Exterior Handle Switch

EXTERIOR HANDLE SWITCH

DESCRIPTION
All vehicles are equipped with a power liftgate exterior handle switch. The switch is integral to the power liftgate latch assembly. It is activated by the exterior handle, located in the license plate light bar, through a mechanical link rod attaching the two together. The power liftgate exterior handle switch is primarily used for manual opening of the liftgate. Activation of the switch during a automatic power "close" cycle will cause the liftgate to reverse direction. Activation of the switch during a power "open" cycle will cause the power liftgate to disengage, allowing full manual operation.

The exterior handle cannot be adjusted or repaired and if damaged it must be replaced.

The power liftgate exterior handle switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and if damaged or inoperative the complete power liftgate latch assembly must be replaced.

OPERATION
When the exterior liftgate handle is pulled, a mechanical linkage inside the liftgate depresses the power liftgate exterior handle switch in the power liftgate latch assembly. A hard-wired signal is then detected by the Power Lift-gate Control Module. The power liftgate control module then looks at the vehicle lock status on the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. If the vehicle is not locked and the operating conditions are met, the power liftgate control module then applies power to the latch mounted motor, which moves the liftgate from the primary closed and latched position to the open and movable position.

If the liftgate is not pulled open within seven seconds, once the latch releases, the latch will automatically cinch closed.