GEN 2 Electric Tailgate Release Failure... Missing Anything?

[NHDude4]

try pushing the tailgate in while releasing it. if you can relieve the pressure on the latch, it might open

I'll try that again today. Since the first time it hasn't made the sound like it's trying to unlatch, so I think something might be dead/fried.

 

[Peterb]

I think mr car stereo is right, mine and a friend’s won’t open but if you shove hard on the tailgate while pushing the button it pops open

 

[Small Town Raptor]

Shot in the dark, but colder temperatures there? The rubber weather seal freezes to the inside of my tailgate and I get exactly what you're describing. The latches make the mechanical sound bit the gate it stuck solid.

I have to run a credit card into the seal to break the freeze, then it opens just fine

 

[BigDinNoCo]

try pushing the tailgate in while releasing it. if you can relieve the pressure on the latch, it might open

That reminds me of my '96 Bronco. Bought from a guy that said the back window was broken & wouldn't roll up or down. Pushed really hard on the gate to fully close it & worked perfect ever since. After I got it open/down I replaced the weather strip & lubed everything. I wish I could buy that exact truck brand new. Loved that thing!

 

[ReconReggie19]

Put some gas cans in the bed the other day and when I got home the tailgate release wasn't working. First try I heard a motorized sound but it didn't release. Subsequent tries did nothing. Tried the button on the keyfob, locking and unlocking, turning the truck on and off, etc. Nothing.

Ended up having to take apart my tonneau cover from the outside to get the gas cans out. Anyone else have their electric release fail? Annoying that Ford didn't include a mechanical backup. Am I missing something other than asking the dealer to handle it during the next service appointment?

Just got mine replaced last week, it was a recall so I didn't have to pay anything.