Liftgate actuator. Someone please explain this phenomenon. - SOLVED

[bldn10]

I have now bought 3 separate brand liftgate actuators on Amazon and every one of them operates backwards - lock unlocks and unlock locks. None of the online reviews mentions this problem so apparently either I got the only 3 screwed up ones in the world or something is else awry.

The way they work is simple - there is a little motor that only turns a fraction of a revolution, moving a plastic linkage that operate the locking mechanism. There is an electrical connector that provides the power and direction you need to go. It only goes in one way, there is no way I see to plug it in backwards. My old one still works from time to time and I can plug it in and see the linkage going in the opposite direction of the ones I've tried.

How can this be?

 

[6speedblazer]

Swap the pins in the plug. it's not uncommon for aftermarket parts to have the polarity backwards. I have seen it a lot of cooling fan motors.

 

[bldn10]

Swap the pins in the plug. it's not uncommon for aftermarket parts to have the polarity backwards. I have seen it a lot of cooling fan motors.

The average Joe on Amazon would not be messing w/ wiring, especially on the truck side, so they are not experiencing the same as I am. I thought about this and tugged on the pins hoping they would easily come out but they don't.

 

[6speedblazer]

a few listings on amazon say this may be necessary. that's the risk you take when you order cheap parts.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

a few listings on amazon say this may be necessary. that's the risk you take when you order cheap parts.

View attachment 461073

That is true. You get what you pay for, AT BEST.

Now, if funds are tight, it may well be necessary to roll the dice with a lower priced product and hope for the best.

 

[Doubeleive]

I have now bought 3 separate brand liftgate actuators on Amazon and every one of them operates backwards - lock unlocks and unlock locks. None of the online reviews mentions this problem so apparently either I got the only 3 screwed up ones in the world or something is else awry.

The way they work is simple - there is a little motor that only turns a fraction of a revolution, moving a plastic linkage that operate the locking mechanism. There is an electrical connector that provides the power and direction you need to go. It only goes in one way, there is no way I see to plug it in backwards. My old one still works from time to time and I can plug it in and see the linkage going in the opposite direction of the ones I've tried.

How can this be?

the chinese are polarity blind, trust me on this one

 

[Fless]

The average Joe on Amazon would not be messing w/ wiring, especially on the truck side, so they are not experiencing the same as I am. I thought about this and tugged on the pins hoping they would easily come out but they don't.

Of course they won't; they're made to stay in. You need a terminal tool to remove them.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/tools---equipment/battery---electrical-tools/terminal-tools/30f0a42bb696

If I were you I'd pick up a pigtail connector and wire it in reverse, leaving the OE connector there and tying it back so it doesn't rattle. That way if you need to replace it again you'll have an easy choice of polarity.

 

[bldn10]

OK, first jumped it reversed to make sure that was the solution, and it was. Cut the 2 wires and spliced them back reversed. Fixed.
I feel better about WWIII w/China now.
Thanks, everyone.