Is your Ford’s Liftgate Acting Up?
If you own a Ford or a Lincoln MKX, you may have experienced issues with the liftgate not functioning properly. Whether it’s not opening all the way or refusing to close, it can be a frustrating problem to deal with. However, before you rush to the dealership or mechanic, there’s a simple reset procedure you can try on your own.
The Reset Procedure
The first step in resetting the liftgate is to disconnect the battery and leave it off for at least 20 seconds. This process is known as power liftgate initialization by Ford. It’s essential to wait the full 20 seconds to ensure all residual power is drained from the system. However, keep in mind that resetting the liftgate may not fix all issues, especially if there are underlying mechanical or electronic problems.
Relearn Process
After reconnecting the battery, the vehicle may need to relearn its fuel trims and transmission shift points. This relearning process involves letting the vehicle idle, turning on the AC, and driving for about 10 minutes. To avoid this, an alternative method is to pull the power liftgate fuse for 20 seconds and then reinsert it.
Additional Tips
If the liftgate continues to act up, there are a few additional tips to consider. Ensuring that the vehicle’s battery is fully charged is essential as low voltage can cause the liftgate to malfunction. Additionally, disconnecting the battery to reset the body control module can sometimes resolve persistent issues.
It’s important to note that when disconnecting the battery, Ford recommends only disconnecting the negative side and waiting at least one minute after turning off the ignition or pressing the off button before disconnecting the cable to avoid triggering diagnostic trouble codes for the ABS system.
Furthermore, when charging the battery, using a scan tool to reset the battery monitor through the body control module is the preferred method to avoid potential issues.
Conclusion
Resetting the liftgate on your Ford vehicle is a simple procedure that may solve common issues with its operation. By following the steps outlined above and considering the additional tips, you can potentially avoid costly trips to the dealership or mechanic. Just remember that while resetting the liftgate can be helpful, it may not address underlying mechanical or electronic problems.
We hope these tips have been helpful, and thank you for watching!
What is the issue with the lift gate in the back of the Lincoln MKX/Ford Edge?
The lift gate in the back may occasionally open and then close without going all the way up or start to close and then go back up. These issues can often be fixed by resetting the system.
What are the potential causes of issues with the lift gate?
Potential causes of issues with the lift gate include problems with the control module, power strut, optical sensors, struts, pinch strips with sensors, and the latch.
What is the Ford procedure for resetting the power liftgate?
The Ford procedure for resetting the power liftgate, known as power liftgate initialization, involves disconnecting the battery for at least 20 seconds and then reconnecting it. However, this may require the vehicle to relearn its fuel trims and transmission shift points, so an alternative method is to pull the power liftgate fuse for at least 20 seconds and then reinsert it.
Any tips for troubleshooting and maintenance?
It’s recommended to ensure the battery voltage is fully charged to eliminate potential issues related to low voltage. Additionally, periodic disconnection of the battery is advised to clear the memory from the body control module. When disconnecting the battery, it’s important to follow specific precautions recommended by Ford to avoid setting diagnostic trouble codes. Furthermore, when charging the battery, it’s necessary to reset the battery monitor using a scan tool or by letting the vehicle sit undisturbed for a specific duration.