Hi all, I need some help with my 2020 Explorer limited. I have started having an issue with the alarm going off and alerts that the back lift gate is being opened but it is not. Sometimes when this happened the lift gate will not open automatically. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

Use air gun and blow then use only dry lube to lubricate.

 

Thanks for responding, are you talking about the motorized shocks on the lift gate?

 

On the latch, lubricate it is the easiest thing you can do. If that doesn't fix the issue you need a capable bidirectional scanner like Foxwell NT510 Elite, you can run active test on liftgate control module (RGTM), instruct the scanner to open and close it on your behalf when it doesn't open automatically. If it doesn't work still then there could be a problem with your liftgate control module. If it works with the scanner, do a liftgate control module reset with the scanner, not disconnecting the battery ground. Before doing a reset, check for all possible DTCs might give you a better idea if it's a wiring problem or not. The DTCs shown below should not trigger a check engine light.


If you don't have such bidirectional scanner you might want to download the forscan free trial, you need to buy the adapter (example: OBDLink MX+) or cable but laptop required (OBDLink EX, just don't buy the cheap $17 ) and get that on Amazon before prime day ends, and most importantly, keep it if you like it.
For the dry lube you can get WD-40 Specialist Dry Lube, a must have for every household. You use it to lubricate anything related to door lock or latch for home or cars.

 

Thanks for the information, I will try what you suggested.

 

Foxwell, you buy it you get lifetime license. Forscan you pay subscription monthly or yearly after the free trial. If you don't continue on the subscription then your adapter or cable becomes useless, you can only use it to clear CEL or check live data, you can't even retrieve the ford's specific DTCs like shown previously any longer. It would be a waste of money buying OBDLink MX+ (perhaps the best obd2 adapter), but in the meantime if you get the cheap ELM327 that is lack of features and unreliable, can't really fix your underlying problem with the liftgate.
Older cars back in 1980 to 2000, almost everything is mechanical. New car like yours, everything is electrical, is controlled by a module, and all modules are networked and can be communicate with a capable bidirectional scanner.
The technology is constantly changing. Think of a young mechanic with 5 years experience vs old mechanic with 40 years experience. The young one probably doesn't even know how to fix a distributor or use a timing light. The old one is not any better, having hard time figuring out how to use a bidirectional scanner.
If you plan to fix the car yourself, you should invest and buy foxwell, just a one time payment. Forscan you pay more because the subscription is costly. You want to go cheaper, try foxwell on Amazon first, then go to Aliexpress and buy it there and select to ship from China, usually at least $50 cheaper than Amazon, and don't be scared by the new tax and duty fee, all covered and prepaid by the seller.

 

Thank you for all the information you have provided, I will pick up the Foxwell and try what you have suggested.