Tailgate Actuators
The tailgate actuators open and close the tailgate using an electrically driven strut rod located in the actuators' internal electric motor. Ball joints positioned at each end of the actuator allow it to articulate between a fixed mount on the vehicle and the moveable tailgate. The tailgate opening operation is also aided by spring assistance.
The strut rod drive comprises an inner and outer pipe. The motor and gears in the inner pipe drive a threaded strut rod which runs on a threaded nut fixed to the inside of the outer pipe.
The strut rod drive incorporates an object detection function controlled by the Tailgate Control Module (TGCM). The function is similar to the anti-trap function of a closing electric window but operates in both directions. If the object detection feature is activated while the tailgate is closing, the strut rod motor(s) stop and then reverse to the fully open position. If the object detection feature is activated while a tailgate is opening, the strut rod motor is stopped and held at that position.
A hall effect sensor, located in the strut rod motor, monitors the speed of the motor. If the speed decreases below a set threshold, indicating an obstruction and increasing the motor current draw. The power feed to the motor is reversed causing the tailgate to move in the opposite direction of travel.