Kevin Gunn

My wife bought a 2018 Q5 around Thanksgiving. We've never had troubles with the foot-activated lift gate release, but after a little snow (coincidence?) it no longer responds.

I'm wondering if a sensor could be dirty, but I can't see what/where the sensor might be. I see a little electronics block up under the bumper, but nothing that looks like a sensor/range finder/etc. Does it use the parking sensors? Rear camera? The exterior of the car is clean.

Any ideas on what I should be looking for and/or what the sensor looks like? A pic would be great so I can make sure something didn't come loose if there is a sensor in the bumper.

Many thanks,
Kevin

Boink

I've found it to be very finicky... and not working sometimes. When that happens, I THINK it's because I'm not squarely behind it and raising my foot right up to the bottom of the bumper. Haven't checked to see if the speed of the passing foot matters.

parad1mg

Ours works about 30% of the time.

It was hilarious when the sales guy and the service manager was trying to show us the foot operated tail gate function during delivery. They couldn't get it to work.

Never had this issue with Japanese cars. They have their technology well thought out.

Looks like it's also an issue with Q7 vehicles: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q7-mkii-discussion-211/luggage-compartment-lid-foot-control-2895400/

rausda27

Make sure the key isn't inside the vehicle. I made this mistake a couple times, it wont work unless its outside.

Momyc

So far for me it worked every single time. It's true that I was always swiping my foot in the middle of the door.

bob m

Same thing with my 2017 A4. I was doing everything shy of St Vitus's dance until I did what you are doing. Works perfectly, but also be aware, there is a one second delay before the trunk actually opens.

daberlin

Works FAR better than my F30 BMW 335i ever did. I'd say I'm at 90% success rate.

heisnuts

I assume you are using the procedure demonstrated in the video attached here

Boink

I was in speaking with the service department of my local dealer today. He said they receive a LOT of complaints about the finicky nature of this hands-free operation. Sometimes is just doesn't work.
That's been my experience... though I've been sort of "waiving" my foot back and forth as I was initially told to do. It works most of the time, but definitely not all of the time.

SCarGuy

waving it will ensure it rarely works.

One brief kick up, then down, then step back, dead center of the bumper. If you have the tow package, aim to the left of the hitch by about 2 inches