty. We cut ties with the place we bought my explorer and my hubby’s raptor because of their horrendous service department.

 

[casanova419]

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

I have a 2019 sport and the ribbon cable on the hatch motor broke only 4 month old. I think the design is bad. The opening and closing puts a stress on the cable. So far I had the hatch motor replace the map sensor and a recall on the roof rack trim.

 

[dlmz]

We have a 2020 limited. It works as you describe - opens manually if locked with a key close by.

Our 2020 works with doors locked and key in pocket.

 

[peterk9]

Our 2020 works with doors locked and key in pocket.

202A package?

 

[dlmz]

202A package?

yes xlt with 202A

 

[peterk9]

yes xlt with 202A

Not saying the dealer and its personnel there don't know what they're talking about, but it seems clear that the member's dealership doesn't understand the vehicle. Looks like a good place to stay away from.

Peter

 

[TracysRide]

You are right. If you have the FOB in your pocket the lift gate should unlock when you touch it.

Hi all -

Need a reality check here. My 2020 XLT has stopped responding to the lift gate opening button under the trim
piece above the license plate when the vehicle is locked. My best recollection from owning this vehicle for over a year is that when you approach the locked vehicle with the key in your pocket, it detects the key and you can use the button to open the lift gate same as you would to open the doors. The dealer‘s tech is telling me it doesn’t work that way. I believe he is confusing this with other Explorer’s “wave your foot under the bumper“ option for opening the lift gate. Which mine doesn’t have. Can anyone here confirm how yours works?

Thanks.

are correct