Electromagnetic Clutch
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The electromagnetic clutch is a device that when DC voltage is applied engages and disengages the power tailgate motor from the tailgate, allowing for low effort manual closing when desired by the customer if no voltage is present. The electromagnetic clutch is powered any time the power tailgate motor is driving the tailgate in the open or close directions. When the tailgate is fully open or fully latched; or otherwise resting at a location in between, the clutch is disengaged. An exception is that the motor and clutch will be powered in the full open position when stowing the tailgate step for up to 30 seconds after movement is detected or when the step is fully stowed.