Power Liftgate System

WARNING: Never attempt to operate the power liftgate system when the link rod is removed or disconnected. Damage to the power liftgate system will result.

WARNING: Always disconnect the negative battery cable before attempting any power liftgate system service.

WARNING: There is a small area on both sides of the lower power liftgate which are not protected by pinch sensors. Extreme caution must be taken to prevent objects from entering this area once the liftgate reaches the secondary latch contact (approximately 13 mm (1/2 inch) before fully closed). Personal injury may result.

WARNING: Never attempt to enter or exit the vehicle with the liftgate in motion. You could damage the power liftgate system or individual components and possibly cause personal injury.

WARNING: Never stick objects in the power liftgate when cinching closed. You could damage the power liftgate system or individual components and possibly cause personal injury.

Some vehicles are equipped with an automatic opening and closing power liftgate. The power liftgate system is a complex system consisting of many components. Refer to the following list for component reference:

Power Liftgate System Components

Liftgate Motor
Power Liftgate Drive Unit
Link Rod
Power Latch and Actuator
Power Liftgate Control Module
Pinch Sensors
Thermistor (Liftgate Light Bar)
Overhead Console and Key Fob Command Switches
Chime

The power liftgate system utilizes its own power liftgate control module. This power liftgate control module contains all the solid state hardware and software used to control the power liftgate system. For specific component information refer to the individual component descriptions later in this service information .

Safety is of the utmost concern with the power liftgate system. Software technology has enabled the power liftgate control module to detect resistance to liftgate travel. This allows the power liftgate control module to control liftgate direction anytime an obstruction is detected. The power liftgate can be operated manually using the liftgate outside handle switch.

The power liftgate control module communicates on the Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus Circuit. Therefore, the power liftgate control module can generate and store its own Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's). A diagnostic scan tool is used to read and troubleshoot these DTCs. Refer to the Appropriate Diagnostic Information for a list of diagnostic procedures.

For a complete wiring schematic of the power liftgate system, refer to the SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article. For system operation instructions refer to the vehicles owner manual. Refer to the BODY article for additional information on liftgate components such as the prop rods, hinges, door alignment and striker alignment.