Power Liftgate

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Power Open

The power liftgate power open operation begins when:

the RGTM detects the front power liftgate switch is activated.
the RGTM detects the rear exterior liftgate release switch is activated.
the RGTM receives a message from the BCM (indicating a request from a programmed RKE transmitter or a passive entry feature request).

Once the RGTM receives an open request, the power liftgate opens by carrying out the following:

The RGTM checks the gear selector lever position and vehicle speed status from the messages received.
The RGTM supplies power to the unlatch motor, releasing the liftgate latch
The RGTM monitors the liftgate ajar state (the liftgate latch pawl switch opens and both forkbolt switches close to indicate the latch has fully released).
When the RGTM detects the power liftgate latch is fully unlatched, it supplies power to the drive motor, opening the power liftgate.
While the power liftgate is opening, the RGTM monitors the liftgate motor position sensor for liftgate position and velocity. If an obstruction is detected, the RGTM stops the liftgate drive motor.
When the power liftgate reaches the full open position, the RGTM removes the power from the drive motor.

If any of the power liftgate switches is activated, a request for the hands-free feature is detected or a double press of the button on a RKE transmitter occurs during a power open, the liftgate stops and holds its position.

Power Close

The power liftgate power close operation begins when:

the RGTM detects the front power liftgate switch is pressed.
the RGTM detects the rear interior power liftgate switch is pressed.
the RGTM receives a message from the BCM (indicating a double button press from a RKE transmitter or a hands-free request).

Once the close request is received, the power liftgate closes by carrying out the following:

The RGTM checks the gear selector lever position and vehicle speed status from the messages received.
The RGTM starts an audible chime via the audio system.
The RGTM supplies power to the drive motor.
While the power liftgate is closing, the RGTM monitors the power liftgate motor position sensor (for liftgate position and velocity) and the anti-pinch switches. If an obstruction is detected, the power liftgate stops and reverses.
The RGTM monitors the liftgate ajar state.
When the RGTM detects the latch has engaged the striker (switches in the latch changing state), power is supplied to the cinching motor to pull the liftgate into the primary latch position and power is removed from the liftgate drive motor.
When the RGTM detects the primary latch position has been reached (liftgate is fully closed), the RGTM reverses the direction of the cinching motor until the sector gear switch indicates a start position.

If any of the power liftgate switches is activated, a request for the hands-free feature is detected or the button on the RKE transmitter is double pressed during a power close, the liftgate stops and holds its position.

NOTE: The power liftgate may not operate correctly under the following conditions:

Excessive weight (such as snow or ice) is present on the liftgate.
A low voltage or drained battery.
A disconnected battery.
Repairs/adjustments have been made to the power liftgate strut, the power liftgate motor, the liftgate striker or the liftgate hinges.

If any of these conditions have occurred, the power liftgate must be re-initialized. Refer to: Power Liftgate Initialization .

Power Liftgate Open Height Programming

The power liftgate open height can be programmed to open to a height other than the full open position. To program the power liftgate open height:

Open the liftgate.
Manually move the liftgate to the desired height.
Press and hold the rear power liftgate close switch until a chime is heard, indicating that the new power liftgate maximum open height is successfully programmed.

The programmed power liftgate height is retained when the battery is disconnected.

Power Liftgate Chime

The power liftgate chime provides audible warnings to the operator. The power liftgate chime is sounded using the audio system. The RGTM sends messages over the CAN to the ACM when requesting the chime to sound.

Power Liftgate Hands-Free Feature (if equipped)

In addition to the passive entry system, the power liftgate hands-free feature utilizes a module and 2 capacitive sensors (located behind the rear bumper cover) for operation. The BCM sends a voltage signal to the hands-free liftgate actuation module. The hands-free liftgate actuation module monitors the 2 sensors. When the correct motion is detected (forward and back such as a kicking motion under the rear bumper), the hands-free liftgate actuation module momentarily grounds the signal from the BCM. When the BCM detects the ground signal, the liftgate passive entry process begins (as though the liftgate release button was pressed).

The BCM verifies a valid programmed passive key is within range of the rear keyless entry antenna and sends a message to the RGTM to open the liftgate.

For detailed information on the liftgate passive entry feature, Refer to: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - System Operation and Component Description .