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

The liftgate can be released by operating the liftgate release switch or pressing the liftgate release button on the key fob. The gear selector may be in any position, but vehicle speed must equal 0 for the liftgate to release. Pressing the Liftgate Release Switch closes a contact providing a ground for the Liftgate Release Switch Signal circuit. The BCM will detect the voltage drop and command voltage to be supplied to the Liftgate Release Relay Control circuit thus energizing the LIFTGATE RELEASE Relay which provides voltage to the Release Actuator releasing the liftgate.

Schematic Reference

Body Rear End Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Body Rear End Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Luggage Compartment Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

Scan Tool Reference

1. Ignition ON, observe the Liftgate Release switch parameter while pressing the Liftgate Release Switch. The reading should change between Activate and Inactive.

⇒	If the reading does not change between Active and Inactive, refer to Liftgate Release Switch Malfunction.

2. Command the Liftgate Release with the scan tool. The Liftgate Door Latch Release Actuator should release the liftgate.

⇒	If the liftgate does not release, refer to Liftgate Release Malfunction.

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

Liftgate Release Switch Malfunction

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the Liftgate Release switch.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm for resistance between the ground circuit terminal D and ground.

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

3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Liftgate Release is Inactive.

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

4. Install a 3-A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal B and ground. Verify the scan tool Liftgate Release 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 BCM.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the Liftgate Release switch.

Liftgate Release Malfunction

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the LIFTGATE RELEASE relay.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the relay coil ground circuit terminal and ground while pressing the Liftgate Release Switch.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test for an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the relay controlled output circuit terminal and ground.

⇒	If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.

4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch B+ circuit terminal and ground.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal and the LIFTGATE/SUNROOF fuse is open, test the relay controlled output circuit terminal for a short to ground.

5. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the Liftgate Door Latch Release Actuator.
6. Igniton OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the Release Actuator ground circuit terminal 3 and ground.

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

7. Connect the harness connector at the Liftgate Door Latch Release Actuator.
8. Ignition ON, connect a 20-A fused jumper wire between the relay switch B+ circuit terminal and the relay controlled output circuit terminal. Verify the Release Actuator is activated.

⇒	If the Release Actuator does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the Liftgate Door Latch.

9. Connect a test lamp between the Liftgate Release Relay Control terminal and the relay coil ground circuit terminal.
10. Command the Trunk Release 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 ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.

⇒	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 BCM.

11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the LIFTGATE RELEASE Relay.

Release Actuator, Door Latch-Liftgate

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the Liftgate Door Latch.
2. Install a 20-amp fused jumper wire between the control circuit terminal 1 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between the ground circuit terminal 3 and ground. Verify the release actuator activates.

⇒	If the actuator does not perform as specified, replace the Liftgate Door 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 B and the ground circuit terminal D with the switch in the open position.

⇒	If not the specified value, replace the Liftgate Release switch.

3. Test for less than 2.0 ohms between the signal terminal B and the ground circuit terminal D with the switch in the closed position.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, replace the Liftgate Release switch.

Relay Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the LIFTGATE RELEASE relay.
2. Test for 60-180 ohms of resistance between terminals 85 and 86.

⇒	If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the relay.

3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:

•

30 and 86

•

30 and 87

•

30 and 85

•

85 and 87

⇒	If not the specified value, replace the relay.

4. Install a 25-amp fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between terminals 30 and 87.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, replace the relay.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.