Tailgate disable switch - why not?

[TourGuide]

A switch to disable the operation of the rear hatch seems to be a missing feature. I am supposed to 'leave the key somewhere else' and that would solve the problem, but why should I have to when a simple disable switch could fix this?

 

I previously owned an Enclave that had such a switch and I didn't even HAVE a sensor that would open the rear hatch.

 

The use of this smart key technology truly does change your behavior when it comes to the use of these vehicles. I am used to keeping the key in my pocket - hopping in and taking off.

 

Has anyone else had this wish?

[DRbillZ]

Maybe explain more why you want this. It isn't clear to me the reasoning.

[Waldo]

You can disable the liftgate through the settings menu in the left side of the instrument cluster.

[TourGuide]

Maybe explain more why you want this. It isn't clear to me the reasoning.

 

The best example I can think of is - towing.

 

There are times - like when I am towing my lawn tractor, or I have my bike rack hooked up - where I DON'T want that tailgate popping open - at all. When I am hooking either of those things up - I frequently will trigger the liftgate to open without trying.

 

Now I know I need to leave my key elsewhere and I don't have to worry about it - but a switch that allows me to temporarily disable the sensor would also solve this without forcing me to alter my behavior in carrying my smartkey.

 

Sifting through the menus doesn't seem very user friendly to me. My Buick made this very easy.

Edited July 19, 2016 by TourGuide

[DRbillZ]

That makes sense.

2015+ Left menu on the steering wheel. Take it all the way to the left and search in those options. Driver assist or something like that. I'll look when the wife gets home with the car.

Edited July 19, 2016 by DRbillZ

[enigma-2]

On an 2009 or 2010, press the "setup" button on the left side of the center console repeatedly until it displays "power liftgate". Press the "reset" button to toggle the liftgate function on or off. (Note this will only disable the buttons on the exterior and cargo area panel, the button on the FOB & instrument panel will still operate the liftgate).

 

On a 2011-2014, the process is simular, the menu is displayed in the message center between the speedometer and the tach. Press the left button on the steering wheel up or down until "convenience" is displayed. Then press the right arrow key to choose "power liftgate". Press ok button to toggle on or off. Back out using the left arrow button.

 

On some 2014 (type-2 type displays)-2016, the switch is listed under "vehicle".

 

.

Edited July 19, 2016 by enigma-2

[DevonSloan]

I jumped onto the forum today to look for this exact thing. I was at a do-it-yourself carwash today with my 2015, and while I was high-pressure-soaping near the front doors, the liftgate suddenly opened. I have no idea what would have caused it, but now I'm panicked that it might do this same thing when going through a full size mechanical carwash and I wont be right there to close it.

Not good!

[Tjm623]

I don't believe it can if you don't have a fob within 2-3 ft of the rear hatch

[Beezz]

I jumped onto the forum today to look for this exact thing. I was at a do-it-yourself carwash today with my 2015, and while I was high-pressure-soaping near the front doors, the liftgate suddenly opened. I have no idea what would have caused it, but now I'm panicked that it might do this same thing when going through a full size mechanical carwash and I wont be right there to close it.

 

Not good!

Did you have the key in your pocket? If so, you could have accidentally pushed the liftgate remote open button. I've done that to the panic button too many times, so embarrassing.

[Tjm623]

Probably waved the wand washing under the vehicle and it registered as "hey I want to open this".

 

I'd leave the key fob in the car when using a self wash. I'm about 99% sure in an automatic wash it wouldn't be possible. The fob needs to be near the back

[2008explorer]

I have no explanation for how this happened ? Last night I went out for take out food, returned home and left keys on the counter. When I woke up this morning and looked out, I saw my rear hatchback open !!!. I don't remember picking up the keys at all and to have the rear hatch open from the fob I would have had to press that button twice ?? I'm still scratching my head over this. I have to assume that I somehow hit that button twice when putting the keys down ?? Is it all possible for that hatch to open on it's own ?? I would think not.

[enigma-2]

Reported before. We're you in the cargo area after returning home? (May have sensed an item blocking the close and reopened, un-noticed by you).

 

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/7569-phantom-power-liftgate-opens-by-itself/

[2008explorer]

Thanks for the link to those previous posts about the similar mysterious openings of the hatchback. I was no where near the back of the vehicle before and after I went out and returned. I can only assume that I somehow hit that release button twice when putting the keys down. I truly can't imagine that it would open on it's own, but maybe there are gremlins lurking around.

[enigma-2]

Ok. Here's a link to someone who had the same problem. Found that the surfaces of the internal switch contacts were flaking off, falling on the circuitry and triggering the hatch. (How old is your remote)?

 

http://www.fordescape.org/forum/showthread.php?t=674

Edited September 24, 2016 by enigma-2

[2008explorer]

enigma-2, Thanks for that link to the Ford Escape forum where so many others are having very similar issues with their liftgate. I would think that the Escape and the Edge are very similar in the liftgate design. Very interesting about that one about the material inside the case deteriorating and causing problems. My remote is new, vehicle just bought new 4 weeks ago.

[2008explorer]

I just went on ebay and did a search for a key fob cover 2016Ford Edge. I sent for 2 black silicone covers for $7.99 for 2 with shipping. I'm not sure how good they are but for that price, I figured to take a chance. I'm hoping that they will make the buttons less sensitive to being accidentally activated. They are from China so I don't know about the quality, time will tell. I just think that it's much too easy to have these fobs activate when they're in your pocket.

[enigma-2]

My remote is new, vehicle just bought new 4 weeks ago.

That would seem to rule out the remote, is it OEM or a Chinese copy.

[2008explorer]

Not Chinese copy, Vehicle is Brand new 4 weeks old. I did buy a 3rd remote, but it is original factory supplied from www.carandtruckremotes.com . That 3rd remote is programmed and hidden in the vehicle wrapped in foil to hide it from computer. If I ever lose or misplace my remote, I can get in vehicle via the keypad and retrieve my back up and be good to go. It must stem from my Boy Scout days, Be Prepared. The sleeves for the fob that I ordered are from China, not my original fobs.

Edited September 25, 2016 by 2008explorer

[factor99]

I have one of those rubber covers (eBay from the US for ~$6).

 

I still had the panic alarm going off and the hatch opening occasionally, so I wrapped some electrical tape around the bottom two buttons, and it hasn't happened since.

 

The rubber raises the edge up and with the tape bridging the buttons, it takes more pressure to active them.

 

I have a little stick type fob for paying for gas on the ring. I think that may have been hitting the buttons inadvertently.

[ed4pbay]

On 7/19/2016 at 9:29 AM, Waldo said:

You can disable the liftgate through the settings menu in the left side of the instrument cluster.

I realize this is an old thread, but on my 2016 SEL the settings menu for the power liftgate unfortunately doesn't disable the foot sensor.  The door will still auto-lift but you have to manually close it. Rear exterior Latch button above the license plate seems to be the only thing deactivated. It will still power lift and close from interior dash switch.  I want to disable  the foot sensor when I use my trailer hitch bike rack attachment so the door doesn't bang into the vertical riser bar. It can get activated by a strap movement or your foot as you're moving around with the bikes. Anybody have experience disabling the foot sensor with the ForScan software and laptop?