Liftgate Release Malfunction
Liftgate Release Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
Pressing the liftgate release switch closes a contact providing a ground for the liftgate release switch signal circuit. The rear fuse block will detect the voltage drop and command voltage to be supplied to the liftgate latch assembly which releases the liftgate.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Release Systems Schematics (Release Systems Schematics)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Rear Hatch/Gate Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Trunk Release Switch parameter while pressing and releasing the liftgate release switch. The parameter should change between Active and Inactive.
• If the parameter does not change, refer to Liftgate Release Switch Malfunction.
2. Command the Trunk Release Test with a scan tool. The liftgate latch should release the liftgate.
• If the liftgate latch does not release the liftgate, refer to Liftgate Release Malfunction.
Circuit/System Testing
Liftgate Release Switch Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the liftgate release switch.
2. Test for less than 20 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 3 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Trunk Release Switch parameter is Inactive.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 1 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the rear fuse block.
4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground. Verify the scan tool Trunk Release Switch parameter is Active.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the rear fuse block.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the liftgate release switch.
Liftgate Release Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the liftgate latch assembly.
2. Test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 1 and ground.
4. Command the Trunk Release Test ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the rear fuse block.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the rear fuse block.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the liftgate latch assembly.
Component Testing
Liftgate Latch Assembly
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the liftgate latch.
2. Install a 20A fused jumper wire between the control terminal 1 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between the ground terminal 2 and ground. Verify the liftgate latch activates.
• If the latch does not perform as specified, replace the liftgate latch.
Liftgate Release Switch
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the liftgate release switch.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminal 1 and the ground terminal 3 with the switch in the open position.
• If not the specified value, replace the liftgate release switch.
3. Test for less than 2 ohms between the signal terminal 1 and the ground terminal 3 with the switch in the closed position.
• If greater than the specified range, replace the liftgate release switch.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Liftgate Actuator Switch Replacement (L08) (Service and Repair)Liftgate Actuator Switch Replacement (L48) (Service and Repair)
* Liftgate Latch Replacement (Sedan) (Service and Repair)Liftgate Latch Replacement (Coupe) (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for rear fuse block replacement, setup, and programming