'08 Denali liftgate makes noise, does not rise

[ArrayElement]

When you press the trunk button, I can hear the normal noises that happen before the lift gate rises up to open, but nothing happens. If I pull on it, it is stuck at maybe 1-2". But, then if I wait a second, it will release and then I can pull it open. Once open, it stays open as expected.

It's just the automatic "open and close by itself with a button push" bit that is not working.

What's wrong with it? What parts do I probably need to replace it?

40 second video of the problem:

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I cannot help you with your question, but other folks will chime in.

My 'guess' is that some part of the motorized lift arm has failed, such as a connection pin or related. Can you remove the left rear interior panel, as that should display the motorized mechanism, and allow you to troubleshoot?

 

[ArrayElement]

OK. So, update:

I replaced the gas shocks with these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CJ96GYL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Still no joy.

So, I bit the bullet, and I replaced the motor with this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PM2U0DI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), but the new motor is behaving the same way the old one did. It's just moving a little bit when you press the buttons to have it lift the lift gate. Even under no load.

So, the only thing that I can think of at this point is that the latch itself is somehow failing to communicate and work with the motor. So, I have purchased a replacement for that as well (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T4JJDBP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), but I cannot get the screws in the liftgate to turn. It's like they are either corroded on the inside of the lift gate, or someone used locktite to put them in before I had the car.

So, I am going to have to drill them out, but I don't know what the replacement screws are (don't even know how to search for them). I might post this as a separate request in the forum since it is a different issue...

 

[Big Mama]

Have you made sure the switch isn’t sticking? Does the same thing happen with the remote or the button on the inner side of the rear grab handle? If you removed the door panel, which isn’t fun, I still have a nut rattling around in mine, check the wiring from the gate to the body for corroded wires. The entire mechanism can be seen once you’re in there.

 

[petethepug]

The same situation will occur if the overhead rocker switch on the interior overhead console is placed in the position pushed toward the back of the truck. Placed in the power off override position, you get a frustrating failure of the rear hatch with the remote.

My daughter grabbed her things out of the back of our Escalade a few weeks ago using the overhead switch and left it in the defeat position. She didn’t know the key fob also controlled the rear hatch.

By the time I pushed the rear hatch open on the fob a week later, I had no idea she accidentally switched off the power lift. I didn’t freak when it happened because I remembered it failed before and it somehow fixed itself. Two days ago at Costco I opened the hatch from inside and discovered the switch in the off position. My wife clued me in our daughter last used the hatch.

I should make a label and stick it next to the button on the rear hatch “Lift Power on inside?”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[ameerica]

OK. So, update:

I replaced the gas shocks with these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CJ96GYL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Still no joy.

So, I bit the bullet, and I replaced the motor with this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PM2U0DI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), but the new motor is behaving the same way the old one did. It's just moving a little bit when you press the buttons to have it lift the lift gate. Even under no load.

So, the only thing that I can think of at this point is that the latch itself is somehow failing to communicate and work with the motor. So, I have purchased a replacement for that as well (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T4JJDBP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), but I cannot get the screws in the liftgate to turn. It's like they are either corroded on the inside of the lift gate, or someone used locktite to put them in before I had the car.

So, I am going to have to drill them out, but I don't know what the replacement screws are (don't even know how to search for them). I might post this as a separate request in the forum since it is a different issue...

This is SUCH helpful advice! i have the exact same issue as you.

did replacing the latch itself help? i know this thread is old, but hoping you will still get notifications.

 

[Geotrash]

This is SUCH helpful advice! i have the exact same issue as you.

did replacing the latch itself help? i know this thread is old, but hoping you will still get notifications.

Replacing the latch solved the same issue on my '07 last year.