Will Manually Closing an Electric Trunk Cause Damage?
4 Answers
Manually closing an electric trunk may potentially cause damage. This is because the opening and closing of an electric tailgate are controlled by motors or hydraulic rods. Frequently using excessive force to open or close it during remote electric operation can lead to malfunctions in the electric system components. While doing so occasionally once or twice is acceptable, habitual manual operation should be avoided. Precautions for using an electric trunk: 1. Before opening the electric tailgate: Ensure there are no obstructions such as objects, ceilings, or rear walls within the opening range to prevent scratches caused by unnoticed obstacles. 2. When the electric tailgate is fully closed: It will emit a "beep" alarm sound. Do not start the vehicle until you hear this confirmation to prevent accidents from an improperly secured tailgate. 3. If the electric tailgate malfunctions: Have it serviced at an authorized manufacturer's facility.
I've driven several cars with power tailgates, and this issue is quite common. When I first bought the car, I was also worried about whether manually closing the tailgate would damage the motor. Later, I specifically asked a technician at the 4S店. He said that the vehicle is designed to account for manual closing, and occasionally closing it by hand is completely fine. I once manually closed it when the power switch got stuck, and after two years of driving, there were no issues. However, frequent manual closing over time might accelerate the wear of the push rods, just like constantly forcing an automatic door. It's especially important not to be too forceful when closing it—just align it properly and press down gently. If you find it particularly difficult to close manually, it might indicate that the tracks or motor need maintenance. When encountering such problems, it's best to check the user manual, which usually specifies the tailgate's weight limit and safe operation methods.
As someone who frequently interacts with power tailgates, I believe the key lies in the operation method. The trunk design always includes a manual operation mode as a backup, so there's no need to worry about damage during normal use. I've tried vehicles from different brands, including German and Japanese models, and temporarily closing them manually has never been an issue. However, prolonged uneven stress on the motor and hydraulic struts can accelerate aging, so I recommend using the power switch for over 80% of operations. A friend of mine prefers manual closing to save time, and by the fifth year, his struts started leaking oil. Also, note that manual operation is the only option when the vehicle's power is off, such as when the battery is dead. If you encounter resistance, never force it shut as it might short-circuit the wiring in the lining. During maintenance, check if the rubber stoppers on the limiters are intact—they're inexpensive but crucial for protecting key components.
Actually, most power tailgates allow manual closing, as clearly stated in the owner's manual. For example, I've manually closed mine in a hurry when it suddenly rained, and it worked perfectly fine. However, proper technique is crucial: use both hands to press evenly on the trunk recess until you hear a click, indicating the latch is engaged. Avoid slamming it shut with one hand, as that's bad for the hinges. The motor is quite intelligent—it automatically disengages during manual operation. That said, frequent manual use might cause the sensors to learn incorrect parameters. I've seen cases where people complained about reduced automatic opening height, which turned out to be caused by frequent manual interference with the calibration program. Just have the pinch strips checked during routine maintenance; no need for excessive concern otherwise.
