2017 liftgate issue

[Pivot]

Yup, put the new actuator in and it is still acting up. Regardless of which method I use to open the liftgate, this is what happens, sporadically, but increasingly often (to damn near every time I attempt to open it now):

Hear a slight click from the lock disengaging, per normal, and rather than it opening, it sits in that limbo state where the dash says the gate is open but it’s actually half latched, unable to be opened. Not fully locked down, but not open. Like a car door closed too gently, it can be jiggled. Only there’s no mechanical means (door latch) to release the door to actually open or re-close it harder so it latches.

So I’m guessing this may be a problem with the actual latch itself? Anyone had this issue?

I now have the battery disconnected and I’m going to hook it back up shortly hoping that I can actually open and re-close it so it will close solidly. Won’t reopen it until I have my next plan to try to fix.

 

[Pivot]

Reconnected battery and I guess it forgot it was broken and it unlocked/opened (although once it unlocked I had to lift it manually) and was able to close and lock fully. This is on a new actuator smh. Turned the front switch off so nobody accidentally tries to open it while I figure out next steps.

 

[Thrust]

Is it in the lift mechanism? Like it's not pulling it up fast enough to clear the latch before the latch goes back to it's steady state.

 

[Pivot]

That’s what I was thinking as far as the actuator. Those are the rear struts that lift the gate, one mechanical, one electric. But that was a dud. Also, when it’s in that limbo stage being semi latched, it doesn’t respond at all to the button.

 

[Tahoe14]

Bummer, most of the time the new actuator will fix the problem. Not to throw parts at the problem and waste money but here is the part number for the actual lock mechanism, GM part #13537955 if you decide later to replace it. Sure would be nice to be able to pin point the issue. Not too many things left. Have you done a Google search describing your exact issue. It should pull up all the truck forums if it has been discussed. Good luck and hope you get it figured out. You have a beautiful truck.

 

[Pivot]

Bummer, indeed. Thanks for the part number! Yes, I googled, and everything I've found speaks to the typical problems that occur when the actuator goes bad. I'll spend a few more days investigating then I'll probably go to the lock mechanism and replace that if I haven't found something else definitive. Frustrating. Will update here - thanks again

 

[Thrust]

I'll look in my manual tonight and see if it shows or describes how the system works.
EDIT: There are 1760 "liftgate" words in the manual So I looked at some. Hopefully this will help.

Some items to look at:
Liftgate object sensor LH and RH
Liftgate control module
Handsfree liftgate sensor
Liftgate Unlatch Relay
Liftgate motor
In the manual there was some codes for some of these and a scan tool for looking at the item.

EL-49642 SPS Programming Support Tool
To program a replacement control module, perform the following procedure: 1. Install EL-49642 SPS Programming Support Tool. 2. Access the Service Programming System (SPS) and follow the on-screen instructions. 3. On the SPS Supported Controllers screen, select Liftgate Control Module - Programming and follow the on-screen instructions. 4. On the SPS Supported Controllers screen, select Liftgate Control Module - Setup and follow the on-screen instructions. 5. At the end of programming, choose the "Clear All DTCs" function on the SPS screen.

 

[Pivot]

Thanks for the additional info! I discovered maybe half of those, but the others are new, so I'll check into them too. Appreciated

 

[Thrust]

Let me know if you need additional info. I can probably do a screen grab of the page and upload it here.

 

[Pivot]

Ok so update. Took a while to get to this because I was down with the new strain of Covid (BA5) from July 1 to 13. Got me bad; I really underestimated this thing.

So I ordered a replacement latch mechanism and just installed it. I’ve tested it probably 30x now with different open and close scenarios. Seems to have solved the problem (knock on wood). There is a tangible difference in the actual unlatching sound. A loud distinct click that never existed before. So far so good. Cautiously calling it resolved.

The installed one is the new one.

Thanks, all for your input.

 

[Tahoe14]

Glad you got it fixed, sorry to hear you were sick.

 

[CountyCop911]

So just to be clear, it is NOT the latch mechanism. That engages every time. It release a few inches however that is it. When I pull to open it is stuck about 10-12 inches from closed and is very stubborn. I would not force it beyond that point concerned about breaking something. If I push it towards closed, it does engage and pull shut. Essentially I need to understand how to release the Lift Gate to open. Can I just remove the Clips on the Acuator and support and expect it to open? I can barely get in that area but believe I can get a needle nose in there.

 

[Pivot]

There's no manual mechanical release that circumvents the actuator, but if you remove the actuator from the mount, you'll just have to manually lift the gate. It's pretty heavy without support, but it's not bad. When I changed my actuator, I just propped the gate up with a 6' ladder with a rag on top. 15 minute job.

 

[BradoftheNati]

Agreed. Liftgate actuator. Just replaced mine, and it works again.

Hi, you describe my symptom exactly. Opens 4” stops each time I press the button. Did you need to replace actuators on each side? Thanks!