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Liftgate opens randomly?

Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,500 MILES
Hi,

The Liftgate of my vehicle will open randomly causing not only a security issue, but the inside lights turn on. I may go for days without driving the car which means on occasion I find the battery has been drained from the inside lights. I want to take the inside cover off the latch gate mechanism but have not figured out how to do that. Can someone tell me how to remove the cover?

Thanks!
Tom
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 7:33 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
This can be because the latch is worn out or the striker needs to be adjusted outward. If the latch does not "close" completely it will pop open. You should hear the latch "click" when completely closed. If so and the liftgate still pops open the latch is bad and needs to be replaced here are the instructions to do so in the diagrams below.

LIFTGATE LATCH

Removal and Installation
1. Remove the liftgate trim panel.
2. Position the water shield aside.
3. Disconnect the liftgate latch actuating cable.
4. Remove the 3 liftgate latch screws.
- To install, tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).

5. Disconnect the liftgate ajar switch electrical connector and remove the liftgate latch.
6. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Lubricate the liftgate latch after installation.

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 33 POSTS
Let me ask. Is the window in the back the lift gate? It is the window that pops open, not the main hatch, or whatever it is called. When the car is running and just the rear upper window is unlatched the info display on the dash shows "liftgate ajar". If just the main hatch is unlatched the display states, the same message. I just want to be sure I am using the correct part names.

Tom
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Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 AT 2:15 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
Sure, no problem, that is the liftgate window or rear window. This happens when the vehicle security module goes out here is the location and instructions on how to change it out. Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 4:18 PM
Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 33 POSTS
Hi Ken,

The frequency of the liftgate opening by itself has been much less. It seems it got less immediately following replacing the battery which was always going low. I would like to get to the suspect security module but honestly, I don't know where to start to remove the panels it is behind. Are there and instructions for doing that? I really don't want to make it look bad.
Thanks,
Tom
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Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 AT 6:43 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
Good call on the security module here is the wiring to show you the control relay for the rear window is controlled by it, you should be able to get a rebuilt, preprogrammed unit by searching google or eBay. The module is located in the right rear quarter panel. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, February 9th, 2023 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 33 POSTS
Hi Ken,

I finally had time and good weather to work on my ford, I`ve got no garage to work in. I located the security module and decided to try a special contact lube/enhancer on the connector pins in case the intermittent fault is somehow bad/dirty contact related before considering replacing the module- I often did this working as an electronics tech. I used Deoxit Gold, it is one of the best. I reassembled all the panels and parts that allowed access to the security module. Can you tell me if there are any connectors related to a liftgate window ajar sensor hiding under the liftgate panels? I've been afraid to pop off the plastic panels but getting to the security module pretty much cured me of that.
Thanks,
Tom

P.S. - At this point if all checks continue to indicate a faulty security module, I may just pull the relay that operates the liftgate window release to keep it from opening.
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 5:23 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
The sensor is in the latch of the liftgate. Please check out the images below to see what I am talking about. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, April 24th, 2023 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 33 POSTS
Hi Ken,

Since I went ahead and used contact cleaner/lube on the Security Module connections (04-23-23) the liftgate opening randomly has not happened again. I used the vehicle a bit more than I had been and did not try to be easier with the liftgate or doors as I had been trying to prevent the problem. I am fairly confident it is fixed. Thanks for supplying the info so I could find the security module and stating the module was the cause. Thank you!
Tom
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Thursday, June 29th, 2023 AT 8:04 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help. Ken
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Friday, June 30th, 2023 AT 10:13 AM

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