2017 Ford Explorer Power Liftgate Not Opening: Fixes & Causes
Is your 2017 Ford Explorer power liftgate not opening or closing? Discover common causes, diagnostic steps, and fixes to restore convenience and functionality to your SUV.
At a glance
- Difficulty
- 6/10 — Moderate
- Est. repair cost
- $100 – $900 (parts + typical shop labor)
- OEM tooling
- Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools
- Common symptoms
- Complete Failure to Operate: The liftgate does not respond to any input (key fob
- interior button
- exterior button) and
- Partial Movement: The liftgate opens or closes only a few inches before stopping abruptly
- often accompanied by a chime
- Unusual Noises: You hear clicking
Experiencing a power liftgate malfunction on your 2017 Ford Explorer can be a significant inconvenience, transforming a seamless convenience into a frustrating chore. What was once a simple press of a button now requires manual effort, or worse, leaves your liftgate stuck in an awkward position, compromising cargo security and accessibility. This issue often presents as the liftgate failing to open or close automatically, making it difficult to access your cargo area. Understanding the common culprits and how to approach diagnosis can help you get your Explorer's liftgate working as it should, restoring the convenience you rely on.
What drivers notice on this 2017 Ford Explorer
Drivers of the 2017 Ford Explorer often report a sudden and unexpected failure of the power liftgate system. Instead of the smooth, automated operation, the liftgate might exhibit several frustrating behaviors. It may refuse to respond to the key fob, the interior button on the overhead console, or the exterior release button located on the liftgate itself. Sometimes, it might move slightly before stopping abruptly, accompanied by unusual noises like clicking, whirring, or grinding, without achieving full opening or closing. This can leave you wrestling with a heavy liftgate, unable to secure your vehicle properly, or even preventing access to your trunk when your hands are full. The issue often arises without prior warning, making it particularly vexing for owners.
At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow
- Difficulty Rating: 6/10 — Moderate
- Common Symptoms: Complete Failure to Operate: The liftgate does not respond to any input (key fob, interior button, exterior button) and ; Partial Movement: The liftgate opens or closes only a few inches before stopping abruptly, often accompanied by a chime ; Unusual Noises: You hear clicking, grinding, whirring, or buzzing sounds from the liftgate motor area, but the liftgate ; Manual Operation Required: The power function fails, forcing you to manually lift or close the heavy liftgate, which can
- Estimated Repair Cost: $100–$900 (parts + typical shop labor)
- OEM Tooling Required: Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools
Diagnostic workflow:
- Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
- Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
- Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
- Run verification tests before replacing parts.
- Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.
Symptoms and warning signs
When your 2017 Ford Explorer's power liftgate isn't working correctly, you'll likely notice one or more of these symptoms, indicating a problem within the system:
- Complete Failure to Operate: The liftgate does not respond to any input (key fob, interior button, exterior button) and remains firmly closed or open.
- Partial Movement: The liftgate opens or closes only a few inches before stopping abruptly, often accompanied by a chime or warning light.
- Unusual Noises: You hear clicking, grinding, whirring, or buzzing sounds from the liftgate motor area, but the liftgate itself does not move or moves very little.
- Manual Operation Required: The power function fails, forcing you to manually lift or close the heavy liftgate, which can be difficult and inconvenient.
- Liftgate Sagging/Dropping: When manually opened, the liftgate does not stay up on its own or sags significantly, indicating weak support struts.
- Intermittent Operation: The liftgate works sometimes but fails at other times, suggesting an electrical or sensor-related issue that isn't consistently present.
- Dashboard Warning Light: A specific warning light related to the liftgate or a general
Related pages
- All repair guides
- Browse vehicles
- Browse OBD-II codes
- Ford vehicle hub
- Explorer model hub
This guide is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; use a qualified technician for safety-critical repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How urgent is this problem?
If symptoms are worsening or safety systems are affected, diagnose soon; minor issues can often wait for a scheduled service visit.
Can I drive with this issue?
Short trips may be acceptable for some faults, but stop driving if you notice overheating, loss of braking, steering problems, or strong fuel smells.
Do I need a dealer scan tool?
A basic OBD-II scanner helps confirm codes; some steps still need visual checks and meter tests described above.
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Cited catalog sources
- EPA FuelEconomy.gov — MPG data & guide (EPA · US-GOV)
- EPA Green Vehicle Guide (EPA · US-GOV)
- EPA — Enforcement and compliance assurance (EPA · US-GOV)
- EPA — Fuel economy topics index (EPA · US-GOV)
- EPA — Green vehicles (efficient, advanced, electric) (EPA · US-GOV)
- EPA — Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) (EPA · US-GOV)
- EPA — Transportation air pollution & climate change (EPA · US-GOV)
- EPA — Transportation and climate change (EPA · US-GOV)