Liftgate won't open with outside button, but will open with remote

I have a 2014 Ford Expedition that has power liftgate. A couple of weeks ago the button on the outside handle stopped working. I can still open the liftgate using the key fob or the interior button on the dash. Pressing the button on the outside handle does nothing. Haven't found anything to speak of on the internet so far. Hoping someone can help.

On my 2016 there is an option in the left hand computer under vehicle settings to disable the button. I checked the 2014 owner’s manual Page 113. There is an option in Information Displays settings to disable the power lift gate. Did that get toggled? Otherwise could be a bad button or wire loose.

That option disables it entirely. The remote would open the glass if it were disabled, and the button on the gate would still actuate the latch.

Your button wiring is failing. You’ll prolly have to pull the door apart.

For a 2014 Expedition:
Its a mix of facts here. If the OP is right and the button on the liftgate "does nothing" then dewey is right ... button prolly bad. But Dorzak is right in that you can enable/disable rear power liftgate control from that button on the liftgate. If you "turn power liftgate OFF" in information display, you can still power open the liftgate from the button on the instrument panel or the key fob, and the button on the liftgate will activate the latch so you can open the liftgate manually.

I dont like all the power features (more unnecessary things that break & cost $$$) so I set my power liftgate OFF in information display. I can still activate the power liftgate from the key fob or the button on instrument panel (and it power opens/closes). When I press the button on the liftgate, the latch clicks and I can open the door by hand, the old fashioned way.

This is on page 113 of my 2014 Owners Manual.
(which is a piss poor description btw)

I found the setting for the power liftgate, but it was already set to ON. I turned it OFF, then back ON, hoping I might get lucky, but no luck. Still won't work with the button. I'm not sure I want to tear into the liftgate yet since it works with remote key fob. Thanks for the ideas though.

bassmen6 said:

I found the setting for the power liftgate, but it was already set to ON. I turned it OFF, then back ON, hoping I might get lucky, but no luck. Still won't work with the button. I'm not sure I want to tear into the liftgate yet since it works with remote key fob. Thanks for the ideas though.

Click to expand...

This may be a dumb question, but I have you tried pressing and holding the liftgate button? I notice on my 17 that if I press and release nothing happens but if I press and hold it will open.

I've tried holding the button, but still nothing.

I had the same thing happen. The outside button and inside rear button beep when pressed, unlatch the liftgate, but do not open it. The dash button and key fob buttons do open and close the liftgate. I tried the reset procedure as specified in the manual and disconnected the battery for 20 seconds. It still doesn't work. The other odd thing is when I navigate to the "Power Liftgate" setting in Message Center, it does not have either ON or OFF selected. Nothing is selected and it will not let me select either. Has anyone else seen this? Any ideas how to fix it?

The Ford Expedition has a separate computer/unit that operates the handle button and the button on the inside of the rear compartment. If the terminal is dirty to that unit or the unit is bad it will not function. You need to check for a code. It is likely that there is one set for the malfunction. Check to see if the terminal is bad because these units are expensive.

bassmen6 said:

I have a 2014 Ford Expedition that has power liftgate. A couple of weeks ago the button on the outside handle stopped working. I can still open the liftgate using the key fob or the interior button on the dash. Pressing the button on the outside handle does nothing. Haven't found anything to speak of on the internet so far. Hoping someone can help.

Click to expand...

I recently sold mine so no longer my issue, but... I was told after selling it that the issue is with a body control module that needs to be reflashed by the dealer. Can't confirm this since I sold it, but may be a starting point with a dealer.