Pinpoint Test P : The Tailgate Latch Release Is Inoperative

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford EcoSport. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Refer to REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY AND ALARM for schematic and connector information.

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions

REFER to: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - System Operation and Component Description .

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

DTC	Description	Fault Trigger Condition
BCM B12E8:11	Liftgate/Tailgate Control/Release Switch: Circuit Short To Ground	A continuous DTC that sets when the BCM detects a short to ground on the tailgate release switch input circuit.
BCM B14A9:11	Liftgate/Decklid Release Output: Circuit Short To Ground	Set by the BCM when a short to ground is detected on the tailgate release actuator circuit.
BCM B14A9:15	Liftgate/Decklid Release Output: Circuit Short To Battery Or Open	Set by the BCM when a short to voltage or open is detected on the tailgate release actuator circuit.

Possible Sources

Wiring, terminals or connectors
Tailgate release switch
Tailgate release actuator
BCM

Visual Inspection and Pre-checks

Inspect the tailgate release switch for damage

NOTE: Use the correct probe adapter(s) when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may damage the connector.

P1 CHECK THE TAILGATE RELEASE SWITCH INPUT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND USING THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) TAILGATE/DECKLID RELEASE OUTPUT (DECKLID_R_SW) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION)
- Ignition ON.
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the BCM Parameter Identifications (PIDs).
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the BCMPID DECKLID_R_SW.
Does the PID indicate the tailgate release switch is continuously pressed?

Yes GO to P2

No GO to P4

P2 CHECK THE TAILGATE RELEASE SWITCH INPUT USING THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) TAILGATE/DECKLID RELEASE OUTPUT (DECKLID_R_SW) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION) WITH THE TAILGATE RELEASE SWITCH DISCONNECTED
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Tailgate Release Switch C4353.
- Ignition ON.
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the BCMPID DECKLID_R_SW.
Does the PID continue to indicate the switch is pressed?

Yes GO to P3

No INSTALL a new tailgate release switch. REFER to: Tailgate Release Handle .

P3 CHECK THE TAILGATE RELEASE SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND

Ignition OFF.

Disconnect: BCM C2280F.

Measure:

Positive Lead	Measurement / Action	Negative Lead
C2280F-31	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10, 000 ohms?

Yes

GO to P11

No	REPAIR the circuit.

P4 CHECK THE TAILGATE RELEASE SWITCH INPUT USING THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) TAILGATE/DECKLID RELEASE OUTPUT (DECKLID_R_SW) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION)
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the BCM Parameter Identifications (PIDs).
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the BCMPID DECKLID_R_SW while pressing the tailgate release switch.
Does the PID indicate the switch is pressed?

Yes GO to P8

No GO to P5

P5 CHECK THE TAILGATE RELEASE INPUT CIRCUIT WHILE MONITORING THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) TAILGATE/DECKLID RELEASE OUTPUT (DECKLID_R_SW) PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION)

Ignition OFF.

Disconnect: Tailgate Release Switch C4353.

Ignition ON.

Connect:

Lead 1	Measurement / Action	Lead 2
C4353-1	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Ground

Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the BCMPID DECKLID_R_SW.

Does the PID indicate the switch is pressed?

Yes	REMOVE the fused jumper wire. GO to P6

No	REMOVE the fused jumper wire. GO to P7

P6 CHECK THE TAILGATE RELEASE SWITCH GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN

Connect:

Lead 1	Measurement / Action	Lead 2
C4353-1	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	C4353-2

Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the BCMPID DECKLID_R_SW.

Does the PID indicate the switch is pressed?

Yes	REMOVE the fused jumper wire. INSTALL a new tailgate release switch. REFER to: Tailgate Release Handle .

No	REMOVE the fused jumper wire. REPAIR the circuit.

P7 CHECK THE TAILGATE RELEASE SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN

Ignition OFF.

Disconnect: Tailgate Release Switch C4353.

Disconnect: BCM C2280F.

Measure:

Positive Lead	Measurement / Action	Negative Lead
C4353-1	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	C2280F-31

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?

Yes

GO to P11

No	REPAIR the circuit.

P8 CHECK THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) TAILGATE RELEASE OUTPUT

NOTE: The following step uses a test lamp to simulate normal circuit loads. Use only a Rotunda Test Lamp (SGT27000) or 250-300mA incandescent bulb test lamp. To avoid connector terminal damage, use the Rotunda Flex Probe kit for the test lamp probe connection to the vehicle. Do not use the test lamp probe directly on any connector.

Ignition OFF.

Disconnect: Tailgate Release Actuator C4814.

Connect:

Lead 1	Measurement / Action	Lead 2
C4814-2	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Ground

Unlock the doors using the door lock control switch.

NOTE: The BCM only supplies voltage to the actuator momentarily. It is important to monitor the test lamp while pressing the door lock control switch.

While pressing the tailgate release switch, monitor the test lamp.

Does the test lamp momentarily illuminate?

Yes

GO to P9

GO to P10

P9 CHECK THE TAILGATE RELEASE ACTUATOR GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN

Connect:

Lead 1	Measurement / Action	Lead 2
C4814-2	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	C4814-1

NOTE: The BCM only supplies voltage to the actuator momentarily. It is important to monitor the test lamp while pressing the door lock control switch.

While pressing the tailgate release switch, monitor the test lamp.

Does the test lamp momentarily illuminate?

Yes	INSTALL a new tailgate lock actuator. REFER to: Tailgate Latch .

No	REPAIR the circuit.

P10 CHECK THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) TAILGATE RELEASE ACTUATOR OUTPUT CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN

Disconnect: BCM C2280F.

Measure:

Positive Lead	Measurement / Action	Negative Lead
C4814-2	Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY	C2280F-10

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?

Yes

GO to P11

No	REPAIR the circuit.

P11 CHECK FOR CORRECT BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) OPERATION

Disconnect and inspect all the BCM connectors.

Repair:
- corrosion (install new connectors or terminals - clean module pins)
- damaged or bent pins - install new terminals pins
- pushed-out pins - install new pins as necessary

Reconnect the BCM connectors and make sure they seat and latch correctly.

Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.

Is the concern still present?

Yes	CHECK OASIS for any applicable service articles: TSB, GSB, SSM, or FSA. If a service article exists for this concern, DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions. If no service articles address this concern, Refer to BCM GUIDED ROUTINE TESTING

No	The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by module connections. ADDRESS the root cause of any connector or pin issues.