Power Liftgate Problems

How to Diagnose the Switch and Latch

Common power liftgate problems include the switches or the latch not working. If the liftgate is stuck closed and won’t open, and you can’t open it after pressing the liftgate button on the key fob or the power buttons, the switches or the latch might be defective. This guide and the video below explains how to diagnose the liftgate switches and the liftgate hatch for a liftgate not working on the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, and the Chevy Uplander.

How to Test the Liftgate Switch and Hatch

Steps for Checking Power Liftgate Problems

1. Test the Power Liftgate Button on Key Fob

Press the other buttons on the key fob like the lock and unlock buttons to confirm there is no issue with the remote key.

2. Confirm the Automatic Liftgate Switch Is Not Turned Off

Sometimes objects like coffee cups can fall and accidentally turn the switch off.

This video shows what liftgate switch to look for and how to fix it

2. Optional: Scan the Liftgate Module with an Advanced Scan Tool (Recommended)

Before attempting to open the liftgate and inspect the parts, we recommend using a scan tool if possible. An advanced scan tool can read other modules like the liftgate module and scan them for related codes. The scan tool can also show a history of why the liftgate failed and where to look.

Commands like “Last Open Fail Data” can reveal information like the module failing to detect the vehicle is in park. Problems like this can occur on a power liftgate if a module in a different area of the vehicle, like the transmission, needs programming.

3. Manually Open the Liftgate

Put the seats down and remove any cargo from the trunk to create space to open the hatch. Pry off the trim plug from the liftgate’s interior panel with a flat blade screwdriver. You may need to boroscope or a similar tool to see where the release is. Press the release with the flat blade screwdriver to open the liftgate.

4. Check the Fuses

Find the fuse box underneath the instrument panel on the passenger side. Read the key on the instrument panel and look for the 15 amp DSPLY fuse.

Connect the test light to the ground near the fuse box and test the fuse. Press the probe of the test light to the hole on each side of the fuse. If the test light illuminates on both sides, the fuse is in good condition. Alternatively, you can remove the fuse and confirm the internal wire isn’t broken. If the wire is broken, the fuse is blown.

Check the 30 amp power liftgate fuse located in the fuse box under the hood. Check the fuse for broken wires, which means the fuse is blown. You can also switch the fuse with another 30 amp to see if it works.

5. Remove the Liftgate Panel

Common steps to remove the liftgate panel include removing the clips and any trim pieces like the pull handle that have screws underneath and prying off the liftgate panel with a trim tool.

Tools Needed

• Plastic trim tools
• 7mm socket, ratchet, and socket extension
• flat-blade screwdriver

This video shows how to remove the liftgate panel from a 2009 to 2017 Chevy Traverse

6. Test the Electrical Connectors

1. Disconnect the liftgate latch’s power close buttons’ electrical connector.
2. Test the thicker wires, which activate the liftgate actuator, for electrical current with a test light.
3. Press the test light to the wire and press the defective lower or upper switch.
4. If the switch does not illuminate the test light, it needs to be replaced.

Diagnostic Tip: If both of the switches fail, further diagnosis is required. If both of the switches test positive for power and ground, the liftgate latch needs to be replaced.

How to Test the Liftgate Switch Power Buttons with a Multimeter

Sometimes the switches get dirt and debris in them, and they stop working. You can test the switch and the wires with a multimeter that can measure ohms. The multimeter can send a small amount of voltage down one wire and check the other when you press the switch.

Set the meter to read ohms. The baseline reading without the leads touching each other should read for 100% electrical resistance. Test the leads by tapping the leads together. The rating should change to a decimal number to show there is less electrical resistance.

Lightly touch one terminal on the switch’s electrical connector with one lead and the opposing terminal with the other. Press the switch. If the multimeter reads for a decimal number, indicating less electrical resistance, the switch is working.

Replace a Power Liftgate Switch or Liftgate Latch Yourself

If your power liftgate is having problems working and the liftgate switch or liftgate latch is defective, replace one on your GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Chevy Uplander, or another vehicle yourself with 1A Auto’s how-to videos that cover removal and installation steps for many different makes and models.

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Shop Power Liftgate Parts

• Interior Parts—Door & Window, Electrical & Switches, Interior Accessories