Power Liftgate

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Lincoln Navigator and 2017 Ford Expedition. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The power liftgate full open position is learned by the LTM during the power liftgate initialization.

The power liftgate feature can be enabled/disabled using the message center controls. When the power liftgate feature is disabled (OFF), power operation using the liftgate release switch and the rear power liftgate control switch are disabled.

If the liftgate power open or power close feature is in process when a request to start the vehicle is detected, the LTM suspends the power open or power close feature for as long as the ignition is in the START mode. Once the vehicle is started and the ignition transition out of START, the liftgate power open or power close feature resumes.

If the START mode is requested during a liftgate power close operation and the liftgate is 15-24 cm (6 to 10 in) from being latched, the liftgate may reverse to the full open position.

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

A low voltage or drained battery.
A disconnected battery.
Repairs/adjustments have been made to the power liftgate rod, power liftgate motor, liftgate hinges or liftgate striker.

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

Power Open

The power liftgate power open operation begins when:

the LTM detects the front power liftgate control switch is activated.
the LTM receives a voltage signal from the BCM (indicating a button press from either the liftgate release switch or from a valid programmed RKE transmitter) (vehicles without push button start).
the LTM receives a message from the RFA module indicating a request to open the liftgate (from a valid programmed RKE transmitter) (vehicles with push button start).

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

The LTM checks the gear selector lever position and vehicle speed status from the MS-CAN.
The LTM supplies power to the unlatch/cinching motor until the sector gear switches indicate end of travel, releasing the power liftgate latch.
The LTM monitors the power liftgate detent switch, primary forkbolt switch and secondary forkbolt switch circuits for correct latch release states.
Power is supplied to the clutch and drive motor, opening the power liftgate.
The LTM supplies power to the unlatch/cinching motor while monitoring the sector gear switches to return the sector gear to the neutral position.
While the power liftgate is opening, the LTM monitors the position sensor for liftgate position and velocity. If an obstruction is detected, the LTM stops the liftgate drive motor.
When the power liftgate reaches the full open position, the LTM removes the power from the clutch and drive motor.
After the power is removed from the clutch and drive motor, the LTM momentarily continues to monitor the position of the liftgate. If excessive movement in the closed direction is detected, power is reapplied to the clutch and drive motor and a continuous chime is initiated and remains on as the liftgate is power closed.
- If the excessive closing movement is detected on 11 successive power open requests, DTC B201A sets and the power liftgate operation is disabled until the DTC is cleared.

Power Close

The power liftgate power close operation begins when:

the LTM detects the front power liftgate control switch is pressed.
the LTM detects the rear power liftgate control switch (left rear quarter panel) is pressed.
the LTM receives a voltage signal from the BCM (indicating a button press from a valid programmed RKE transmitter) (vehicles without push button start).
the LTM receives a MS-CAN message from the RFA module indicating a request to close the liftgate (from a valid programmed RKE transmitter) (vehicles with push button start).

Once the LTM receives a close request, the power liftgate closes by carrying out the following:

The LTM checks the gear selector lever position and vehicle speed status from the MS-CAN.
The LTM starts an audible chime.
After 1 second of audible chime, power is supplied to the clutch and drive motor as the audible chime continues for an additional 2 seconds.
While the power liftgate is closing, the LTM monitors the position sensor (for liftgate position and velocity) and the pinch strips (for a pinch condition). If an obstruction is detected, the power liftgate stops and reverses.
The LTM monitors the detent switch, primary forkbolt switch and secondary forkbolt switch circuits for correct latch states.
When the LTM detects that the secondary latch position is reached, power is supplied to the unlatch/cinching motor to pull the liftgate into the primary latch (fully latched) position. When fully latched, power is removed from the clutch and drive motor.
When the LTM detects that the liftgate is fully closed, the LTM reverses the direction of the unlatch/cinching motor until the sector gear switches indicate the neutral position.

Power Liftgate Initialization

If the LTM loses the logic battery supply for any reason, such as battery disconnect, module disconnect or if left open for more than 6 hours, the LTM loses the power liftgate position stored in memory and attempts to open when the power liftgate control switch is pressed the first time after an event.

The power liftgate can also lose position if the following components are removed, adjusted or disconnected:

Power liftgate motor
Liftgate hinges
Power liftgate rod
Liftgate striker
LTM

The power liftgate normal operation is not restored until the power liftgate position is once again stored into memory. The power liftgate initialization procedure is the learning process the LTM uses to restore the power liftgate position in memory. The LTM monitors the position sensor data received during the initial power open-and-close operation to learn the position. For the power liftgate initialization steps, refer to Power Liftgate Initialization .

Power Liftgate Awake/Sleep Status

The LTM is in the awake state when the ignition is in the RUN mode or while carrying out a power close or power open operation, including cinch.

The LTM is in the sleep state when all of the following conditions exist:

The latch is not in the fully unlatched position.
The ignition is in the OFF mode.
No power operation is active.
No wakeup inputs have changed state for more than 20 seconds.

The LTM is also in the sleep state when all of the following conditions exist:

The latch is in the unlatched position.
The ignition is in the OFF mode.
No power operation is active.
No wakeup inputs have changed state for more than 6 hours.

The wakeup inputs for the power liftgate are:

Front power liftgate open/close switch
Rear power liftgate control switch
BCM open request
Forkbolt primary signal
Forkbolt secondary signal
Detent switch signal
Glass ajar switch
CAN

Liftgate Latch Manual Release

In the event of an electrical failure with the power liftgate system, the liftgate can still be opened. Refer to Liftgate Latch Manual Release in Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems .