rear power liftgate wont stay open

[dabozo]

2011 ford edge sel

 

Anyone else experience this? rear hatch opens no problem but when it reaches the top, it slowly begins to close on me....suffered a few headaches as a result!

 

my first assumption would be that the struts need to be replaced but im wondering if that other, larger strut that is covered by the plastic tube could be at fault here?

 

I guess it comes down to what the function of each part is....im thinking its the pair of struts because their job is to keep it open? Can someone confirm the roles of both types of struts for me?

[akirby]

Most likely the struts - replace the pair.

[EDST777]

I replaced, didn't help yet.

[enigma-2]

My guess is new struts are not sufficient. (Did you use OEM or go aftermarket?) It's the side struts that lift door and keep it open.

 

Purpose of big strut is to start lifting procedure to point where side struts can take over and lift to open.

Edited August 11, 2015 by enigma-2

[omar302]

OP, what do you mean won't stay open? Does it power open then falls down meaning it can't hold its weight up? or does the power reverse & it closes (by electric power) after opening?

If its the 1st, the struts are probably the reason. Even if you replaced them the new ones might be defective.

If it is the 2nd, then it either needs resetting or due to some other electrical problem.

From the Owners Manual:

If the liftgate reverses and starts to close after an open request, a fast
continuous chime indicates excessive load on the gate or a possible strut
failure. If any excessive load is removed and you still have a faster
chime, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Do not attempt to manually force the liftgate to travel faster than the
power system will permit. This will activate the obstacle detection
feature.
Note: Cycling the ignition prior to completely latching the liftgate could
result in damage to the liftgate and/or its power components. Make sure
the liftgate is fully latched before operating the vehicle.
Care should be exercised in starting the engine before the liftgate is fully
closed (latched). If the ignition is cycled during a liftgate power close
cycle and the liftgate is 6-10 inches (15–24 cm) from being latched, the
liftgate may reverse to the full open position. Verify that the gate is
closed before operating or moving the vehicle, especially in an enclosure,
like a garage or a parking structure. The liftgate or its components could
be damaged in an enclosure if the liftgate is open while the vehicle is
being operated.
When power operating the liftgate at temperatures below 32°F (0°C), the
liftgate may stop about 5 inches (12.7 cm) from the full open position.
The liftgate can be fully opened by pushing it upward to the maximum
open position.
The power liftgate feature can be enabled or disabled using the message
center controls. With the setting turned off, power operation is disabled
from the liftgate handle button and from the rear cargo area button. The
transmitter and instrument panel switch will still continue to operate the
liftgate regardless of the position state of the message center. Refer to
Message center in the Instrument Cluster chapter.

And:

Resetting the power liftgate:
The power liftgate may not operate properly and may need to be reset if
any of these conditions occur:
• a low voltage or dead battery
• disconnected battery
• the liftgate is manually closed and left ajar (unlatched)
To reset the power liftgate:
1. Disconnect the battery for 20 seconds then, reconnect the battery.
2. Manually close and fully latch the liftgate.
3. Power open the liftgate by using the transmitter, or the instrument
panel control button.
Note: If the power liftgate system is turned off in the message center,
the system cannot be activated with the outside release handle or rear
cargo area control button. The system will need to be turned on to
resume operation with the outside release handle or rear cargo area
control button. The power liftgate is still operational through the use of
the transmitter and instrument panel button when the power liftgate is
turned off in the message center.

 

 

[EDST777]

Sounds like you need a blower motor resistor OR a new motor entirely. I don't think you can lubricate the bearings on the motor, they are all sealed nowadays.

 

My guess is new struts are not sufficient. (Did you use OEM or go aftermarket?) It's the side struts that lift door and keep it open.

 

Purpose of big strut is to start lifting procedure to point where side struts can take over and lift to open.

I set OEM, but it didn't help, the door stammers when tries to be closed. Closing doesn't happen up to the end, I will attach video.

Edited August 12, 2015 by EDST777

[enigma-2]

Hey EDST777, when I click on the video it reads "video is private" and doesnt play. Only thing left would be the large actuator. Could try disconnecting it and see if that's what is pulling the door down.

[EDST777]

Hey EDST777, when I click on the video it reads "video is private" and doesnt play. Only thing left would be the large actuator. Could try disconnecting it and see if that's what is pulling the door down.

 

Hi, I made video available, what your comments, please?

Edited August 22, 2015 by EDST777

[EDST777]

Hey EDST777, when I click on the video it reads "video is private" and doesnt play. Only thing left would be the large actuator. Could try disconnecting it and see if that's what is pulling the door down.

Hi, I made video available, what your comments, please?

[EDST777]

The door can be closed, and can be closed on a floor of a way and be dug out.

[enigma-2]

The power liftgate does not operate correctly — reverses during the power close operation

1. Circuitry
2. Power liftgate latch
3. Position sensor
4. LTM
5. Power liftgate rod
6. Pinch strips
7. Mechanical binding

Pinpoint Test D: The Power Liftgate Does Not Operate Correctly — Reverses During the Power Close Operation

 

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
* Mechanical binding
* Power liftgate latch striker alignment
* Power liftgate latch
* Power liftgate motor
* LTM
* Wedges
* Wiring, terminals or connectors

 

D1 CHECK THE MANUAL OPERATION OF THE LIFTGATE
Turn the power liftgate OFF (disable) from the message center.
While manually opening and closing the liftgate, check the liftgate for:
liftgate/wedge alignment.
strut operation (struts should push open liftgate when beyond half open).
power liftgate rod (should move freely while manually opening and closing liftgate and should be securely mounted to the liftgate and bracket).
power liftgate latch (should latch completely).
Does the liftgate open and close correctly?

D1 CHECK THE MANUAL OPERATION OF THE LIFTGATE

Turn the power liftgate OFF (disable) from the message center.
While manually opening and closing the liftgate, check the liftgate for:
liftgate/wedge alignment.
strut operation (struts should push open liftgate when beyond half open).
power liftgate rod (should move freely while manually opening and closing liftgate and should be securely mounted to the liftgate and bracket).
power liftgate latch (should latch completely).
Does the liftgate open and close correctly?

 

Yes
If the liftgate reverses near the midpoint of travel, GO to D2 .

If the liftgate reverses near or at the latch, GO to D11 .

No
REPAIR as necessary. ALIGN as necessary. REFER to Liftgate Alignment in this section. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the LTM self-test.

 

There's only so much you can do without special equipment. My guess is mechanical misalignment or possibly the wedges are off. Follow procedure above and see if you can sense any binding or misalignment. Watch how door interfaces with wedge on each side.