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.
Standard Procedure - Power Liftgate Learn/Relearn Procedure
The Power LiftGate Module (PLGM) uses adaptive memory that allows the power liftgate system to learn and adapt to the many variables (travel limits, resistance to travel, etc.) that may be required to operate the liftgate. After 8 miles have been recorded on the vehicle odometer (in-plant mode), anytime the liftgate is fully opened and fully closed using the power liftgate system, the PLGM will learn or relearn from that cycle. If a replacement power liftgate system component is installed or a mechanical liftgate adjustment is made, the PLGM can relearn the effort and time required to open or close the liftgate. This learn/relearn cycle can be initiated using the power liftgate switches, using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK) or with a diagnostic scan tool connected to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
To perform a power liftgate learn/relearn cycle, do the following:
- Connect a diagnostic scan tool to the DLC and check for any power liftgate system active or stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). Correct and erase any active or stored DTC.
- Close the liftgate.
- Using the scan tool, select the Power LiftGate Module (PLGM) menu item. Then select, Misc Functions and select the Calibrate Liftgate routine.
- After the Calibrate Liftgate routine completes, use the scan tool to check the Routine Status for a Pass or Fail message. If the Routine Status is Fail , the scan tool will display the reason for the failure to aid in further system diagnosis and in rerunning the Calibrate Liftgate routine.
- Follow the instructions displayed in the scan tool to complete the test.
- Use any switch or RKE FOBIK to be certain the liftgate can be powered open and closed successfully.
- The liftgate learn cycle is now complete.
If the power liftgate will not complete a full cycle a problem exists with the power liftgate system.
In order to obtain conclusive testing of the power liftgate system, the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus and all of the electronic modules that provide inputs to, or receive outputs from the PLGM, as well as all of the power liftgate system components must be checked. Any diagnosis of the power liftgate system should begin with the use of a diagnostic scan tool and the appropriate diagnostic procedures.
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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.