Is this tailgate behavior normal and expected (powered)?

[Basis0439]

I have a '23 Lightning with a powered liftgate.

Behavior of concern:
I open the tailgate via my keyfob. I load my bed. I begin walking to the driver-side door and in the process of doing so, I use my keyfob to close my tailgate. 90% of the time, my tailgate will throw an error, beep at me (even if it's totally upright and close to being fully closed), and open again.

This is basically reproducible 100% of the time if I open my driver-side door as the tailgate is in the process of closing.

Expected behavior:
My tailgate fully closes using the keyfob at all times.

Is there something I am missing? Is this a programmed issue? If I remain stationary behind my truck and use my fob to close my tailgate, it's more likely to properly shut. If I walk to the driver's side and particularly if I open my driver-side door while it's in the process of closing, it will almost always error and re-open.

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[carys98]

Yes, I’ve seen similar behavior. If I open the door before the tailgate is fully closed it beeps and reopens. I’ve wanted to test it to see exactly what conditions cause it to reopen but I haven’t had time. It’s one of the most irritating things on the truck.

 

[chriserx]

Sounds like a 12v issue if I'm honest, test this by having the truck run while performing the same procedure.

 

[P-38]

If the truck is locked and you open tailgate and then close it with either the key fob or the button and it closes before the doors are unlocked it beeps and reopens.

Expected behavior...no.

Either is turning off remote start when I open the frunk to load groceries...

 

[Heliian]

Yes, it's locked vs unlocked.

Ford has many conditions for the electronic tailgate which is also used on regular f150s. I don't know the full list of and/or's but it's extensive. There is also a sleep timer so it won't immediately move when you try and lift it after some time.

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

The battery in these things are pathetic.. especially for the motor in the tailgate. ITs bad enough in the ice trucks.. but in the lightning its ridiculous.

They are slow, they struggle and the way the tailgate works it can get a bit slanted and if one latch starts to latch and the other doesnt it kicks it out and makes it go back down.

The torsion spring is almost useless.. the motor turns the passengerside hinge.. the driver side not turned by the motor.

Its a goofy set up. and finicky.. the wire run is extremely long with several connectors in between.. The current draw Im sure is extreme when starting from all the way down. With the tiny battery in the lightning its barley enough.. I have no idea why they went that way..

 

[Rwidman]

I too have found this an issue when the truck is locked. As if the truck cannot sense the key fob on the side of the truck. If I stay behind the truck it does fine but If I walk to the side the tailgate lowers back down. If my truck is unlocked when I raise the tailgate and walk to the side it does not have a problem.

 

[PlugIntheTruck?]

I have the same behavior. As the tailgate closes and I walk around to open the door handle it will start beeping and go back down.

 

[DuBignon]

Have owned two Lightnings, the first ('23 Lariat) did this and the second ('25 Lariat) thankfully does not. I'd bring it up when speaking with your service writer on your next visit. Good luck!

 

[JMD359]

I have a '23 Lightning with a powered liftgate.

Behavior of concern:
I open the tailgate via my keyfob. I load my bed. I begin walking to the driver-side door and in the process of doing so, I use my keyfob to close my tailgate. 90% of the time, my tailgate will throw an error, beep at me (even if it's totally upright and close to being fully closed), and open again.

This is basically reproducible 100% of the time if I open my driver-side door as the tailgate is in the process of closing.

Expected behavior:
My tailgate fully closes using the keyfob at all times.

Is there something I am missing? Is this a programmed issue? If I remain stationary behind my truck and use my fob to close my tailgate, it's more likely to properly shut. If I walk to the driver's side and particularly if I open my driver-side door while it's in the process of closing, it will almost always error and re-open.

Do you have a second key fob in the vehicle or do you have Phone as key and have the phone in the vehicle ? Make sure the only key fob is with you and there is not one in the vehicle. With my lariat if the spare key that’s hidden inside gets unwrapped it will be behaved just like you mentioned if I remove the key or wrap it up in foil it works perfect so I think the vehicle is seeing a second key inside and not letting you lock it or shut the tailgate.

 

[davehu]

Yes, I’ve seen similar behavior. If I open the door before the tailgate is fully closed it beeps and reopens. I’ve wanted to test it to see exactly what conditions cause it to reopen but I haven’t had time. It’s one of the most irritating things on the truck.

I've had this happen many times closing the gate with the tailgate button. Didn't realize until reading this thread that the issue is opening the door before the TG completely closes. now that I know I'll move more slowly!

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