Activating the Foot Sensor on a 2017 Ford Escape With a Trailer Hitch Receiver Installed

Question:

I did indeed buy the 58 model, more expensive for my 2017 Ford Escape but the sensors only seem to work with foot placed very high to the bumper and only in a limited sweep starting at center and moving to the side but not when starting at the side. Dont really know where the sensors are and if I can create an opening to make them function as was described. The current motion is certainly limited

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

This is a very common issue with the vehicles that have the foot sensors on the rear bumper so that you can open the back hatch by sweeping your foot.

I spoke with one of our manufacturers not that long ago and they said that when vehicles which use the foot sensor, like your 2017 Ford Escape, have a trailer hitch receiver installed, like the Draw-Tite # 75758, you won't be able to sweep your foot like normal. Since there is metal covering some of the sensor, you will have to kick your foot under the bumper as if you were kicking a soccer ball. If you do this motion to either side of the receiver you shouldn't have problems activating the foot sensor.

If you were asking about making an opening in the hitch, like drilling a hole, this is not recommended at all since it could compromise the integrity of your hitch and will most likely void your warranty.

expert reply by: Jon G