I'm new to the forum and opted to skip the introductions due to my urgency. My wifes 2018 expedition has a trio of electrical problems: The lift gate will not open, the running boards (automatic) will not go up or down and the side view mirror doesn't fold out automatically. All these things happened at once and my only thought is the last rain storm we had (pretty severe) now theres a lot of condensate in the rear tail light maybe a short or bad ground. Problem is I cant access the tail light (I think) until the the lift gate opens. Is there a manual release somewhere that I'm missing? I'd love a schematic of that lift gate solenoid circuit as I might try to power that release solenoid but the drawings are scarce on the web. I've checked fuses and all are good, Any help would be appreciated.

 

Do you have BLIS?

 

I'm not sure what BLIS is?

 

sorry a quick google search and I learned it's the blind spot detection. Yes, it's the platinum version Expedition.

 

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment
Flat-Bladed Screwdriver Interior Trim RemoverActivation

All vehicles

1. Open the liftgate window glass.

1. Remove the liftgate latch access cover from the center of the liftgate trim panel.
   Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

Vehicles with power liftgate

1. Insert a flat-bladed screwdriver through the access cover opening and depress the cinch release button.
   Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

All vehicles

1. Insert a 3.5 mm wide flat-bladed screwdriver through the access cover opening 10 mm deep into the RH side of the slot.
   Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

1. NOTE: The liftgate window glass shown closed for clarity. The liftgate glass must remain open until the latch is released.
   Slide the 3.5 mm wide flat-bladed screwdriver through the access cover opening 5 mm to the LH side of the slot. Releasing the liftgate latch and opening the liftgate.
   Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

© Copyright 2021, Ford Motor Company.

 

Well I've been at it most of the day and found the manual release but it still wont open. The diagram says to depress the button which I did but I didn't hear a click even with my son putting slight pressure pulling it up. I can feel that the button is spring loaded and even used my boroscope to verify that it was the correct spot. Looks like I'm about to break out some Benjamins.

 

I fought for a couple of hours but despite my best efforts I gave up. The directions say to press in a button which I did but also to shove a hook sideways. I never felt the hook much less got anything to slide. Also there is a trim piece that lines the edge of the door that was cutting into my hand the entire time. This has turned into a nightmare.

 

You could bring it to the dealer and pay them to get it open.

 

Yep its sitting on their lot for (according to their estimate) a week.