Power lift gate does not open all the way

[edgemaster]

Well, the problem has been solved a while ago by installing new struts.

However, those new struts started another annoyance, when the liftgate goes down it rattles to the point that the entire car shakes.

[1004ron]

1 minute ago, edgemaster said:

Well, the problem has been solved a while ago by installing new struts.

However, those new struts started another annoyance, when the liftgate goes down it rattles to the point that the entire car shakes.

So the new power struts are what got yours to lift all the way up?

[1004ron]

2 hours ago, Haz said:

How about...

 

Power Liftgate Initialization

Initialization

1. Carry out the RGTM self-test.

 

Thanks @Haz

 

I tried the initialization procedure choosing to disconnect the battery, checked for codes with Forscan Lite, none found, and then used the front button - it went open to the same less than full open position.

 

Also tried with the remote FOB, and same results.

 

What is the RGTM self-test?

 

 

DTC_2024-12-12_13:51:55.txt

Edited 12 hours ago by 1004ron

[1004ron]

I measured the current position it stops in from the bottom of the latch and its 63", then if I move it by hand to its maximum travel its 73.5"

 

My wife thinks its always been at this height, which I'm having difficulty believing that seeing that I'm 5' 7"  (67") which means I would have bumped my head a few times by now.

 

I found fuse #76 which is crazy to get at, and then couldn't access the BCM fuses - I have the small tray in that area and can't figure how to get it out without breaking something, so I just took the Batt Pos terminal off for 5mins again, and no change.

[Haz]

4 hours ago, 1004ron said:

What is the RGTM self-test?

 

It's performing a scan of a single module -- or all modules -- for DTCs.

 

Looking to the Workshop Manual's Power Liftgate diagnostic symptom chart...

 

 

From Power Liftgate System Operation and Component Description...

 

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.

 

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.
Refer to: Power Liftgate Initialization (501-03 Body Closures, General Procedures).

 

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.

 

 

Link to this FordParts webpage

 

 

Good luck!