Where is the tailgate switch of Honda CR-V?
4 Answers
The tailgate switch of Honda CR-V is located on the left side of the driver's compartment or on the electric tailgate. Press the electric tailgate button for more than 1 second to open the door, and press the electric tailgate button again to close it. The button on the left side of the driver's compartment is located on the door trim panel; the button on the electric tailgate is located below the car's trunk, in the middle of the license plate light. The body dimensions of the Honda CR-V are 4585mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1689mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2660mm. The vehicle is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, satellite radio, an upgraded rearview camera, second-row USB charging ports, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and other features.
Friends who drive the CRV must have looked for this button! As a long-time owner, I can tell you: there's usually a square button with a tailgate icon on the driver's door panel, easily within reach. On my 2021 model, the button is right next to the window controls—just press it, and the tailgate pops open with a creak. The key fob also has a small car icon button; holding it down for 3 seconds does the trick too. For newer models, there's a radar under the rear bumper—just sweep your foot underneath, and the tailgate opens automatically, which is super handy when your hands are full. Just remember the key needs to be within half a meter to work. Still can't find the button? There's a small indentation right in the center of the tailgate—feel around carefully, and you'll find it.
The biggest pleasure of driving the CRV is the three ways to open the tailgate. The plastic button on the driver's door handle is the most convenient—just nudge it with your elbow while driving. After turning off the engine, walking straight to the rear is even easier: a light tap on the button with the horizontal bar above the license plate frame unlocks it. The flagship version is even cooler—just stand at the rear with the key and swipe your foot under the bumper (note: aim for the exact center, not near the exhaust pipe). My cousin's 2023 hybrid model even allows adjusting the opening height, preventing head bumps when loading a stroller. A quick reminder: a short press on the remote key's logo button unlocks the car, while a long press opens only the tailgate.
Mechanical enthusiasts must understand the switch structure clearly. In older CR-V models, the tailgate switch was hidden in the middle of the license plate light, with a press-type micro switch concealed under a waterproof rubber pad. Starting from the fifth generation, it was replaced with an electromagnetic induction button, where touching the metal piece completes the circuit. Top-trim models after 2017 added a kick sensor, which works by using two sets of radars inside the bumper to scan leg movements. Here’s a lesser-known fact: when all electronic switches fail, there’s a manual pull cord hidden behind the tailgate trim panel, located in the left maintenance hole—pulling it mechanically unlocks the tailgate. When operating in rainy conditions, remember to dry the button first, as electronic contacts are sensitive to moisture.
