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Power Liftgate Inoperative With DTC B153A - keywords gate lift lift module rear tailgate

Subject:Power Liftgate Inoperative With DTC B153A

Models:2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV
2007-2008 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
2007-2008 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali Models
With Power Liftgate RPO (E61)



This PI was superseded to update model years. Please discard PIT4041.


The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:

Some customers may state that the power liftgate (RPO E61) is inoperative. After initial diagnosis, you may find a current or history DTC: B153A set in the power liftgate control module. After inspecting parts returned to the warranty parts center, we have found several power liftgate control modules returned with no trouble found.

Recommendation/Instructions:

Please use the following information below when diagnosing an inoperative liftgate with DTC: B153A set.

  1. Disconnect the connector at the liftgate latch assembly. With the liftgate latch connector disconnected, the 3 signals for the ratchet, pawl, and the sector should be inactive on the scan tool.
  2. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between each signal circuit terminal (for the pawl, sector, ratchet) and the ground circuit terminal 2. Monitor the scan tool as each individual circuit is jumpered to ground, the scan tool should read "active".
  3. If either test above fails, check the wiring for the signal circuits, low reference circuit, or try a power liftgate control module from a known good vehicle.
  4. If both test's above pass, monitor the internal switch inputs in the liftgate latch assembly for proper operation.
  5. • With the liftgate in the open position, The ratchet and the pawl should read "active" and the sector should read "inactive"
    •  With the liftgate in the secondary latched position, the pawl should read "Inactive" and the ratchet and sector should read "active"
    • With the liftgate fully closed, the pawl, ratchet, and the sector should all read "inactive"
  6. If one of the internal liftgate latch assembly switch inputs are not reading correctly in one of the positions above and the vehicles passes test 1 and 2 above. Replace the liftgate latch assembly.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.