Doors, Hood and Trunk: Description and Operation

BODY CLOSURES

The power liftgate (PLG) feature allows the customer to automatically open or close the liftgate by: activating the instrument panel control button, activating the remote keyless entry transmitter, lifting the exterior handle (open only) or activating the rear quarter trim-mounted switch. The PLG uses a power cinching system to latch the liftgate.

PLG operation requires the vehicle to be in PARK and the vehicle speed to be less than 5 Km/H (3 mph).

The PLG feature suspends a power open or power close when the ignition key is moved to the START position. The clutch will remain active to hold the liftgate in place during a start operation. Once the ignition key is no longer in the START position, the liftgate power open or power close will resume.

The PLG feature can be enabled/disabled from the message center. When the PLG feature is disabled (OFF), operation from the liftgate handle and liftgate rear control switch are disabled.

The PLG system consists of the following components:
- PLG control switch (located in the instrument panel)
- PLG rear control switch (located in the LH rear quarter trim panel)
- Exterior handle switch
- PLG motor (located behind the LH rear quarter trim panel)
- PLG rod (attached to the PLG motor assembly and liftgate mounting stud)
- Position sensor (located in the PLG motor assembly)
- Pinch strip switches (located on the body above the left and right taillamps)
- PLG latch (located in the middle lower portion of the liftgate)
- Forkbolt switches (located in the PLG latch)
- Sector gear switches (located in the PLG latch)
- Detent switch (located in the PLG latch)
- Unlatch/cinching motor (located in the PLG latch)
- PLG module (located behind the left rear quarter trim panel)

The PLG is controlled by the PLG module.

The PLG module receives inputs from the following:
- Forkbolt switch - primary (determines the position of the latch)
- Forkbolt switch - secondary (determines the position of the latch)
- Sector gear open switch - open (determines the sector gear position)
- Sector gear close switch - close (determines the sector gear position)
- Smart junction box (SJB) (exterior handle)
- Detent switch (determines the position of the latch)
- PLG control switch (located in the instrument panel)
- PLG rear control switch (located in the LH rear quarter trim panel)
- Pinch strip switches (determines if an obstacle is between the pinch strip and liftgate)
- Position sensor (determines the direction, travel speed and obstacle detection of the liftgate)
- Controller area network (CAN) serial communication link

The PLG module sends outputs to the following:
- Liftgate motor
- Liftgate clutch
- Unlatch/cinching motor
- Liftgate chime
- SJB (ajar status)

The liftgate chime sounds an audible chime (located on the PLG motor assembly) for 3 seconds whenever a powered closing operation is initiated or if conditions are not correct for closing. The chime sound serves as a warning to alert the vehicle occupants and any bystanders that the liftgate is being moved in a closing direction by a powered operation. The gate will not be moved for the first second, as a pre-warning of impending gate movement.

The PLG may not operate under the following conditions:
- Low voltage or dead battery
- Disconnected battery
- PLG that has been manually closed and left ajar

If any of these conditions have occurred, the PLG must be reset before carrying out any pinpoint tests. Refer to Power Liftgate Initialization. Programming and Relearning