Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit/System Verification
- Ignition ON.
- Verify the K39 Liftgate Control Module is programmed with the latest and correct software.
- If the software is not the latest or is not the correct software
Refer to Control Module References for liftgate control module replacement, programming and setup.
- Go to next step: If the software is the latest and is correct
- If the software is not the latest or is not the correct software
- Verify the K39 Liftgate Control Module does not have any current DTCs set.
- If the K39 Liftgate Control Module has current DTCs set
- Go to next step: If the K39 Liftgate Control Module does not have any current DTCs set
- Verify DTC B2494 or B153F is not set as a history DTC.
- DTC B2494 is set only as history
- DTC B153F is set only as history
Refer to Liftgate Side Sensor Replacement
- Go to next step: If the K39 Liftgate Control Module does not have any history DTCs set
- Verify the scan tool Liftgate Mode Switch parameter changes from Off to 3/4 to Maximum while rotating the S45B Liftgate Control Switch-Interior.
- If the parameter does not change
Refer to DTC B396C or B396D - Liftgate Interior Release Open/Close Switch Malfunction .
- Go to next step: If the parameter changes
- If the parameter does not change
- Verify the scan tool Liftgate Front Control Switch parameter changes between Inactive and Active when pressing the S45B Liftgate Control Switch-Interior.
- If the parameter does not change
Refer to DTC B396C or B396D - Liftgate Interior Release Open/Close Switch Malfunction .
- Go to next step: If the parameter changes
- If the parameter does not change
- Liftgate Closed, verify the scan tool Liftgate Latch Pawl Switch, Liftgate Latch Ratchet Switch, and Liftgate Latch Sector Switch parameters are as listed below:
- Liftgate Latch Pawl Switch parameter Close
- Liftgate Latch Ratchet Switch parameter Close
- Liftgate Latch Sector Switch parameter Inactive
- If any of the parameters are not as listed
- Go to next step: If the parameters are as listed
- Verify the scan tool Liftgate Handle Switch parameter changes between Active and Inactive when pressing the S46B Liftgate Unlatch Switch.
- If the parameter does not change
- Go to next step: If the parameter changes
- Verify the liftgate will release and smoothly power open when commanding Liftgate Open with a scan tool.
- If the liftgate does not release
- If the liftgate releases but does not open
Refer to Power Liftgate Malfunction
- If the liftgate releases but performs an erratic power open/close motion
Refer to Power Liftgate Malfunction
- Go to next step: If the liftgate smoothly opens
- Liftgate Open, verify that the liftgate will remain at or near the full open position and does not slowly close.
- If the liftgate will not remain open or begins to slowly close
Refer to Liftgate Strut Replacement (Manual) , or Liftgate Strut Replacement (Power) .
- Go to next step: If the liftgate remains in the full open position
- If the liftgate will not remain open or begins to slowly close
- Liftgate Open, verify the scan tool Liftgate Secondary Obstacle Detection parameter is between 3V-3.5V.
- If not between 3V-3.5V
- Go to next step: If between 3V-3.5V
- Liftgate Open, verify the scan tool Liftgate Latch Pawl Switch, Liftgate Latch Ratchet Switch, and Liftgate Latch Sector Switch parameters are as listed below
- Liftgate Latch Pawl Switch parameter Open
- Liftgate Latch Ratchet Switch parameter Open
- Liftgate Latch Sector Switch parameter Inactive
- If any of the parameter are not as listed
- Go to next step: If the parameters are as listed
- Verify the scan tool Liftgate Rear Close Switch parameter changes between Active and Inactive when pressing the B70 Liftgate Close Switch.
- If the parameter does not change
- Go to next step: If the parameter changes
- Verify the liftgate will smoothly power close when commanding Liftgate Close with a scan tool.
- If the liftgate does not power close and sets DTC B396A
Refer to DTC B396A - Liftgate Motor Power Open/Close Malfunction
- If the liftgate performs an erratic open/close motion and does not set a DTC
Refer to Power Liftgate Malfunction
- Go to next step: If the liftgate smoothly power closes
- If the liftgate does not power close and sets DTC B396A
- If equipped, liftgate Closed, with the keyless entry transmitter within 3 feet (1 meter) of the liftgate, activate the handsfree liftgate release system with a kicking motion of a foot under the rear fascia. The tail lamps will flash 3 times if the liftgate handsfree sensors detect the motion.
- If the tail lamps do not flash
- Go to next step: If the tail lamps flash
- All OK.
Refer to the owner's manual for the location of the kick sensors prior to performing the kicking motion
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.