Turning off the interior lights when tailgating

[patvell]

Can someone please, please tell me how to turn off the interior lights when tailgating on the 2005 Freestyle AWD SEL? I realized after going to the Drive In, we didnt know how to turn off the interior lights. This wasnt cool since we wanted to use our tailgate seats in the back. I forgot to call Ford after we wound up leaving the lights on during the whole movie. Well now guess what, we are going to a night function and need to tailgate. HELP US FORD FREESTYLE OWNERS YOU ARE OUR ONLY HOPE!

Thanks

[Flyingjackal456]

the dimmer switch may do this for you, rotate the dash dimmer switch all the way down, It should click to an "off" position, turning off the interior lights

[mark v]

Take a screwdriver and use it to push the latches closed on the hatch when the door is open and this should kill the lights. Remember to use the screwdriver to open the latches before you close the door.

To open the latches have someone hold the door handle open and use the screwdriver to open the latches on each side carefully, they should not be pried open, they should open easy.

This is what I do on my Windstar.

[Ford28630]

There is no conventional way to make them go off. They missed that on the design table.

[mmsstar]

Tailgate seats?? oh must be tipping the rear seats back without folding and sitting on the back and leaning on the seat!

[Agdzk230]

You can jam a wadded up piece of paper into the latch on the tailgate door. Make sure to position it so it holds up the trigger for the light.