Power Liftgate

POWER LIFTGATE

DESCRIPTION

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.
- ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM SERVICE.
- 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 1/2 INCH BEFORE FULLY CLOSED). PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
- 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.
- 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
- Link Rod
- Power Latch and Actuator
- Power Liftgate Control Module
- Left Pinch Sensor
- Right Pinch Sensor/Thermistor
- 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.

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.

For system operation instructions refer to the vehicles owner manual.

OPERATION
Battery voltage is supplied to the power liftgate system through a fuse located in the Integrated Power Module (IPM) assembly. The power liftgate open/close command can be initiated by either one press of the power liftgate overhead console switch or two presses of the key fob power liftgate button. The overhead console switch is hardwired to the power liftgate control module, where as the key fob signal is sent out on the Controller Area Network (CAN) Data Bus circuit. This signal is detected by the power liftgate control module. The power liftgate control module then interprets the information to confirm safety requirements are met before applying power to the power liftgate motor to start a power cycle.

During a power liftgate open or close cycle, if the power liftgate control module detects sufficient resistance to lift-gate travel, such as an obstruction in the liftgate's path, the control module will immediately stop liftgate movement and reverse the direction of travel to the full open or closed position.

The power liftgate control module has the ability to relearn. After 8 miles have been recorded on the odometer, anytime the liftgate is fully opened and fully closed using the automatic system, the module will learn from its cycle. If a replacement power liftgate component is installed or a liftgate adjustment is made, the module will relearn the effort and time required to open or close the liftgate. This learn cycle can be performed with a Diagnostic Scan Tool or with a complete cycle of the liftgate, using either one of the command switches.