Reasons Why the Electric Tailgate Fails to Lift Up

[DelBryce]

There are several reasons why an electric tailgate may fail to lift up, as analyzed below: 1. Reason 1: Damaged door lock. Solution: Replace the lock at a 4S shop. 2. Reason 2: Insufficient sensitivity of the door lock. Solution: Open the tailgate manually. Wait until the electric tailgate automatically rises to a certain height and stops, then manually push it to its usual maximum height while holding the close button on the remote. Repeat this process several times until the tailgate resumes normal operation upon reopening. 3. Reason 3: Possible strut failure, which reduces the lifting force and causes the tailgate to only rise halfway. Solution: Replace the strut.

[VanHazel]

The electric tailgate of my SUV got stuck and wouldn’t lift up once, and after struggling for a while, I found it might be due to a few common issues. The most common is damaged struts—those small motorized pillars on both sides of the door. If the motor ages or the internal wiring shorts, it loses power. Wiring faults can also cause this, especially since the wiring harness near the trunk is frequently bent, making it prone to insulation damage, leading to short circuits or poor contact. Another possibility is faulty sensors at the rear, like the anti-pinch sensor misjudging and thinking something is blocking it, so it refuses to move. If this happens, don’t force it. Try manually pushing the tailgate up as a temporary fix, and it’s best to have a professional shop inspect and replace the struts or wiring later—DIY attempts can easily damage plastic parts.

[DiEvangeline]

During my last road trip, the power tailgate suddenly malfunctioned, getting stuck halfway open which was really frustrating. I think the most likely issue is with the hydraulic struts - over time the hydraulic fluid might leak or the springs could fail, preventing proper support. Also check if the door hinges are jammed with dirt, especially after rain when mud accumulates there. Try spraying some WD-40 lubricant. If the control module gets damp and shorts, it might send erratic commands. When facing such problems, remember to look for the emergency release handle inside the car - usually there's a pull cord on the inner side of the trunk for manual opening. Safety first, don't delay as improper handling could also damage the door seals.

[SanAmelia]

The electric tailgate not working is most likely due to a glitch in the control system. Loose wiring from the trunk button to the control module is the most common issue, especially in modified vehicles where poor connections are more frequent. A low battery charge can also cause insufficient power supply to the electric struts—avoid opening the tailgate frequently when the engine is off to prevent this. Additionally, incorrect data from the door's tilt sensor can mislead the system into pausing the lift automatically. Personally, I once installed a roof rack that caused weight imbalance, making the system mistake it for an obstruction and lock the tailgate. When troubleshooting, try disconnecting the car's power and restarting to restore default settings.

[OJesse]

When the tailgate suddenly wouldn't open after just picking up the new car, a friend suggested starting with simple troubleshooting. Check if the corresponding fuse for the tailgate in the fuse box has blown—replacing a $5 fuse might solve it. Also, inspect the support struts for any air or oil leaks by feeling for oily residue. Aged or deformed door seal strips could be jamming the tracks. Kids randomly pressing the key's lock button might trigger the anti-theft system to lock out, requiring a simple vehicle unlock. Regularly clear out trunk clutter to prevent items from blocking the tailgate.

[DelNorah]

The tailgate of older seven-seater models often has this issue, which mainly boils down to two problems. The carbon brushes in the electric strut motor wear out and prevent rotation, a common occurrence after prolonged use over 100,000 kilometers. The wiring harness connectors at the rear of the vehicle body oxidize, leading to poor contact, especially in humid coastal areas where they can rust and turn green. In winter, when temperatures drop below zero, the hydraulic oil can freeze and cause sticking, but it usually resolves itself by midday when it warms up. If all else fails, gently lift the tailgate from the bottom with both hands to assist in raising it. Remember to bring the manual to show the technician the circuit diagram during inspection.