03 Liberty Tailgate Problem

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Rev_Don

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This is starting to drive us nuts. About a month ago the tailgate of her 03 Liberty will only unlock if it's in Park and the ignition turned off. Once we turn the ignition off it unlocks and opens just fine, but no matter what we do it won't unlock with the engine running, even in Park. I've spent quite a bit of time with Google (it wasn't my friend this time) and haven't been able to find anything about this.

We've been thru the EVIC and don't see any setting that would cause this. Does anyone have any ideas on what may be causing this as it's really annoying her. She's owned this Jeep for about 5 years and never had this issue until lately and none of her friends, co-workers, etc. that have a Liberty have it happen either.

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. TIA
 

LibertyTC

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Welcome to the forums.
Do you have remote Key fob- remote key less entry?
Would I be correct in assuming that while running you have unlocked all the doors using the drivers unlock button, and gone back to pull on the rear hatch handle, and it is still locked?
You could try with remote fob & see if this helps :
The transmitter can be programmed to unlock all the doors upon the first press of the Unlock button.
(within 23–50 feet (7–15 meters) of the vehicle) by performing the following procedure:
1. Press and hold the Unlock button on the transmitter.
2. Continue to hold the Unlock button, wait at least 4 but no longer than 10 seconds, then press the “Lock” button.
3. Release both buttons.
There could be a problem with hatch lock itself.
Removing both battery cables and tape em together for 3 minutes may also do a re-set.
 
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Rev_Don

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Yes she does have the remote key fobs. She tried it and it only unlocks it with engine off and clicking it twice.

Yes the four passenger doors are unlocked and will unlock with the Drivers Door Unlock Button. The passenger doors work fine.

If that doesn't do it I'll try the battery cables.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll let you know what happens.

Don
 
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tommudd

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The lock mechanism gets dirty at times as well
when we were dealing on the 05 rear gate wouldn't unlock, got 500 knocked off for that.
5 minutes after getting home with it cleaned and lubed up the lock, well lock and window release and all worked fine.
Parts 2.75
Shop towels 1.50
Knowing what to do 400.00
:happy175:
 

Rev_Don

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Well we never did figure it out, but she sold it last weekend and they picked it up today. The new owner lives about 4 states away and is aware of the issue, but needed a vehicle right away for their move. Thanks for the help, but it's the new owners problem now.

And before someone asks, she bought a 2014 Ford Escape Titanium Edition that she has been wanting for the past year or so.
 

LibertyTC

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I think that titanium color is all over the dash, and same with all the dash buttons! :icon_razz:
WHat does ford stand for anyways?? :gr_grin:
link: What does FORD stand for?
^ there is some real good ones in that list! :happy175:
 

LibertyTC

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Did they undercoat it?
Maybe they should wash the vehicle in salty conditions more often or is paint crapola??
 

HoosierJeeper

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Not defending Ford but I just helped my neighbor detail his '14 Exploder and it was actually pretty clean under it. Surprised because it's beat to shit otherwise and I know it doesn't get washed as it should.
 

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