Tailgate opening by itself
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
Would it be so difficult for Ford to put out a TSB about adding Di-electric grease to the connection under the tailgate? Or better yet do it at the damn plant while The trucks are being assembled. It would probably fix 90% of the tailgate issues and save them 10’s of thousands of dollars in harness replacements.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 454
Likes: 25
Makes me glad I got my XL, but I also wanted to put in my two cent for those of you who are concerned that you have no idiot light to tell you the tail gate is open....
Go get a pin switch, wire one end to ground at the tailgate. Install the pin switch and set it so that it closes when the tail gate is open. Run the other end of the wire into the cab, tie it into a flush mount LED, wherever you'd like it, and finish off the circuit at the battery or some other constant 12V source. Bam, instant idiot light, probably cost about 10 bucks and a half hour at most of your time.
For those who are more savvy, you could probably tie it into a door switch to give you a warning on your instrument cluster, but it isn't going to specifically read tailgate, unfortunately. Fixing it should be easy for y'all now that you know which connector it is. Plug that **** up with some dielectric grease and flip the connector over so it doesn't catch water anymore.
Lastly, a mildly electronic savvy person could design a relay to cut all power to the actuator unless the truck is in park....
Just a few ideas for you folks, Sorry this ****'s happening.
Go get a pin switch, wire one end to ground at the tailgate. Install the pin switch and set it so that it closes when the tail gate is open. Run the other end of the wire into the cab, tie it into a flush mount LED, wherever you'd like it, and finish off the circuit at the battery or some other constant 12V source. Bam, instant idiot light, probably cost about 10 bucks and a half hour at most of your time.
For those who are more savvy, you could probably tie it into a door switch to give you a warning on your instrument cluster, but it isn't going to specifically read tailgate, unfortunately. Fixing it should be easy for y'all now that you know which connector it is. Plug that **** up with some dielectric grease and flip the connector over so it doesn't catch water anymore.
Lastly, a mildly electronic savvy person could design a relay to cut all power to the actuator unless the truck is in park....
Just a few ideas for you folks, Sorry this ****'s happening.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 128
Likes: 4
Here is another update on our 2017 F350. Just turned 4,500 miles and ownership is at 8 months. Phantom tailgate was our 1st aftermarket option added a few days after purchasing the truck. After stuffing both connectors "aft" of the spare tire overflowing with dilectric grease, I have not experienced any tailgate Phantom operarion. Bear in mind both of the connectors were full of water.
New User
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
The thought of having the tailgate drop while pulling a fifth-wheel is a bit scary. I doubt I'd notice until after the first few turns.
I'd be willing to go clip a wire and lose the auto-opening feature. I like the power lock, but I'm happy to skip auto-opening if it isn't bulletproof. I expect it isn't quite that simple.
I'd be willing to go clip a wire and lose the auto-opening feature. I like the power lock, but I'm happy to skip auto-opening if it isn't bulletproof. I expect it isn't quite that simple.
i had had this happen to me over Easter. I now do not trust the tailgate. I have everyone check before I leave. Damage to trailer and tailgate.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 204
Likes: 4
Here is another update on our 2017 F350. Just turned 4,500 miles and ownership is at 8 months. Phantom tailgate was our 1st aftermarket option added a few days after purchasing the truck. After stuffing both connectors "aft" of the spare tire overflowing with dilectric grease, I have not experienced any tailgate Phantom operarion. Bear in mind both of the connectors were full of water.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 286
Likes: 40
Since when is it necessary to have and pay for all those sissy options anyways? Electronic tailgate releases to help you load your groceries, adaptive steering so you can check your text messages, blind spot warnings because you don't know how to use those huge adjustable side mirrors and all the other nonsense today. Good luck with all that...
New User
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Hey everyone, Since getting the tailgate fixed, I had the tailgate drop on two occasions. What I found is that the release button is super sensitive. I barley ran my finger over it and it released the tailgate. I have since installed a safety lanyard to prevent the gate from dropping all the way while towing my toy-hauler. Got the idea from this thread and it saved the tailgate from any new damage.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Canada
Hey everyone, Since getting the tailgate fixed, I had the tailgate drop on two occasions. What I found is that the release button is super sensitive. I barley ran my finger over it and it released the tailgate. I have since installed a safety lanyard to prevent the gate from dropping all the way while towing my toy-hauler. Got the idea from this thread and it saved the tailgate from any new damage.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 4
From: GA
i found the same. I barely brushed the switch reaching for the park brake release and it triggered and opened the tailgate. I unplugged mine since I have no need to open the tailgate from inside the truck. I can see how the impact from the park brake pedal sometimes sets it off
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,693
Likes: 12,817
From: Wyoming
i found the same. I barely brushed the switch reaching for the park brake release and it triggered and opened the tailgate. I unplugged mine since I have no need to open the tailgate from inside the truck. I can see how the impact from the park brake pedal sometimes sets it off
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Canada
mine was very touchy. Horizontally across the switch was fine. Vertically over the switch like your hand would be going for the park brake release it was too easy to actuate it for me.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 472
Likes: 24
From: Brentwood CA
My 18 dropped the tailgate yesterday and I'm pretty sure I know why.
Reached down to release the brake and my thumb bumped the tailgate release. Did not even notice till I put it in reverse and the reverse sense went crazy.
Ford needs to do one of the following:
1. Make the switch less sensitive
2. Change software to require 2 pushes to drop the tailgate
3. Move the switch away from the parking brake
Curious will the gate drop while your moving? I should test?
Reached down to release the brake and my thumb bumped the tailgate release. Did not even notice till I put it in reverse and the reverse sense went crazy.
Ford needs to do one of the following:
1. Make the switch less sensitive
2. Change software to require 2 pushes to drop the tailgate
3. Move the switch away from the parking brake
Curious will the gate drop while your moving? I should test?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,861
From: Frederick, MD
Is there enough of the wiring harness that you as the user could move the switch to a new and better location?
Is there an option in the settings menu to disable the switch or key fob access to the tailgate?
Is there an option in the settings menu to disable the switch or key fob access to the tailgate?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 177
From: Vancouver, BC
disconnect the switch, it hasn't happened in the year since doing this. It is super sensitive and the vibration from the parking brake release could activate it. It has a button or the fob if I want it open. I really like the power down button on the remote. Makes loading stuff easier!