2025 Explorer Active - manually opening the lift gate?

[gadabout]

I just picked up a new 2025 Explorer Active. For the life of me, I can’t figure out how to open the liftgate from outside the vehicle without using the key fob. Surely there’s a way to go this.

Before anyone asks “why don’t I just use the key fob?” - it’s because when I return to the vehicle from fishing, I am all decked out in waders and other gear. My keys are buried deep in my pocket and not easy to get to. The first thing I need to do is open the lift gate and put my rod away before stripping down.

 

[Dale5403]

If you have the key fob in your pocket you can open the rear hatch using the button on it.

 

[gadabout]

If you have the key fob in your pocket you can open the rear hatch using the button on it.

View attachment 465490

Thanks Dale5403. I found that diagram as well, but mine doesn’t really look like that.

 

[Dale5403]

Does your Active have the button that looks like this?

 

[gadabout]

Does your Active have the button that looks like this? View attachment 465491

I have looked everywhere, but did not see anything that looks like that.

 

[edjunior78]

Can you post a picture or two of your liftgate, and specifically the underside along the middle of the liftgate?

 

[chazglenn3]

On the Platinum the button is under the last "R" in the Explorer on the lift gate...

 

[peterk9]

If you have the key fob in your pocket you can open the rear hatch using the button on it.

View attachment 465490

My 2025 Aviator's manual shows the same picture but it is incorrect. That feature does not exist.
Here is what I have;

The release button is under the little car symbol.

 

[BradleyFord]

The button is under the 'R' in the explorer name on the back. There is a little arrow pointing down and it's under that lip.

 

[BradleyFord]

Here are some pics, sorry my car is currently dirty.

 

[edjunior78]

Well, hopefully we'll here from the OP to see if he has found his button.

 

[peterk9]

Does the Active model have the Securicode keyless panel?

Peter

 

[BradleyFord]

Does the Active model have the Securicode keyless panel?

Peter

I don't think any trim level does in 2025 standard. I think it's a special add on, at least that's what my dealership told me. None of their platinums or STs had it.

 

[chazglenn3]

It's a $455 option from the factory but about $380 from Ford Accessories installed.

 

[peterk9]

Thanks for the info guys. I guess it's just another deleted feature on the Explorer. MY Aviator still has it, but I can't say I've used it on my previous vehicles other than to just test it out.

Peter

 

[chazglenn3]

I used it often on our 2016 Platinum but it didn't have Ford Pass. I can probably do without it since I have Ford Pass on the 2025 Platinum.

 

[gadabout]

Well, hopefully we'll here from the OP to see if he has found his button.

Yes, I did find it. Under the second “R” in Explorer. Somehow my post where I reported that got deleted.

 

[edjunior78]

Yes, I did find it. Under the second “R” in Explorer. Somehow my post where I reported that got deleted.

Awesome. Thanks for updating us.