Troubleshooting the 2015 Ford Edge SEL Tailgate Sensor for Hands Free Liftgate

Updated 07/11/2020 | Published 02/19/2018

Question:

Hi, Ford tells me that you cant have a hitch and still have the hands free sensor option on a Ford edge sel. That the minute you pick the tow option from ford, you lose the possibility of having the hands free option. In other words they say you cant have both. I have seen other model cars with both. So is there a way to achieve functionality of the sensor with a hitch. I currently have a 2015 edge sel with a hands free sensor that no longer works because of the hitch. Thanks

asked by: Deborah L

Expert Reply:

On your 2015 Ford Edge SEL, the dealer must have disconnected your sensors. You can check the wiring behind your bumper to see if they removed the wiring harness or simply pulled the connections apart. The Ford Edge models that do not have the factory hitch and have the hands free lift gate work just fine with an aftermarket hitch...you just can't open the tailgate by putting your foot in the middle where the receiver is. To either side of center works just fine with an aftermarket hitch like the Draw-Tite # 75234.

You most likely just need to connect them for function of the hands free liftgate.

expert reply by: Jason S

Karen C.

7/7/2020

I just purchased a 2020 Ford Edge SEL with hands free liftgate and am wanting to put on my Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch for my bike rack. Will the hands free sensor still work and activate on either side of the bummer but not in the center?

Chris R.

7/11/2020

Yes, the Draw-Tite # 75234 will work great on your 2020 Ford Edge, and while the hitch will affect the sensor function a bit - you'll just need to move your foot to either side of the receiver to activate the lift gate like you mentioned.