BigKutta

Its for safety reasons, so you can ensure you are looking the trunk area when closing

smpitman

BRILLIANT! When the dealer installed the trailer hitch, the service writer told me that function was lost. It works! Thanks!

PaulCDaley

It took me a long time to figure this out. Nobody I asked was helpful, none of the suggestions helped, none of the videos helped. They all made it seem simple, and easy and reliably consistent for everyone but me.
Then I figured out the trick.
Stand near the latch, fob in your pocket/possession, a normal 12" behind the vehicle, and count to 5. Then kick-to-open. I kick gently until my toe touches something, but I'm not sure that is necessary, it just helps me measure how far to kick. Works about 95% of the time, and when it doesn't work, I think it is because I rushed the 5-count. If it doesn't work, that 5% of the time, stand there, count to 5 slower, and try again. I have gone from a 5% success rate thinking I needed to stand on my head and cluck like a chicken, swing my foot this way and that, to a 95% success rate.

mhoran89

You also need to step back. If the sensor sees you kick and then stand there it won't open because it knows the tailgate would hit you in the face... step back after kicking and wait a few seconds.

BirdmanSD

I agree with mhoran89. From my experience, the step back is the most important thing. It's not a baby step but more like half a stride. Works 95% of the time. No need to hold your foot up for more than 1.5 seconds.

mhoran89

Correct. A swift kick like you were closing a door with your foot is fine... the step back is the "kicker".

richsurf

I just can’t get it to work. I tried all sorts of motions and my neighbors must think I’m possessed. It has the factory hitch and I even looked under for the sensor but didn’t see it.

samps

I also have the factory hitch and have experimented and have found that for me, the following two methods work:

1. Stand behind car (maybe 1.5'), use right leg (straight) and make kicking motion under right side of hitch so that you nearly touch the bumper. Feet together, take step back.
2. Stand behind car far enough your foot will reach (maybe 3'), use right leg (straight) and make kicking motion under right side of hitch so that you nearly touch the bumper and swing far back enough so it's obvious you're not in the way.

Like others have stated, seems the 'step back', i.e. close to sensor then far away enough such that the car doesn't think the tailgate will open onto your face is critical - but once I got the hang of it, it seems to work all the time.

Bobbyds1

Does anyone know if all 2017 prestige have the kick to open feature

blc1962

Yes it does.