Anyone else figure out how to get "open on approach" working on the lift gate? We bought a Platinum SPP and was told by support desk that this model comes with the feature. I've enabled it on the settings, but it won't work with key in my pocket and standing in the proper area.
Open on Approach?
- Thread starter iaazan
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update: Been talking to customer service agents on the website and they seem to have no clue. Some tell me i have the feature, some tell me i don't have the package that is included. One referenced that I didn't select the "split package" when building my expedition. But another said that if you have the split package, you have the feature. Finally one of them looked at another database and said that mine came with a "L2G - UPR/LWR HANDS FREE" unit that does have the feature. But nowhere when looking at the build options was there an option to select this. Pretty crappy of Ford to get rid of a hands free feature that is really nice to have when you're carrying stuff. my 2019 Jeep Cherokee has it, a 2025 Ford Expy Platinum should have it as well.
The section of manual under ‘Split Gate’ describes the process.
Within 3’ of tailgate for 4 seconds
Truck in Park and ignition off
All doors and split gate closed
Power split gate enabled in touchscreen
Not in valet mode
You can remote start your truck
Within 3’ of tailgate for 4 seconds
Truck in Park and ignition off
All doors and split gate closed
Power split gate enabled in touchscreen
Not in valet mode
You can remote start your truck
i read somewhere that this feature was planned and did not make it. just like the universal tablet mount for the headrest.
aggiegrad05
Full Access Members
Not sure about the 2025's but it works like a champ on my 2026.
If I get anywhere close to the back of the vehicle with the key in my pocket (even just walking by), the vehicle immediately beeps. If I stay there it will continue to beep...after the 4th beep it beeps a 5th time and opens right up. If I leave "the zone" any time during the 4 beeps, it just stops. It works a lot better (i.e. more consistenly) than the "kick to open" feature on my 2018. The only thing I dont like is the fact that you can't (as far as I can tell) close it hands free. With the kick I could load up my arms with gear and kick to close it...doesn't seem to be a way to do that now. But the opening situation is an improvement over the previous versions.
I got a new software update recently on our 2025 Expedition Platinum. They changed up the menu for the Split Gate power functions. Has anyone with a Platinum model gotten the Open on Approach feature to work yet? This would be a really nice to have feature, especially when they advertised it on a $80k truck. My 2019 Jeep Cherokee has it, why hasn't Ford fixed this yet?
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From my experience with these types of things, it could be missing configuration from another module (maybe the BCM?). It may start working after another update, but that's just conjecture at this point.
So I spent almost an hour on the phone with Ford's tech service, we cycled and rebooted the electronics, no affect. Tried it with the doors locked / not running, then remote started, then both ways again with the option for opening the lift gate only and opening the lift gate and tailgate. No effect. Got a case number to take to the dealership....ugh, I hate going to them. Also I had the tech confirm that it should have the feature available on a Platinum
Underwhere
Member
I have a 2026 SPP.
I will try tomorrow morning.
If we could trade tests...
I can't seem to get the approach lighting to work on my car. I believe as you walk up to it with your key fob the lights should turn on (without you pushing any buttons). My 25 F150 does it. My 26 Platinum SPP doesn't.
I will try tomorrow morning.
If we could trade tests...
I can't seem to get the approach lighting to work on my car. I believe as you walk up to it with your key fob the lights should turn on (without you pushing any buttons). My 25 F150 does it. My 26 Platinum SPP doesn't.
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