Liftgate

[ExpeditionAndy]

Yes my problem is when I press the button in the handle, it does not unlatch.

This is the part number for the liftgate handle 8L1Z-7843400-AAPTM. You can get it here https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/part...=luggage-compt-tailgate-lock-controls,,<43400 for $130.86 You have to paint the handle to match your truck color.

Before you buy the handle, I would make sure that you check everything out make sure you are getting power to the switch. I would probably bypass the switch and close the contacts where the switch plugs into. If it unlocks the latch then the switch is bad, if it doesn't then you problem lies somewhere else.

 

[Flexpedition]

Do you need to replace the entire $130 handle assembly if the rubber switch located within is failed? Its a super common Ford switch, used in earlier year Explorers, Escapes, Mercury variants, even Focus hatchbacks.

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-switch-1l2z14018ac

$23 at Tasca

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Do you need to replace the entire $130 handle assembly if the rubber switch located within is failed? Its a super common Ford switch, used in earlier year Explorers, Escapes, Mercury variants, even Focus hatchbacks.

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-switch-1l2z14018ac

$23 at Tasca

That switch doesn't show in the parts breakdown on the Fordpartsgiant.com website.

 

[chart75]

Did you try a reset on it? Disco the battery for 20 seconds, reconnect it, see if it works. My wife's stopped working recently which turned out to be a bad strut along with a not so great lift rod.

 

[chuck s]

When did the liftgate handle change? I don't recall a button of any sort in my '07 handle. Just pull the whole handle to unlatch the lift gate. There's a button in my '17 handle as this vehicle has a power liftgate. Frightened my wife the first time!

-- Chuck

 

[sjwelds]

My 08 has buttons in the handle, no power gate...

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

When did the liftgate handle change? I don't recall a button of any sort in my '07 handle. Just pull the whole handle to unlatch the lift gate. There's a button in my '17 handle as this vehicle has a power liftgate. Frightened my wife the first time!

-- Chuck

The 2nd gens had the articulating handle. I'm not certain, but I think it changed with the 3rd Generation.

 

[deweysmith]

I think so, and even the non-power liftgate still has the electronically-actuated latch. You push the button and a motor unlatches it for you, even if it doesn't lift it for you.

Basically the non-power version behaves just like the power one does with the power liftgate setting on OFF in the computer. The remote button unlatches the glass, etc.

 

[chuck s]

On my '07 XLT there was no electrical locking or unlocking of the lift gate. The glass window had an electric remote unlock that seemed to get hit in my pocket as I occasionally got the "lift gate or rear window ajar" notation on the dash. Was locked/unlocked with the doors.

Had to physically pull on the lift gate handle to open it which is what startled my bride with the '17.

-- Chuck

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

On my '07 XLT there was no electrical locking or unlocking of the lift gate. The glass window had an electric remote unlock that seemed to get hit in my pocket as I occasionally got the "lift gate or rear window ajar" notation on the dash. Was locked/unlocked with the doors.

Had to physically pull on the lift gate handle to open it which is what startled my bride with the '17.

-- Chuck

I wonder if that was an early build 2007 Expedition?

 

[chuck s]

The '07 truck was built to my order circa January 2007. First model year but I'm not sure if it was an "early" one.

-- Chucl

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

The '07 truck was built to my order circa January 2007. First model year but I'm not sure if it was an "early" one.

-- Chucl

I think they start building the next year's model in late October or early November.

 

[chuck s]

Circa Thanksgiving 2006 I ordered a duplicate of an '07 they'd just received and sold. Truck was built and delivered early January. I bought my '17 off the lot.

 

[deweysmith]

The build date is on your door sticker, if you've still got it.

 

[Allan E Joyner]

I had issues with my power liftgate 2011 el xlt it was the shock supports on the sides it keeps closing on me as soon as it opened. If it's not even opening under power and it is staying open manually then that's not your issue. It's either the switch to the liftgate motor or the mechanism itself I think. That's the part that's expensive. I got lucky and replaced both shocks on mine and only cost 48 dollars.

 

[Ivana Verduzco]

Thanks to all who commented. I solved my problem. I replaced the handle release switch and now my liftgate handle is working properly. $20 fix from RockAuto parts. Took less than 10 minutes to replace(I already had the tailgate interior panel removed)

 

[sjwelds]

Thanks for letting us know the resolution.