Just got my 2017 Platinum CCSB back from the dealer. 5 weeks in the shop in 8 months of ownership (some for unrelated issues per another thread). As stated above, the parts were on backorder, and was told that it would take a month to get the parts in. After pressing the regional rep, the parts were delivered in 2.5 weeks time.

My symptoms...dropping tailgate, latch clicking for 2-4 seconds after tailgate release (either intentionally or unintentionally), "platinum" lighted sill shorting on passenger side, HVAC panel dead on application of brakes or in Park, BLIS and all electronic aids on the rear of truck inop (per warning messages in instrument cluster), auto running boards inop, and rear tailgate release button on dash inop.

It had 21000 miles of pavement and 1000 miles of improved gravel road usage. No water crossings, no mudding, no off road use. Dry climate here in Idaho (10" of total precipitation yearly), along with an abnormally dry/warm winter.

Dealer did not know of the TSB when I took the pickup in. They said there were 3 parts required for the fix, along with dropping the fuel tank to get at the main rear harness connector. Fix was quick, parts availability was not. Connectors were all corroded and/or had water intrusion. The dealer and Ford could not tell me if it was a build issue or a parts issue, and more disconcertingly, they could not tell me if the replacement parts were updated or not. So it remains to be seen if this problem will reappear 20K miles down the road.

I love this truck...but the build quality is the worst I've experienced in any new vehicle I've purchased. Thats including multiple Rovers....

I'm a first time Ford owner, comming from Cummins. Ford is not making a favorable impression on me, though obviously this may/may not be an anomaly with the vast amount of Ford customers/repeat customers.

 

 

I expected first model year growing pains, but not to this level. A part which seemingly seems so simple and so commonly utilized like a weatherproof harness connector shouldn't be failing.

 

 

I have an 18KR and my tailgate has not opened on its own. I did have the same problem Voodoorob had with the latch mechanism clicking repeatedly due to water in the connectors behind the bumper but only after hitting the key fob or tailgate release on the tailgate. It is my understanding that Ford has programmed the computer to not allow the dash button or key fob to open the tailgate with the truck running. I tried the other day and the message center popped up and said that function was not available while the engine is running. I haven’t had any problems since filling the connectors with Di-electric grease.

 

 

This is what I believe is the problem with all the auto companies. My son is in management for a major auto parts manufacturer. They supply to all the majors, foreign and domestic.

He says they are constantly having to redesign or revise components because the engineers at the auto mfg want it done faster, cheaper, and lighter, at the expense of quality. He says they will spec a cheap foreign bearing that hopefully will last past warranty, instead of a know good part that is only slightly more expensive.

He says Ford is at their plant way more than the other companies making sure the product is built to their spec, but the problem is their spec is not good, as with all the auto makers.

He was telling me the other day of a major foreign maker of extremely high end autos that is making them put precision axles into a cheap Chinese case.

Bean counters and the never ending quest for stock price has ruined quality. These electrical connectors are exactly what Ford designed and ordered, or they wouldn't be on the trucks.

 

i got my truck back 2 months ago from having tsb done for the tailgate dropping on its own. they also replaced entire tailgate because i smashed it with a trailer backing into driveway and did not know it was down.

replaced entire wire harness and about 15-18 connectors while also dropping the tank and def tank. they had truck two days.



got to job today while towing a trailer , the tailgate was down again. thankfully i didn't have to back up to park , or i would have smashed tailgate again .

 

I wonder if the new harness is any different than original, wouldn't be surprised if it is the same. This is such an insane problem to begin with, what moron decided a truck needed a minivan feature!

 

 

Can someone please post the related TSB for this issue, or a link to it, as I'd like to read about the recommended factory repair procedure? I'm already a subscriber to ALLDATA for some of my current vehicles, but they don't have the repair information or TSBs yet for 2016, 2017, let alone the 2018 Ford trucks. Thanks.

 

TSB 17-2196 was listed in post #51 above (link to post below).
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17567976

 

Cficare, thanks for the link. It will be nice once ALLDATA or someone similar posts these TSBs. ALLDATA posts them all. For covered vehicles, you can just search for the one of interest, and they update the list as new ones are released.

 

Update, I have not had one tailgate "Phantom" operation since packing the connectors with dielectric grease. I still have in the back of my mind to check in the rearview mirror once in awhile to make sure the gate is up. It sure would have been nice to have a "tailgate down" warning on the dash with this electric operator option. Otherwise this truck has been great. I adjusted both drivers side door latching hasps and all my door noises ( creaking, rattle) have been eliminated. Not much to complain about on my end, going to look forward to enjoying this summer with this new truck.

 

Dropped my 2017 F450 job 1 at the dealer for the tailgate drop. BTW, did not but from this dealer. Got inspected in 1 week. Found water damaged connectors and ordered replacement harness. On back order for 1 more week. Hopefully this is true. Also, NO hassles. My truck is deleted and no comment from the Service Advisor. So far so good.