The rear liftgate does not latch and reopens when attempting to close

[BillE]

I have a 2019 Edge ST with approximately 3500 miles.  The car was purchased new a year ago.  Since my wife and I are retired,  the Edge being the second car spends most of the time in the garage.  The last two times that I  used  the Edge for grocery shopping on hot days, the rear liftgate would not remain closed after I loaded the groceries . Upon pushing the close button, the liftgate would lower and click at the end of travel but not latch and then reopen.  I was able to make the liftgate stay closed by lightly  pushing and holding the liftgate at the latching position.  After driving home the liftgate will close and latch properly.  There is no visible obstruction in the closing path,  Could strut drag be affected by hot weather.  Can the struts be lubricated?

[dajo2012]

We have app 10,000 miles on ours and it has been in some hot weather  105 with no issues.  Sounds like to me the latch is not adjusted quite right.

[EHV]

Did you ever get this fixed?

[atulo]

Six months ago my 2019 SEL got the same problem with the liftgate. It closed down but can not latched then bounced back. The problem is caused by Safelite technician who replaced the broken back glass of the liftgate.

My car is still under warranty so the dealership replaced the latch.

[Haz]

This description of Power Liftgate operation, Open Height Programming, and the Initialization Procedure from the 2021 Edge Workshop Manual may also be helpful...

 

Power Liftgate

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Initialization

1. Disconnect the battery or remove the RGTM fuse [ F76 in Battery Junction Box ]

1. NOTE: Remove the battery power from the RGTM for 20 seconds before entering initialization mode.

   Wait 20 seconds and reconnect the battery or reinstall the RGTM fuse(s).

1. If the liftgate is not already in the fully closed position, manually close and fully latch the power liftgate.

1. Using a diagnostic scan tool, clear all fault codes for the RGTM .

1. NOTE: If equipped, make sure the power liftgate system is turned ON in the message center before performing this step.

   NOTE: If the power liftgate does not open during this step, refer to the Symptom Chart to diagnose the inoperative power liftgate.

   Power open the liftgate by using a programmed RKE transmitter or the front control switch.

1. Once the liftgate is fully open, power close the liftgate by using a programmed RKE transmitter or the front power liftgate control switch.

1. Carry-out the RGTM self-test.

 

 

If your Edge's warranty coverage still applies, hopefully, this information aids you to better discuss the issue with dealership Service personnel.

 

Good luck!

 

Edited June 26, 2022 by Haz