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Liftgate Interior Release Open/Close Switch Malfunction - DTC B396C or B396D

Liftgate Interior Release Open/Close Switch Malfunction - DTC B396C or B396D

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.


DTC Descriptors

DTC B396C 08

Liftgate Mode Switch Circuit Performance Signal Invalid

DTC B396D 02

Front Liftgate Actuator Switch Circuit Short To Ground

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit Short to Ground Open/High Resistance Short to Voltage Signal Performance
Off/¾ open/Max Signal B396C 08 B396C 08 B396C 08 -
Open/Close Signal B396D 02 1 1 -
Ground - 2 - -
1. The interior switch will not open/close the power liftgate 2. The liftgate works only in the full open mode using the liftgate handle


Circuit/System Description

The interior liftgate rotary control switch contains 3 resistors which are connected in series for the liftgate mode. The choice of mode determines which combination of resistors is used. The liftgate control module monitors the voltage level in the liftgate signal circuit. As each mode is selected, the voltage within the signal circuit incrementally drops. It is this method the liftgate module will determine if mode switch is in the manual mode, garage mode or the maximum open mode.

The interior liftgate control switch has of a push button switch to command the liftgate to open and close. The liftgate module monitors the voltage level on the open/close signal circuit, when the switch is not being pressed the voltage level is at the system voltage. When the switch is pressed a contact within the interior liftgate control switch closes providing a ground path for the signal circuit causing the voltage level to drop to near zero volts. The liftgate module will detect the voltage drop and will then command the liftgate to open or close depending upon the current state of the liftgate at the time the switch is pressed.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The system voltage is 9-16 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B396C 08

The liftgate control module detects an out of range condition in the mode switch signal circuit.

B396D 02

The liftgate control module detects a short to ground in the rear liftgate open/close switch signal circuit for greater than 60 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

B396C 08

The manual mode function and the garage mode function will be inoperative.

B396D 02

The liftgate module will ignore the switch input from the interior liftgate control switch and the liftgate operations will only be available from the liftgate switches located on the liftgate panel or by an open or close request from the remote control keyless entry module.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC


The DTC will be current for as long as the fault is present.

When the fault is no longer present, the DTC will be a history DTC.

A history DTC will clear after 50 ignition cycles.


Diagnostic Aids


If the liftgate will not release from the closed position, refer to Opening the Liftgate Without Electrical Power for the appropriate procedure

Whenever the liftgate control module loses power or is disconnected, the ignition must be cycled OFF then ON in order to reactivate the liftgate control module.


Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Liftgate Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Liftgate Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference


Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Circuit Testing

Wiring Repairs

Connector Repairs


Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification


1. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Liftgate Mode Switch parameter changes from 125 counts to 350 counts to 245 counts while rotating the S45B liftgate control switch - interior.

2. If the value does not change with each position selected, refer to OFF/ ¾ position/MAX Switch Circuit Test

3. Place the S45B liftgate control switch - interior to the OFF position.

4. Observe the scan tool Liftgate Front Control Switch parameter while pressing and releasing the liftgate button on the S45B liftgate control switch-interior. The parameter should change between Inactive and Active.

5. If the value does not change, refer to Open/Close Switch Circuit Test


Circuit/System Testing


OFF/ ¾ position/MAX Switch Circuit Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S45B liftgate control switch-interior.

2. Test for less than 10 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 1 and ground.

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

4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Liftgate Mode Switch parameter is greater than 300 counts.

5. If the parameter is less than the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 3 for a short to ground. If the circuit test is normal, replace the K39 liftgate control module.

6. Fit a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and ground. Verify that the scan tool Liftgate Mode Switch parameter is less than 5 counts.

7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K39 liftgate control module.

8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the S45B liftgate control switch-interior.



Open/Close Switch Circuit Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S45B liftgate control switch-interior.

2. Test for less than 10 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 1 and ground.

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

4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Liftgate Front Control Switch parameter is Inactive.

5. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 4 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K39 liftgate control module.

6. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 4 and ground. Verify the scan tool Liftgate Front Control 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 K39 liftgate control module.

8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the S45B liftgate control switch-interior.


Component Testing


1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S45B liftgate control switch-interior.

2. Test for the values listed below between the signal terminal 3 and the ground terminal 1.

600-650 Ω in the Off position

125k-140k Ω in the ¾ position

400k-415k Ω in the Max position

3. If not within the specified ranges, replace the S45B liftgate control switch-interior.

4. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminal 4 and the ground terminal 1 with the switch open.

5. If not the specified value, replace the S45B liftgate control switch-interior.

6. Test for less than 3 Ω between the signal terminal 4 and the ground terminal 1 with the switch closed.

7. If greater than the specified range, replace the S45B liftgate control switch-interior.


Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.


Liftgate Actuator Control Switch Replacement

Control Module References for liftgate control module replacement, setup and programming