Liftgate Release Switch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The liftgate release switch is a momentary contact switch that supplies a ground signal to the BCM . When the liftgate release switch is pressed, the BCM either releases the liftgate latch (manual liftgate) or sends a signal to the LTM to open the liftgate (power liftgate). The liftgate release switch only operates when the doors are unlocked electronically.

On vehicles with the police package, the BCM output passes through a police liftgate release relay prior to the liftgate latch. When the relay:

is energized (ignition in RUN), the BCM output for the liftgate release voltage is routed directly to the liftgate latch.
is not energized (ignition in OFF/ACC), the BCM output for the liftgate release is routed to the ignition OFF bypass in-line connectors. If these are disconnected, voltage is prevented from reaching the liftgate latch. This configuration allows the liftgate release switch to operate only when the ignition is in RUN. Connecting the ignition OFF bypass in-line connectors bypasses this feature and allows the liftgate release to operate from the liftgate release switch when the ignition is OFF.