Closing Tailgate Question

[2002Silver4.6is]

When I close the tailgate, the mechanism to keep it closed does not engage. If I then close the Liftgate its closing mechanism does engage and both stay closed.

Is this how the system works? Once oped the Tailgate cannot be closed unless the Liftgate is closed? The owners manual does not give specifics on closing the tailgate. (Like a thing like that should be necessary!!)

Man, I think the last page of the owners manual should say:

And Now....For The Rest Of Your Questions:

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