Liftgate ajar alert

[ex0r]

Does anybody know if there are common issues with the 'rear trunk ajar' warning on the screen? It started out being intermittent, and mostly after going over a bump, but now it's constantly on and the interior lights stay on as well even after the key is off. The rear washer also no longer works, which I am assuming is related to the rear trunk latch sensor thinking the rear tailgate is up.

It's a 2013 ford explorer xlt. It has the backup camera, which works when in reverse (although the yellow lines and the audible warning beep no longer work on it, again probably related to the trunk latch showing its open).

I plan to replace the part, but wondered if anybody had a wiring diagram of this portion of the car so I can jumper the sensor into 'thinking' the trunk is closed until I get the extra money to replace the part.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the 5th generation Forum.
I don't think the issue with the rear washer has anything to do with the 'liftgate ajar' warning. I was able to get the washer and wiper to work with the 'gate' completely open. Although the camera will work with the 'gate' open, the guidelines only appeared on mine once I heard it lock. The interior lights should shut off after 10 minutes but the fact they are staying on is likely related to the 'warning' as is the disappearance of the guidelines.
What is the "part" you are referring to?
Please complete your registration by adding the 'Required' "Trim Level" (Base, XLT, etc.) to your profile so it appears in the margin. That can be useful info to have at times. Thank you.

Peter

 

[ex0r]

The part I am referring to is the 'liftgate actuator' (Not sure what the actual part number is). The part that actually locks the tailgate. I am not sure what is going on with it. The rear camera, the rear lights, and the trunk release button under the handle all work.

When it first started doing it, it was intermittent. The wipers would stop working when the trunk ajar light was on. We used to be able to fix it by opening and closing the tailgate a couple of times, or going over a bump. The light would go off, and the rear wipers would start working again, which led me to believe that it was related to the actuator 'sensor' not sensing that the liftgate is open.

I tried looking for a plunger along the liftgate to see if maybe it was an older 'plunger style' trigger to send a warning to the car that the liftgate is ajar, but there isn't one. I think the actuator itself has a magnetic or inertia switch in it that detects if it makes contact with the strike plate on the bottom part of the trunk. My idea was to jump these two wires together to fool the car into thinking that the liftgate is closed all the time (Even if it's not), until I am able to get the replacement part.

It does lock, and you can hear it lock when it's closed and you hit the lock button. The release also no longer opens it once it's locked. I removed the panel yesterday and inspected all the wires, especially where it comes through the rubber boot, and they all look really good.

 

[peterk9]

Part labelled #14; Liftgate for 2013 Ford Explorer | Auto Nation Ford White Bear Lake
As far as the wiper goes, perhaps there was a change along the way since mine works with the 'gate' open, as does the washer.

Peter

 

[ex0r]

Do you happen to have a wiring diagram so I can see how the wires run? It'll help me jump it until I get the replacement one.

 

[peterk9]

Do you happen to have a wiring diagram so I can see how the wires run? It'll help me jump it until I get the replacement one.

I don't but there are a couple members that do. Hopefully they will help out.

 

[peterk9]

See if this is of any help; Looking for Can bus diagram

Peter

 

[ex0r]

I was able to fix all issues related to the electrical for future reference, there are four wires coming out of the latch. Two white ones (can't see the color of the stripes) one black and one red. If you jumper the two white ones together, it disables the trunk ajar light .

This can be useful for verifying if the switch inside of the latch Is broken or not .

The issue fixed the light, the backup camera and the interior light issue.

The wiper issue was related to the multi-switch on the steering column.

 

[Bryansteff]

I have a 2012 Explorer xlt and noticed whenever I use the remote to lock the car, 10-20 seconds later the panic alarm starts to go off until I hit unlock.
I noticed when sitting in the vehicle with it running, the “lift gate ajar” icon would light up and flicker very quickly on and off. The lift gate is shut securely. Any ideas what could be the issue?
At the moment I have to keep the vehicle unlocked so the alarm doesn’t keep going off.
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
Just wondering if you are also experiencing the issues this member has? Liftgate ajar alert, other issues Is yours a powered or manual liftgate? Have you tried the resetting method outlined on page 124 of the Manual to see if that may help?

Peter

 

[GJC 127]

I have a 2013 Explorer XLT, we bought it with 9k, in 2013. It now has 49k, drives and looks great, except for it’s liftgate issues. Just after the factory warranty was up, the “liftgate ajar” would be present on the dash and cycling intermittently, with the dome lights and chime. The liftgate was closed, but still illuminating the “liftgate ajar.” Now the liftgate will not open with the key fob, or liftgate button. Any ideas? Thanks,
Greg

 

[blwnsmoke]

I have a 2013 Explorer XLT, we bought it with 9k, in 2013. It now has 49k, drives and looks great, except for it’s liftgate issues. Just after the factory warranty was up, the “liftgate ajar” would be present on the dash and cycling intermittently, with the dome lights and chime. The liftgate was closed, but still illuminating the “liftgate ajar.” Now the liftgate will not open with the key fob, or liftgate button. Any ideas? Thanks,
Greg

Use the search function and type in "liftgate ajar". There are several threads that discuss this or similar issues. I'd paste them but I'm on my cell and it's a PITA to do it this way.

 

[peterk9]

I have a 2013 Explorer XLT, we bought it with 9k, in 2013. It now has 49k, drives and looks great, except for it’s liftgate issues. Just after the factory warranty was up, the “liftgate ajar” would be present on the dash and cycling intermittently, with the dome lights and chime. The liftgate was closed, but still illuminating the “liftgate ajar.” Now the liftgate will not open with the key fob, or liftgate button. Any ideas? Thanks,
Greg

Welcome to the Forum Greg.
One thing you could try if you don't mind possibly losing some saved memory settings is to disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes and then reconnecting it. That procedure has been known to solve some although not all issues. I've merged your thread with this one. Post #1 mentions the interior lights going on. I'm guessing this is due to the system thinking the 'gate' is open. Post #8 tells how one member fixed the warning but not the actual problem.
Is the liftgate button you refer to the one on the 'gate' itself or the one on the dash?

Peter

 

[GJC 127]

Welcome to the Forum Greg.
One thing you could try if you don't mind possibly losing some saved memory settings is to disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes and then reconnecting it. That procedure has been known to solve some although not all issues. I've merged your thread with this one. Post #1 mentions the interior lights going on. I'm guessing this is due to the system thinking the 'gate' is open. Post #8 tells how one member fixed the warning but not the actual problem.
Is the liftgate button you refer to the one on the 'gate' itself or the one on the dash?

Peter

Hey Pete,
I was referring to the one on the dash, also button on liftgate does not work.
Thanks for input.
Greg

 

[Tonypi1]

I was able to fix all issues related to the electrical for future reference, there are four wires coming out of the latch. Two white ones (can't see the color of the stripes) one black and one red. If you jumper the two white ones together, it disables the trunk ajar light .

This can be useful for verifying if the switch inside of the latch Is broken or not .

The issue fixed the light, the backup camera and the interior light issue.

The wiper issue was related to the multi-switch on the steering column.

I did this and fixed the Liftgate Ajar warning light. It worked to by pass the switch, and the camera, washer and wiper all still work. I have the manual liftgate, not a power gate.

 

[peterk9]

While this "bypass" works in stopping the warning message, it also defeats the purpose of the message and doesn't address the ongoing issue that is causing the warning in the first place.

Peter

 

[RicardoV]

Thanks in advance for any assistance on this matter!. My 2015 Ford Explorer XLT, just had the "Liftgate Ajar" light come up. Since when it's locked it does not open with the key or the button on the dashboard unless I turn it on and back off.
Also the alarm keeps going off because it thinks that the liftgate is ajar. Which is the part that it's usually damaged when this happens? Is it the "Liftgate Lock Actuator?. Thanks again! Rick

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Rick.
It could be the Liftgate Lock Actuator but since no one here has actually fixed the problem, it is only a guess. Bypassing the alarm is not really fixing the issue.
Liftgate for 2015 Ford Explorer | Auto Nation Ford White Bear La

Peter

 

[RicardoV]

Hi Pete, Merry Christmas and thank you for your kind response!. The Liftgate Lock Actuator part number is BB5Z-7843150-C and it sells for $210.00. But it seems as what comes with this part is the motor assembly. I do not know if the sensor would sell separately and it would not cost as much. Maybe they only make the entire part sensor and motor together. If that is the case I just called a Ford Dealer and they said the labor is approximately 2 hours ($270.00). We are talking about a $500.00 (parts & labor). Does it make sense to you? Thanks again!!! Rick

 

[RicardoV]

Pete, I just realized you had sent me a link to the parts. The part I had as the liftgate lock actuator is called "Latch Assembly" and it sells for $184.87 (same part number I had mentioned before). If this latch has a built in sensor then I believe this is the problem. Thank you very much for your information!!!!! Rick