2021 Ford F-150 Owners Manual - Tailgate - Vehicles With: Power Tailgate

Tailgate - Vehicles With: Power Tailgate

The vehicle must be in park (P) to operate the power tailgate.

Press the button on the instrument panel.

Note: A tone sounds while the tailgate opens.

Note: The tailgate stops and reverses if it detects an obstruction when opening.

Note: An alert sounds if the electronic tailgate is disabled.

Unlock the vehicle with the remote control or power door unlock control.

Note: If an intelligent access transmitter is within 3 ft (1 m) of the tailgate, the tailgate unlocks when you press the tailgate release button.

Press the button in the top of the tailgate handle.

Press the remote control button twice within three seconds.

Press the button on the instrument panel.

Note: The tailgate stops and reverses if it detects an obstruction when closing.

You can close the power tailgate by:

• Pressing the tailgate button on your remote control twice within three seconds.

• Pressing the button on the instrument panel.

• Pressing the button on the tailgate.

Note: The tailgate stops and reverses if it detects an obstruction when closing.

To close the tailgate automatically using lift-to-close, lift the tailgate approximately 4 in (10 cm) and hold it for a few seconds.

Note: If the tailgate position is more than halfway between open and close, it may not close automatically.

You can close the tailgate manually when you lift the tailgate in a continuous motion.

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If you stop the tailgate motion, the

lift-to-close feature can engage and power close the tailgate.

You can put the tailgate in manual mode through the vehicle settings in your touchscreen.

Note: In manual mode, the tailgate only functions by the tailgate release button and messaging is reduced.

Press the remote control button twice within three seconds.

Put the tailgate into manual mode by accessing the vehicle settings using the touchscreen.

Open the tailgate.

Disconnect the power door locks in-line connector. It is under the pickup box on the right-hand side of the vehicle near the spare tire.

Install a protective cap on the in-line connector portion that remains under the pickup box.

Note: The protective cap is in the glove compartment.

Partially raise the tailgate. Carefully feed the tailgate harness up through the gap between the pickup box and the bumper and place it out of the way under the pickup box.

Fully lower the tailgate.

Remove the retaining screw.

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2. Push the button in the center of the step molding. The step pops out slightly.

Use a screwdriver to gently pry the spring clip on each connector past the head of the support screw. Disconnect the cable.

Disconnect the other cable.

Note: To avoid damaging the tailgate, you may need assistance when removing. The tailgate weighs approximately 97 lb (44 kg).

Lift the tailgate to 45 degrees from the horizontal position.

Lift the right-hand side off its hinge.

Lift the tailgate to 80 degrees from the horizontal position.

Remove the tailgate from the

left-hand side hinge by sliding it to the right.

Install the tailgate in reverse order.

Note: After reinstalling the tailgate it is important to reinstall the retaining screw to the recommended torque, 7 lb.ft (10 Nm). Failure to install the retaining screw can cause the tailgate to detach.

Integrated Tailgate Step

1. Lower the tailgate.

Pull the step out fully. Lower the step to its lowest position.

Pull the yellow handle stop backward out of the tailgate until it fully extends.

To lock the handle in place, rotate the handle up from the horizontal to the vertical position until you hear a click.

Note: Do not tow with the step or grab handle.

Replace the slip resistance tape or grab handle molding if it appears as worn or damaged.

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To reduce the risk of falling:

Only operate the step when your vehicle is on a level surface.

Only operate the step in areas with sufficient lighting.

Make sure you use the grab handle when climbing on the step.

Do not use the step with bare feet.

Make sure the step is clean before use.

Keep the step load below the total maximum load of 350 lb (159 kg).

Press the yellow button on the handle to lower and then press the yellow lever at the bottom of the handle to unlock. Rotate the handle down from the vertical to the horizontal position and push it into the tailgate.

Rotate the step up until it is horizontal, then push it back into the tailgate until the step is secure.

Note: Make sure to close and fully latch the step before moving your vehicle. Do not drive with the step or grab handle open.

Note: The power tailgate cannot close if the step is opened. A warning message appears and a chime sounds. After stowing step the power close function is restored.

Note: Do not use the bed extender when driving off road.

Note: Make sure to engage the locking pins and knobs fully before driving your vehicle.

Note: Make sure to secure all cargo.

Note: Do not exceed 150 lb (68 kg) on the tailgate when your vehicle is moving.

Note: Do not keep the bed extender in the tailgate mode when you are not using it for restraining cargo. Always keep the bed extender in the grocery mode or the stowed position with the tailgate closed.

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Pull the locking pin toward the center of your vehicle.

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Open the latches to release the panels.

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4. Connect the two panels. Rotate both knobs one-quarter turn clockwise to secure the panels.

3. Rotate the panels toward the tailgate. Repeat steps 1-3 on the other side of your vehicle.

Insert the latch rod into the tailgate hole.

Engage both sides of the locking pins into their holes in the pick-up box.

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Tablet stand.

Tool inset.

Clamp pocket.

Standard and metric ruler. E Cup holder.

F Tailgate anchors.

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Follow steps 1-4.

Before engaging the locking pins, rotate the panels away from the tailgate.

Engage both sides of the locking pins into their holes in the pick-up box.

Close the tailgate.

TAILGATE WORK SURFACE (IF EQUIPPED)

The tailgate work surface is a durable and functional surface on the inside portion of your tailgate you can use to perform various tasks.

To use the tailgate work surface, fold down the tailgate.

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The tailgate work surface contains clamp pockets that allows you to secure work material.

Note: When you have finished using the tailgate work surface, make sure you remove all of your belongings, then close the tailgate.

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Tailgate – Warning Lamps

Illuminates when the tailgate is not completely closed.

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Make sure the transmission is in park (P), ensure nothing is obstructing the tailgate path and or causing resistance (tonneau cover or other aftermarket accessory, freezing conditions or being parked downhill). If you have continued issues, the battery voltage may be low or other system issues.

See an authorized dealer.

Your vehicle speed is at or above

2.5 mph (4 km/h), the tailgate encountered an obstacle or freezing conditions. After removing the obstacles, manually close the tailgate to resume normal operation. If you have continued issues, the battery voltage may be low or other system issues. See an authorized dealer.

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