What is the reason why the electric tailgate only opens a crack and cannot pop up?
3 Answers
The reason is that the electric suction is not released in time, and the strut motor of the electric tailgate mistakenly believes that there is an obstruction during operation, causing the system to stop working after computer judgment. Here is the relevant introduction: Introduction to Electric Tailgate: The trunk can be opened or closed electrically or via remote control. To open the trunk, simply press the button inside the car or the remote key, and the trunk will open automatically. To close the trunk, press the close button inside the trunk, the close button inside the car, or the remote key, and the trunk will close automatically. Structure: The basic structure consists of two spindle-driven rods. The drive rod, through a spindle drive, is composed of an inner tube and an outer tube. The motor and gear inside the inner tube drive a threaded spindle, which moves along a threaded nut fixed to the inner side of the outer tube. The electric strut uses an electric spindle located inside the motor within the strut to open and close the trunk lid, with springs also assisting in the opening operation.
As a veteran long-haul truck driver, I've encountered the issue of power tailgates getting stuck halfway open multiple times. Most cases are due to failing hydraulic struts - with dozens of daily operations over 2-3 years, they tend to develop oil leaks or pressure loss. I recommend manually pushing the tailgate to check resistance; if it feels abnormally heavy, it's almost certainly the struts. Another common culprit is dust buildup on guide rails, especially mud accumulation after rain which causes sensor misalignment. Winter is particularly troublesome - subzero temperatures solidify lubricants, leaving tailgates 'frozen' barely ajar. During dealership maintenance, always request track groove cleaning. Regular WD-40 application on hinges helps too. For emergencies, all trunk panels have manual release cords - just yank to open manually.
A technician with eight years of repair experience tells you that this half-open malfunction requires troubleshooting from three aspects. For the mechanical part, first check the gas struts, as they may lose pressure over time. For the electronic part, focus on the limit sensors, which are prone to displacement or misalignment after rear-end collisions. Don’t overlook software issues either—many models can resolve the problem with a system upgrade. Last week, a GL8 had three wires in the trunk wiring harness chewed through by mice, causing the control module to receive incorrect signals. A simple DIY method: push the tailgate to the fully open position and hold the switch for 10 seconds to reset the program. Remember, don’t use butter for lubrication—it attracts dust and clumps; lithium-based grease is the right choice. If the vehicle has been retrofitted with a power tailgate, the issue might be due to improper angle calibration during installation, in which case it needs to be readjusted at the factory.
