Electronic tailgate won't open.
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Electronic tailgate won't open.
Hey all. I have a three week old 2017 f250 lariat FX4. I've opened the tailgate a few times since ownership. Today it won't open. I've tried the key fob, in the cab, and tailgate electronic button. The is NO manual release or key hole. Any ideas? I hear a buzz sound on the front right side of the cab.. Assuming this is the fuse box? No fuse listed for tailgate motor. Anyone know anything? Dealers and Ford customer service don't..
Edit: Also, the tailgate parking assist light comes on while parked.. Don't know if that is normal.
Edit: Also, the tailgate parking assist light comes on while parked.. Don't know if that is normal.
Last edited by Warpburn; Feb 4, 2017 at 01:49 PM. Reason: Tailgate parking assist
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
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Did you unlock all four doors when you tried it from the button on the gate? I know if you open the driver's door and walk back to unlock without ALL doors being unlocked...it won't open. It's probably more than just this...but you never know. 
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2012
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Hey all. I have a three week old 2017 f250 lariat FX4. I've opened the tailgate a few times since ownership. Today it won't open. I've tried the key fob, in the cab, and tailgate electronic button. The is NO manual release or key hole. Any ideas? I hear a buzz sound on the front right side of the cab.. Assuming this is the fuse box? No fuse listed for tailgate motor. Anyone know anything? Dealers and Ford customer service don't..
Edit: Also, the tailgate parking assist light comes on while parked.. Don't know if that is normal.
Edit: Also, the tailgate parking assist light comes on while parked.. Don't know if that is normal.
I found out that if one or both of those blocks gets rotated 90 degrees up or down, the tailgate won't open..
Push your tailgate. Literally put your hand on the left or right of the handle, push in with some force, and then try to open the tailgate with the fob or the button under the handle, while applying pressure with the other hand. I bet your tailgate will open!
Look for the two blocks. See if one of them is facing the wrong way. Once I fixed that, my tailgate was good as new!
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Joined: Aug 2017
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Help
Apparently here isn't a motor in the tailgate. It has an actuator that opens a hook, and the tailgate falls due to gravity and two rubber blocks on the bed, located about 3/4 of the way up on the bed.
I found out that if one or both of those blocks gets rotated 90 degrees up or down, the tailgate won't open..
Push your tailgate. Literally put your hand on the left or right of the handle, push in with some force, and then try to open the tailgate with the fob or the button under the handle, while applying pressure with the other hand. I bet your tailgate will open!
Look for the two blocks. See if one of them is facing the wrong way. Once I fixed that, my tailgate was good as new!
I found out that if one or both of those blocks gets rotated 90 degrees up or down, the tailgate won't open..
Push your tailgate. Literally put your hand on the left or right of the handle, push in with some force, and then try to open the tailgate with the fob or the button under the handle, while applying pressure with the other hand. I bet your tailgate will open!
Look for the two blocks. See if one of them is facing the wrong way. Once I fixed that, my tailgate was good as new!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,757
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From: Maryland
Just grab the block and spin it. They are just pressed into the holes. They should turn easily.
New User
Joined: Aug 2017
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3 day old F250
Thank you, I brought it to Ford and they said the part that unlocks the hinges inside the tailgate was going bad. They ordered a new part.
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Apparently here isn't a motor in the tailgate. It has an actuator that opens a hook, and the tailgate falls due to gravity and two rubber blocks on the bed, located about 3/4 of the way up on the bed.
I found out that if one or both of those blocks gets rotated 90 degrees up or down, the tailgate won't open..
Push your tailgate. Literally put your hand on the left or right of the handle, push in with some force, and then try to open the tailgate with the fob or the button under the handle, while applying pressure with the other hand. I bet your tailgate will open!
Look for the two blocks. See if one of them is facing the wrong way. Once I fixed that, my tailgate was good as new!
I found out that if one or both of those blocks gets rotated 90 degrees up or down, the tailgate won't open..
Push your tailgate. Literally put your hand on the left or right of the handle, push in with some force, and then try to open the tailgate with the fob or the button under the handle, while applying pressure with the other hand. I bet your tailgate will open!
Look for the two blocks. See if one of them is facing the wrong way. Once I fixed that, my tailgate was good as new!
Hello MagneticTiger, I have the same problem with a new Platinum edition, I double checked the fuse (15A) and it seems to be OK, would you illustrate how to fix the blocks? I can't find any rubber blocks
thank you
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2019 F350 King Ranch
I picked up our new truck last night. The tailgate would not open. I could her solenoids actuating and tail lights flashing, but tailgate was stuck shut. The issue was caused by the dealer installing the 7 over 12 pin connector for the optional rear trailer camera and TPS kit. The instructions say to connect the12 pin conector behind the hitch to the new 7/12 pin connector you install in the bumper. Problem is there is a 12 pin connector on the drivers side frame rail that. matches the description. However, it is the wrong one and when the dealer disconnected it from the pug it was in and moved it to the 7/12 bumper connector it stopped the tailgate from functioning. The 12 pin that need to be connected is directly behind the hitch, somewhat above the spare tire. Once thugs were swayed out everything worked.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 90
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My 15 Lariat 150 had the tailgate step and the push button tailgate. The gate opened a few times without me intentionally opening it. I had the aluminium tri fold tonneau cover on it. The cover did not completely cover the top of the tailgate so part of the step was visible. Snow and freezing rain not a good combo for an outside truck. Tailgate froze up over a half a dozen times. Unable to get into the bed because the cover could only be opened once the tailgate was opened. Had to wait for it to thaw out. Chose not to get the step or push button gate on my super duty although on this truck the step would be helpful but not a requirement for me. Glad you guys are finding a simple solution for your issue. Sorry I ventured a little off topic.
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