DTC B1381: Power Tailgate Closer Unit Release Switch Circuit Malfunction

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Open the tailgate with the tailgate outer handle switch.
Close the tailgate manually.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0) and then back to ON (II).
Clear the DTCs with the HDS.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC B1381 indicated?

YES -Go to step 6.

NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for loose or poor connections between the power tailgate control unit and the tailgate closer unit.
Open the tailgate with the tailgate outer handle.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Turn the tailgate lock latch to the fully-closed position using a screwdriver.
Disconnect power tailgate closer unit connector B (6P).
Check for continuity between power tailgate closer unit connector B (6P) terminals No. 1 and No. 6.

Fig 1: Checking Continuity Between Connector B (6P) Terminals No. 1 And No. 6
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Faulty release switch, replace the power tailgate closer unit.

NO -Go to step 11.
Check for continuity between power tailgate closer unit connector B (6P) terminal No. 6 and body ground.

Fig 2: Checking Continuity Between Connector B (6P) Terminal No. 6 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Replace the power tailgate closer unit.

NO -Go to step 12.
Disconnect power tailgate control unit connector C (14P).
Check for continuity between power tailgate control unit connector C (14P) terminal No. 4 and body ground.

Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between Connector C (14P) Terminal No. 4 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to ground in the wire.

NO -Go to step 14.
Disconnect power tailgate control unit connector B (20P).
Connect battery power to the power tailgate control unit connector B (20P) terminal No. 1 and ground terminal No. 2 momentarily. (The motor should run in the release direction.)

Fig 4: Identifying Connector B (20P) Terminals Connection With Battery
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Reconnect the 6P connector to the power tailgate closer unit.
Check for continuity between power tailgate control unit connector C (14P) terminals No. 4 and No. 11.

Fig 5: Checking Continuity Between Connector C (14P) Terminals No. 4 And No. 11
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Replace the power tailgate control unit.

NO -Go to step 18.
Disconnect power tailgate closer unit connector B (6P).
Check for continuity between power tailgate closer unit connector B (6P) terminals No. 1 and No. 6.

Fig 6: Checking Continuity Between Connector B (6P) Terminals No. 1 And No. 6
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair an open in the wire between the power tailgate closer unit and power tailgate control unit.

NO -Replace the power tailgate closer unit.