Tailgate open sensor issue / now tailgate won’t open

[Lightning115]

I have a 2023 XLT standard range just bought new in July. Only have 6,000 miles. The tailgate open light came on about 7 days ago I opened the tailgate closed it several times. The light never turned off. Now the tailgate won’t open at all. These power tailgates are useless. Why can’t there be an actual release. Both dealers are booked up. I tried the switching to Manual and power mode neither worked I have tried the key fob I have tried the button inside the cab I have tried the button on the tailgate I have pushed firmly several times to confirm it’s closed nothing works. Also when trying to open the tailgate it gives several beeping tones inside the truck and outside at the tailgate but no warning message other than the icon still being on the dash showing the tailgate is open even though it’s not. I have also tried to do a reset by removing the negative terminal off the 12v battery for 60 seconds and that did nothing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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[TaxmanHog]

Either a wiring or switch fault might be the cause of this warning lamp, schedule a visit let the warranty coverage take care of the issue.

You might want to inspect for a loose harness connection under the rear bed area

 

[Lightning115]

Either a wiring or switch fault might be the cause of this warning lamp, schedule a visit let the warranty coverage take care of the issue.

You might want to inspect for a loose harness connection under the rear bed area

Thanks I have appointment scheduled earliest is a month out

 

[VTbuckeye]

I had a similar problem. Corrosion in the wire harness/harness connector for the tailgate. They eventually replaced the wire harness, but prior to that they temporarily fixed by cleaning the contacts in the connector and filled with dielectric grease. I was getting three beeps whenever pressing the tailgate release button (in cab or tailgate). I have a tonneau cover, so the bed of the truck was useless from late Feb 2024 through May 2024. What good is a pick-up truck we with a stuck on loaded tailgate. To release they had to take the plastic cover off the tailgate and manually release. Try wiggling the tailgate connector on the wiring under the bed between the bumper and spare tire.

 

[Lightning115]

I tried wiggling it. But what you’re describing is exactly what I’m experiencing so seems like mine may have corroded then also. I also agree this tailgate not being able to open definitely makes it useless. Why can’t we have a regular handle release. This is so stupid.

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

You can remove the cover witht he tailgate up.. and there are still mechanical rods that pull the latches. Its an electric actuator that pushes a lever to open the tailgate. You can push up on that lever to open it. and then you can take a look and see if the actuator is working when you release the tailgate

This is only if you have the tailgate that is not fully power open and close.

 

[W Lightning]

2023 Lariat powered tailgate would work intermittently then would not open. Here is what my dealership did to fix the problem.. Has worked every time since the repair like it should.

Replaced the control unit for tailgate.
Reprogrammed software for rear gate module.
Programming module installation type system update.

 

[Lightning115]

I tried wiggling it. But what you’re describing is exactly what I’m experiencing so seems like mine may have corroded then also. I also agree this tailgate not being able to open definitely makes it useless. Why can’t we have a regular handle release. This is so stupid.

UPDATE…..
Ford dealer found the tail gate control module had water in it and had gone bad due to the moisture they said it’s very common apparently. It’s been raining here and it’s winter lol. Either way it’s fixed hopefully it doesn’t happen again or they come up with a solution to prevent this crucial part from getting wet

 

[Zprime29]

Interesting. The tailgate open light has started popping up for me, despite it not being open. Thus far it has opened and closed with the button, which clears the light. We don't get rain here and I'm terrible about getting it washed. Will keep in mind the connection if it gets worse.

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