GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Power Liftgate Operation

Caution: It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If you must drive with the liftgate open, or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the liftgate:

   • Make sure all other windows are shut.
   • Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the recirculation mode off. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See Climate Control System in the index.
   • If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.
   • If your vehicle has a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function.
See Power Liftgate .

Your vehicle may have a power liftgate. The vehicle must be in PARK (P) to use the power 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 Remote Keyless Entry  (RKE) transmitter until the liftgate starts moving. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation for more information.
   • 

Power Liftgate Button on Center Console


Object Number: 1833252  Size: A2
  • Pressing the liftgate button on the center console.
  •     • Pressing 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: 1833514  Size: B3

    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 that 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 you shift the transmission out of PARK (P) while the power function is in progress, the liftgate power function will continue to completion. If you shift the transmission out of PARK (P) and accelerate before the power liftgate latches closed, the liftgate may reverse to the open position. Cargo could fall out of the vehicle. Always make sure the power liftgate is closed and latched before you drive away.

    If you power open the liftgate and the liftgate 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.

    Obstacle Detection Features

    If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power open or close cycle, a warning chime will sound and the liftgate will automatically reverse direction to the full closed or open position. After removing the obstruction, the power liftgate operation can be used again. If the liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the same power cycle, the power function will deactivate, and you must manually open or close the liftgate. The LIFTGATE OPEN warning message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) will indicate that the liftgate is open. 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 will now resume normal power operation.

    Your vehicle has pinch sensors located on the side edges of the liftgate. If an object is caught between the liftgate and the body 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: 1833262  Size: A2

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

    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.

    The liftgate has an electric latch. If the battery is disconnected or has low voltage, the liftgate will not open. The liftgate will resume operation when the battery is reconnected and charged.

    If the battery is properly connected with adequate voltage, the switch is not disabled, and the liftgate still will not function, your vehicle should be taken to a dealer/retailer for service.