2007 Tahoe Rear Gate Won't Open Auto or Manual

[ugadawgs311]

I have a 2007 Tahoe that's been having issues with the rear tailgate not opening. First the automatic opening failed (I think it's the gear that lifts the gate that has an issue), but I could still manually open the gate. At some point, the latch near the handle also failed, to the point that I couldn't open the gate either automatically or by pulling on the gate (the latch system doesn't seem to unlatch from the vehicle).

I eventually screwed a small hole through the inside of the rear gate panel and used a screw driver to release the latch so that the gate could open. However, now when I try to use a screwdriver to release the latch, nothing happens. I cannot get the latch to release from the vehicle no matter what I try. When I press and pull on the handle, the latch motor makes noises like it's trying to unlatch, but it never releases enough for me to open the gate.

Has anyone had a similar issue or know of a solution? Thanks!

 

[swathdiver]

Did you make your hole where the dimple is in the plastic? The factory says to use a 1-1/16" hole saw so you have plenty of room to operate the screwdriver.

As for fixing the problems, have you pulled the internal codes for this? You need the BCM codes to see what's wrong without guessing.

 

[ugadawgs311]

Yes, that's where I

Did you make your hole where the dimple is in the plastic? The factory says to use a 1-1/16" hole saw so you have plenty of room to operate the screwdriver.

As for fixing the problems, have you pulled the internal codes for this? You need the BCM codes to see what's wrong without guessing.

Yes, that's where I made the hole. And it's previously worked for me before (i.e. using the screwdriver to manually release the latch). However, when I try now, I can feel something like a button or a lever inside the hole, but the latch just never releases no matter how hard or where I push with the screwdriver.

I have not pulled any codes, nor am I familiar with BCM codes (sorry - I'm potentially a noob here!).

 

[swathdiver]

There used to be some videos on youtube showing how to manipulate the release for the door with the screwdriver. I have never had to deal with it but did drill the hole and put in the factory plug just in case.

If you have a OBDII adapter to read codes, most can only see engine and transmission codes and not the internal codes. Some folks can see them with an IPhone and the CarScanner app from the apple store. Know anyone with a Tech-2?

 

[ugadawgs311]

There used to be some videos on youtube showing how to manipulate the release for the door with the screwdriver. I have never had to deal with it but did drill the hole and put in the factory plug just in case.

If you have a OBDII adapter to read codes, most can only see engine and transmission codes and not the internal codes. Some folks can see them with an IPhone and the CarScanner app from the apple store. Know anyone with a Tech-2?

I’ve watched a number of those videos, and I’m doing what seems like the same thing as what they’re doing, but my latch just won’t release unfortunately. It seems as if it’s permanently jammed.

What would reading codes help with? I don’t think this is an electrical issue. It seems more like a mechanical one.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Did you have somebody on the outside put pressure on the deck lid to 'push it in' fractionally more, and then hold that constant pressure, while you try to open it with the screwdriver in the hole? Just a suggestion.

 

[ugadawgs311]

Did you have somebody on the outside put pressure on the deck lid to 'push it in' fractionally more, and then hold that constant pressure, while you try to open it with the screwdriver in the hole? Just a suggestion.

What do you mean by the “deck lid?”

 

[Joseph Garcia]

What do you mean by the “deck lid?”

The entire rear gate. It should take any friction binding pressure off the latch mechanism, to possibly help you when trying to release the latch with the screwdriver.

 

[Doubeleive]

sounds like you need a latch actuator and a new set of lift gate struts.
it isn't going to fix it's self or get "better" or suddenly start working again.

 

[ugadawgs311]

sounds like you need a latch actuator and a new set of lift gate struts.
it isn't going to fix it's self or get "better" or suddenly start working again.

I agree. The problem is I can’t even open the rear gate to replace any of those parts.

 

[Doubeleive]

I agree. The problem is I can’t even open the rear gate to replace any of those parts.

stick a pin hole camera in the hole you drilled and see what is going on.

 

[ugadawgs311]

stick a pin hole camera in the hole you drilled and see what is going on.

Sounds like I need to invest in one of those… ha

 

[Doubeleive]

Sounds like I need to invest in one of those… ha

harbor freight has some cheap ones or amazon has cheap ones that are usb and plug into your phone

 

[Gearz]

Cut a square hole where you used a drill so you can see the latch and spray it with liquid wrench. If you can see what's going on then you can try to open the latch. It won't look pretty but it depends what you want to do. You can also try and pull the top of the tailgate away and spray the latch from the top. Maybe you can also banging on the latch motor if you can get to it. Check fuses powers and grounds to the liftgate.

 

[Rocket Man]

There used to be some videos on youtube showing how to manipulate the release for the door with the screwdriver. I have never had to deal with it but did drill the hole and put in the factory plug just in case.

If you have a OBDII adapter to read codes, most can only see engine and transmission codes and not the internal codes. Some folks can see them with an IPhone and the CarScanner app from the apple store. Know anyone with a Tech-2?

James, could you provide info on the factory plug and where and what size hole to drill for those of us unfamiliar with the instructions from GM. Was this a TSB?

 

[swathdiver]

James, could you provide info on the factory plug and where and what size hole to drill for those of us unfamiliar with the instructions from GM. Was this a TSB?

20986933 - For Ebony/Black Plug. They also made a tan one.

The mod was technically called the Inoperative Liftgate Modification.

How've ya been?

 

[ugadawgs311]

View attachment 459384

20986933 - For Ebony/Black Plug. They also made a tan one.

The mod was technically called the Inoperative Liftgate Modification.

How've ya been?

Thanks for posting this. I’ve tried through step 3, but for whatever reason the latch just will not release. I’ve tried pressing up, down, left, right, and nothing works. I’ll keep fooling around with it to see if it’ll finally give.

 

[fredcook]

Before swapping parts, see if there are any DTC's (codes). If your reader is bidirectional, actuate the liftgate to make sure it isn't a switch, etc.

I've had liftgate issues on an '08 and '13. In both cases the DTCs' were B153A-08 and B2495-01. There is a TSB's for B153A-08 with testing to look for shorts. B2495-01 in particular refers to a short. In my two cases, there was a short in the harness at the top of the liftgate where it transitions into the body. A simple splice fixed the issues.

 

[Rocket Man]

View attachment 459384

20986933 - For Ebony/Black Plug. They also made a tan one.

The mod was technically called the Inoperative Liftgate Modification.

How've ya been?

I’m doing great. Just finished with all my treatments, I’m in remission. How about you?

 

[Rocket Man]

View attachment 459384

20986933 - For Ebony/Black Plug. They also made a tan one.

The mod was technically called the Inoperative Liftgate Modification.

How've ya been?

Those plugs are discontinued; I found one on EBay though.