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Liftgate Release Malfunction (Manual)

Liftgate Release Malfunction (Manual)

Diagnostic Instructions


Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.


Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit Short to Ground Open/High Resistance Short to Voltage Signal Performance
Liftgate Release Relay B+ 2 2 - -
Liftgate Release Switch Signal B2494 00 1 1 -
Liftgate Release Relay Control B324A 02 2 2 -
Liftgate Security Relay Control 2 2 2 -
Liftgate Latch Assembly Control 2 2 2 -
Liftgate Security Relay Ground - 2 - -
Liftgate Latch Assembly Ground - 2 - -
Liftgate Unlatch Switch Ground - 1 - -
1. Liftgate Release Switch Malfunction 2. Liftgate Release Malfunction


Circuit/System Description

The liftgate switch supplies an input to the body control module (BCM). The BCM feeds a voltage to the signal circuit and when the liftgate switch is activated the signal circuit voltage goes low. The BCM controls the liftgate release actuator via the liftgate latch release relay. When the liftgate switch signal is activated, the BCM enables the liftgate release relay by applying battery voltage to the liftgate relay circuit and the relay is energized when the BCM grounds the liftgate release relay control circuit. When the relay is energized battery voltage is supplied to the liftgate latch assembly through the liftgate latch control circuit.

Diagnostic Aids

Before testing can be performed the liftgate must be opened. Refer to Opening the Liftgate Without Electrical Power for the appropriate procedure.

If the vehicle has a history of the liftgate opening unexpectedly, inspect the point where the wires enter the liftgate unlatch switch for corrosion or evidence of water intrusion.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Release Systems Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Liftgate Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference


Circuit Testing

Connector Repairs

Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Wiring Repairs


Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification


1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Trunk Lid/Liftglass Exterior Unlatch Switch parameter while pressing the S46B liftgate unlatch switch. The reading should change between Active and Inactive.

2. If the value does not change, refer to Liftgate Release Switch Malfunction.

3. Give an UNLOCK command to the liftgate with a scan tool. The A23C liftgate latch unit should release the liftgate.

4. If the A23C liftgate latch assembly does not release the liftgate, refer to Liftgate Latch Malfunction (Except UA2/UTC).

5. If the A23C liftgate latch assembly does not release the liftgate, refer to Liftgate Latch Malfunction (With UA2/UTC).


Circuit/System Testing


Liftgate Release Switch Malfunction

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S46B liftgate unlatch switch.

2. Test for less than 5 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 1 and ground.

3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Trunk Lid/Liftglass Exterior Unlatch Switch parameter is Inactive.

5. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 2 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.

6. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 2 and ground. Verify the scan tool Trunk Lid/Liftglass Exterior Unlatch Switch parameter is Active.

7. 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 K9 BCM

8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the S46B liftgate unltach switch.



Liftgate Latch Malfunction (Except UA2/UTC)

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the A23C liftgate latch assembly.

2. Test for less than 5 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 3 and ground.

3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

4. Connect the harness connector at the A23C liftgate latch assembly.

5. Disconnect the X3 harness connector at the X53A fuse block-rear body.

6. Briefly connect a 15 A fused jumper wire between the control circuit terminal 8 and B+. Verify the A23C liftgate latch assembly activates.

7. If the A23C liftgate latch assembly does not activate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the A23C liftgate latch assembly.

8. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 21 and ground.

9. Command the liftgate to UNLATCH with a scan tool. The test lamp should illuminate during the unlatch command.

10. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.

11. 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 K9 BCM.

12. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 12 and B+.

13. Command the liftgate to UNLATCH with a scan tool. The test lamp should illuminate during the unlatch command.

14. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.

15. If all circuits test normal, replace the X53A fuse block-rear body.



Liftgate Latch Malfunction (With UA2/UTC)

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the X53A fuse block-rear body.

2. Test for less than 5 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 27 and ground.

3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

4. Connect the X2 harness connector and disconnect the X3 harness connector at the X53A fuse block-rear body.

5. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 21 and ground.

6. Command the liftgate to UNLATCH with a scan tool. The test lamp should illuminate during the unlatch command.

7. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.

8. 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 K9 BCM.

9. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 12 and B+.

10. Command the liftgate to UNLATCH with a scan tool. The test lamp should illuminate during the unlatch command.

11. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.

12. Connect the X3 harness connector at the X53A fuse block-rear body and disconnect the harness connector at the A23C liftgate latch assembly.

13. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 1 and ground.

14. Command the liftgate to UNLATCH with a scan tool. The test lamp should illuminate during the unlatch command.

15. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the X53A fuse block-rear body.

16. 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 X53A fuse block-rear body.

17. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 3 and B+.

18. Command the liftgate to UNLATCH with a scan tool. The test lamp should illuminate during the unlatch command.

19. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the X53A fuse block-rear body.

20. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the X53A fuse block-rear body.

21. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the A23C liftgate latch assembly.


Component Testing


Liftgate latch assembly

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the A23C liftgate latch assembly.

2. Install a 15 A fused jumper wire between the control terminal 1 and 12 V. Momentarily install a jumper wire between the ground terminal 3 and ground. Verify the A23C liftgate latch assembly activates.

3. If the actuator does not perform as specified, replace the A23C liftgate latch assembly.



Liftgate Release Switch

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S46B liftgate unlatch switch.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminal 2 and the ground terminal 1 with the switch in the open position.

3. If not the specified value, replace the S46B liftgate unlatch switch.

4. Test for less than 2 Ω between the signal terminal 2 and the ground terminal 1 with the switch in the closed position.

5. If greater than the specified range, replace the S46B liftgate unlatch switch.


Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.


Liftgate Release Switch Replacement

Liftgate Latch Replacement

Front Compartment Fuse Block Replacement

Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming