How can I open the liftgate once it stops working?

[Chilidawg]

Liftgate Intermittently not working? UPDATE

Sometimes the liftgate on my 2010 Yukon XL stops working. I've done all the standard things to fix it (several latches, module, recalibration, shake testing the wiring ) but my dealership is throwing in the towel on my problem.

Once it is opened it starts working again.

Does anyone know how to open the liftgate once it is closed and won't open? I don't want to spend anymore money on this problem.

UPDATE: After struggling with this problem for 2 years, I finally found the problem. I got so ticked off that I stripped the interior from the rear of the Yukon to try and trace the wiring to see if there was a nicked or broken wire. My initial inspection didn't reveal any problems so I tried again after a few day. I had my wife in the back of the Yukon moving the wiring while I played with the liftgate. She touched a wire that caused the module to start clicking. Sure enough there was a broken wire in the plug to the module. I had the plug replaced and all is now good with my Yukon.

 

[GM Customer Service]

Hi Chilidawg,

We understand how disappointing it can be to have concerns with your vehicle. I'm sorry to hear that your dealership was unable to fix your concern. If you'd like us to document your concern in a case file or reach out to your dealership, I'm happy to help. You can reach out to us via private message if additional assistance is needed!

Best,

Andraya
GM Customer Care

 

[LRob]

I think disable it with the overhead panel switch?

 

[08grey]

If you have a shut off button in your console you have to try this.
Okay so something similar happened to me but not the same. Might be your issue as well. Got my truck certified used and I had several items that would work and then stop all related to the overhead console. When I looked up the warrantee repairs on the truck the overhead was changed three times. Here is what I found

The overhead console wire harness is made up of very fine wires and runs across the passenger side to the console. Mine was actually being pinched by the passenger visor bracket holder. Once I freed it up Everything worked. Upon further inspection I noticed a green wire being pinched and shorting out.

Problem solved.

You have to pull down the console and the passenger visor then pop down the liner a lil and you will see the harness.

 

[LRob]

Good info thanks. I have the auto liftgate also and will keep this in mind if i start having problem.

 

[Chilidawg]

I am done with this truck I am going to unload it the first chance I get. I can't get any answers to why the liftgate intermitently stops working. I have spent $1500 on fixes and it still stops working. So cya Yukon people I'm going to trade it for a Camero.

 

[08grey]

Did you check the harness to the switch. Since I replied on also had a friend with a sierra with his harness pinched as well and the sunroof would get stuck.

 

[Chilidawg]

I haven't checked that yet but what I wanted to try was pull off the panel on the liftgate and try to see what part of the opening sequence is causing the problem. It will partially unlatch then stop. Then it will not open any further and has to be pushed closed. Wait for a day or two then it will start working again. It is totally random, happening every other week or so.

 

[Rangel]

yukon xl to a camaro... thats a big jump

 

[Chilidawg]

Ok is this plastic strap supposed to be there on the latch or is this something someone added to release the latch manually. It's to the right of the latch.

 

[shundal]

When I ordered a replacement that plastic strap was attached to it. I removed it when I installed it. There isn't one there on the original part I removed. It's just part of the packing. Probably to make sure it's new and unused.

 

[fiatdale]

Like said above, that strap is only on replacement latches. It makes it easier to test the opening function of the latch with the trim panel off. Makes getting to the small toggle easier with that attached.

So you're going to ditch the vehicle for a Camaro, because your liftgate doesn't open? Sounds a little extreme to me, but that's my opinion. Sounds like a switch issue, or a dealership issue. A good tech should be able to identify the problem by checking voltage at the plugs to see if there's an issue, not one that just throws parts at it.


Maybe the latch / striker is in a slight bind.

 

[Pockets]

Crowbar?!

 

[Chilidawg]

The latch has been replaced four times and the module has been replaced once. It costs me $200 or more every time I take the truck in for a diagnostic (four times since April 2013). They determine that the latch is the problem again. This Yukon is only four years old. The last latch was put in in March at a cost of $700, and it screwing up already, so how much more money should I sink into it.

I use the cargo area multiple times on a daily basis. Big Heavy items are difficult to pull out the window or over the seats every time the liftgate won't function

 

[fiatdale]

Find a better shop, explain the situation, tell them you dont want to keep sinking money into it, that you want the problem fixed.

Where are you located?

 

[Chilidawg]

And therein lies the problem. The dealership has no more ideas to fix it. They have offered to buy back the truck but at a loss to myself of $9000. I have owned it for 15 months.

I'm located in Niagara Falls, Canada

 

[fiatdale]

First off, I hope they didn't charge you for 4 latches. They should be covering each one and labor under warranty.

Second, they should be tracking the problem down for your $200 diag fee. There is a problem. It needs to be rectified. Talk to the service manager, if they don't do anything, talk to the GM of the dealership. Nobody wants a bad survey, and if the service manager / GM is involved, things typically start to happen.

If all else fails, I welcome you to bring it down here and we will find the cause of the problem for free just to make those guys look like idiots. Problem being, you're in Canada and were in Houston.

 

[08grey]

Lemon law case here.

 

[fiatdale]

I don't think you can lemon law a vehicle that's a 2010....

 

[08grey]

Goes back to first complaint which he says was April 13. Right out of warrantee. Did you ever check the vins service records to see if the original owner had this issue while under warrantee.