GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Power Liftgate Operation

Caution: Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with any objects that pass through the seal between the body and the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If the vehicle must be driven with the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:

   • Close all of the windows.
   • Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
   • Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index.
   • If the vehicle is equipped with a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust.

The vehicle may have a power liftgate. The vehicle must be in P (Park) to use this feature.

The taillamps will flash and a chime will sound when the power liftgate is used.

Caution: You or others could be injured if caught in the path of the power liftgate. Make sure there is no one in the way of the liftgate as it is opening and closing.

Notice: If you open the liftgate without checking for overhead obstructions such as a garage door, you could damage the liftgate or the liftgate glass. Always check to make sure the area above and behind the liftgate is clear before opening it.

The power liftgate can be power opened and closed in the following ways:

    • Press and hold the power liftgate button on the RKE transmitter until the liftgate starts moving. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation for more information.

Power Liftgate Button on Center Console


Object Number: 2046672  Size: G1
    • Press the liftgate button on the center console.
    • Press the touchpad switch on the outside liftgate handle.

Pressing the buttons or touchpad switch a second time while the liftgate is moving reverses the direction.

Power Liftgate Button near Liftgate Latch


Object Number: 2046680  Size: G1

The liftgate can also be closed by pressing the power liftgate button next to the liftgate latch. Press the button a second time during liftgate operation to reverse the operation.

The power liftgate may be temporarily disabled under extreme temperatures or under low battery conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate can still be operated manually.

If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) while the power function is in progress, the liftgate power function will continue to completion. If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) and the vehicle accelerates before the power liftgate latches closed, the liftgate may reverse to the open position. Cargo could fall out of the vehicle. The power liftgate must be closed and latched before driving.

If the liftgate is power opened and the support struts have lost pressure, the lights will flash and a chime will sound. The liftgate will stay open temporarily, then slowly close. See your dealer/retailer for service before using the liftgate if this occurs.

Obstacle Detection Features

A warning chime will sound and the liftgate will automatically reverse direction to the full closed or open position if the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power open or close cycle. After removing the obstruction, the power liftgate operation can be used again.

If the liftgate comes across more obstacles on the same power cycle, the power function deactivates, and you must manually open or close the liftgate. A message displays, LIFTGATE OPEN, to indicate that the liftgate is open. See Driver Information Center (DIC) for more information. After removing the obstructions, manually open the liftgate to the full open position or close the liftgate to the fully closed and latched position. The liftgate resumes normal power operation.

Pinch sensors are located on the side edges of the liftgate. If an object is caught between the liftgate and the vehicle and presses against this sensor, the liftgate will reverse direction and open fully. The liftgate will remain open until it is activated again or closed manually. Do not force the liftgate open or closed during a power cycle.

Manual Operation of Power Liftgate


Object Number: 2046676  Size: G1

To change the liftgate to manual operation, press the switch on the center console to OFF.

With the power liftgate disabled and all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate can be manually opened and closed.

To open the liftgate, press the touchpad on the handle on the outside of the liftgate and lift the gate open. To close the liftgate, use the pull cup to lower the liftgate and close. The liftgate latch will power close. Always close the liftgate before driving.

If the RKE button or the power close button on the liftgate is pressed while power operation is disabled, the lights will flash three times, but the liftgate will not move.

It is not recommended that you drive with the liftgate open. However, if you must drive with the liftgate open, the liftgate should be set to manual operation by pressing the OFF switch on the center console.