Resolved - 2017 Expedition Liftgate randomly opens

[Geargambler]

I have a problem where the liftgate on my 2017 Expedition Limited will randomly open or close. I read through this: https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/power-liftgate-opens-randomly-fixed-2016-navigator.52685/

I've gone through and replaced the switch on the handle of the lift gate with Dorman 901-209 however but I don't think that it resolved the issue. The switch I removed looked OK. So did the wiring itself.

Anyone have any ideas where else I can check? The only time the lift gate will not randomly open (or close) is when the vehicle is in drive.

Any thoughts or guidance would be appreciated!

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I have a problem where the liftgate on my 2017 Expedition Limited will randomly open or close. I read through this: https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/power-liftgate-opens-randomly-fixed-2016-navigator.52685/

I've gone through and replaced the switch on the handle of the lift gate with Dorman 901-209 however but I don't think that it resolved the issue. The switch I removed looked OK. So did the wiring itself.

Anyone have any ideas where else I can check? The only time the lift gate will not randomly open (or close) is when the vehicle is in drive.

Any thoughts or guidance would be appreciated!

Have you opened the lift gate and closely examined the latch assembly, to see if any foreign material is lodged in it? Debris MAY cause the latch to not fully close and then reverse (or open if it is jarred).

Have you looked at the switch for the lift gate on the dash? Does it look out of place, meaning is it slightly pushed in and not flush with the dash?

EDIT: Have you examined the lift gate switch in the LR of the cargo compartment? Is it damaged or sticking, possibly causing the unwanted opening?

 

[Bill Stickers]

The liftgate button on my remote was very sensitive. Triggered the lift when putting keys in my pocket.

 

[GlennSullivan]

The liftgate button on my remote was very sensitive. Triggered the lift when putting keys in my pocket.

I knew my key fob was getting wonky when every time I put it in or took it out of my pocket, it would trigger the locks. Try leaving the existing FOB in the house and using a different one.

I have Weather Tech cargo liners in both my trucks and find when they get moved toward the hatch it will not fully lock.

 

[Geargambler]

I appreciate all your replies! I'll keep the Keyfob in mind. I wonder if I were to take the batteries out of them, if the liftgate would be 'quiet' for a a night.

There's no obstructions or debris anywhere that would cause the lift gate to not close properly.

I'm starting to think that maybe this is related to the button on the dashboard. For now, I've pulled the 30 amp fuse under the hood. I can still hear the chime when something triggers the liftgate. Even when parked and locked, the liftgate will open which leads me to believe it's the dash button. When locked, the button on the handle of the lift gate is disabled. When locked and closed, the button on the LR inside the hatch is disabled. However, that dash button will work anytime as long as the truck is not in DRIVE.

Any other suggestions are welcome!

 

[Geargambler]

If I leave the battery out of the key fobs overnight or even for a day or more, will that cause me any issues?

 

[Geargambler]

You guys were spot on when suggesting it may be the key fob. It was. After keeping the suspect fob in a faraday bag for two days and having the issue disappear, I decided to investigate a little further.

First, I opened up the key fob. That told the story, instantly.



A better close up -



Any guesses as to what that second button from the top is that looks different than the others? It's the lift gate button, of course. The contact pad had dislodged - that's the metallic disc you see between the second and third button, near the right hand side. I took some time and cleaned all the contacts on the board, re-positioned the dislodged disc, and centered all the discs.



No more phantom random liftgate openings. Just another thank you to the folks that suggested the key fob - I was so focused on the truck that the fob never really crossed my mind. I hope this helps someone in the future!

 

[GlennSullivan]

And you didn't even need to purchase a new FOB, Win Win.

 

[Geargambler]

And you didn't even need to purchase a new FOB, Win Win.

Exactly! I did however purchase replacement 'shells' from a highly rated ebay seller. I figured it would be worth it to keep them around just in case. For 15 dollars shipped its not a bad deal.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Exactly! I did however purchase replacement 'shells' from a highly rated ebay seller. I figured it would be worth it to keep them around just in case. For 15 dollars shipped its not a bad deal.

Absolutely. I purchased replacement FOBs for my 2017 and while they work fine, I find the usable range is about half of the OEM FOB.