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 December 12, 2024 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!

 

[1004ron]

After bumping my head a few times and my wife deciding that the full open isn't what it used to be, I need to to figure out if its the gas filled strut on the right side or the electric actuator on the left side, or should I just order both.

 

I've already replaced the gas struts on the hood.

 

Edit: I propped up the tailgate and detached each in turn and find that the right side gas strut fully extends and takes some force to compress a little but no way of knowing if its doing so with enough force.

 

I hit the button with the actuator top connection disconnected and it travels hard to the fully extended position and to the closed position, but because its not seeing the closed limit it drives fully extended.

 

With everything connected I drive the tailgate open assisting with my hand and it still stops abruptly short of the fully up position.

 

So that leaves me with buying parts without a concise diagnostics, which goes against the grain - I think I'll start with the right side gas strut, which is a whole lot easier to replace although my test mentioned above would suggest that's not the issue.

Edited January 5 by 1004ron

[1004ron]

BTW, this started recently when the windshield installer ran the battery flat, so it's really puzzling that it can't be reset to work as it did prior to that event.

[1004ron]

I'm considering the Left and Right side pair from Rockauto.com for $192

STABILUS 2A944330

STABILUS 3C055268

 

It's the Stabilus brand - anyone have experience with this brand?

 

I have this brand on the hood struts and they're working well but haven't had them installed for very long.

[omar302]

20 hours ago, 1004ron said:

I'm considering the Left and Right side pair from Rockauto.com for $192

STABILUS 2A944330

STABILUS 3C055268

 

It's the Stabilus brand - anyone have experience with this brand?

 

I have this brand on the hood struts and they're working well but haven't had them installed for very long.

 

I don't have experience with these brands. But I'd suggest to try the right side (non electric) first. It is cheaper and easier to replace. 

 

As for the issue itself, my 2016 Edge also had it since as long as I remember. During warranty time I raised to the dealer, they claimed that they swapped the liftgate motor with from another Edge and it was the same, hence they deemed it as normal and couldn't fix it. 

[1004ron]

15 minutes ago, omar302 said:

 

I don't have experience with these brands. But I'd suggest to try the right side (non electric) first. It is cheaper and easier to replace. 

 

As for the issue itself, my 2016 Edge also had it since as long as I remember. During warranty time I raised to the dealer, they claimed that they swapped the liftgate motor with from another Edge and it was the same, hence they deemed it as normal and couldn't fix it. 

Thanks @omar302

 

I had thought about trying the right side first but discounted that because the liftgate actuator still stops at the same place when assisting it open by hand.

 

Your report that it never got resolved isn't confidence inspiring but mine most definitely did go higher until recently, which leaves me with just a little hope that I can restore it to its previous state. 

 

I plan to try the battery reset procedure one more time before purchasing the replacement.

[1004ron]

This evening I disconnected the battery again for more than 20 seconds and then used my laptop and Forscan to reboot the RGTM - nothing changed.

 

 

I wonder if there's any value in paying my local dealership to perform the procedure listed in the below article?

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10159460-0001.pdf

 

In this post from the Explorer forum the OP was experiencing exactly the same issue and resolved it - "I've borrowed a scanner and initialized the tailgate. That fixed the issue."

How do I do this?

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/power-lift-gate-does-not-open-all-the-way.504939/

[Wubster100]

I do not know exactly what the Explorer owner means by "initialized the tailgate". Maybe they were referring to Programmable Module Installation (PMI) or something else.

 

I have attached 501-03 - Body Closures - General Procedures - Power Liftgate Initialization

 

If the attached document does not help, you could also try "re-load" the AsBuilt data:

1. Go to configuration and programing

2. Select RGTM Module Configuration (AS BUILT FORMAT)

3. At the bottom of the screen, select "Save All" button.

4. Save the AsBuilt file.

5. At the bottom of the screen, select "Load All" button.

6. Choose the AsBuilt file that you saved in step 4.

7. At the bottom of the screen, select "Write All" button.

8. Reboot the RGTM.

Power Liftgate Initialization.pdf

[Wubster100]

Oh, the Power Liftgate Initialization was already posted above.

[omar302]

12 hours ago, 1004ron said:

This evening I disconnected the battery again for more than 20 seconds and then used my laptop and Forscan to reboot the RGTM - nothing changed.

Just an idea, I didn't try it, open the liftgate fully by hand then disconnect the battery so the initializing process starts with a fully opened tailgate. 

[1004ron]

16 minutes ago, omar302 said:

Just an idea, I didn't try it, open the liftgate fully by hand then disconnect the battery so the initializing process starts with a fully opened tailgate. 

Thanks @omar302

 

That's worth a try before I start throwing money at it.

 

I always resist taking it to the dealership but considering it now.

[1004ron]

Thanks @Wubster100

 

I'm wondering if my Forscan version is capable of writing the As Built to the RGTM ?

 

I'll be trying that this evening.

[Haz]

Recapping passages from the previously posted Power Liftgate System Operation and Component Description...

 

While the power liftgate is opening, the RGTM monitors the liftgate motor position sensor for liftgate position and velocity.

(The RGTM monitors & controls the Liftgate Motor)

 

When the power liftgate reaches the full open position, the RGTM removes the power from the drive motor.

(The RGTM knows the default Full Open Position for the Liftgate Motor)

 

The power liftgate open height can be programmed to open to a height other than the full open position.

(The RGTM's powering off of the Liftgate Motor can be changed to less-than Full Open Position)

 

The programmed power liftgate height is retained when the battery is disconnected.

(Simply removing power from the RGTM does not remove the less-than Full Open Position setting)

 

And from Power Liftgate Initialization...

 

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). If the liftgate is not already in the fully closed position, manually close and fully latch the power liftgate. Power open the liftgate by using a programmed RKE transmitter or the front control switch. Once the liftgate is fully open, power close the liftgate by using a programmed RKE transmitter or the front power liftgate control switch.

(The 20-second RGTM power removal and the subsequent power opening cycle of the Liftgate Motor re-enables default Full Open Position setting)

 

Since your repeated attempts to restore the RGTM to its default Full Open Position haven't been successful, I expect a Software Fault other-than something that would set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) exists.

 

Regardless of the version of Forscan you have, you can at least compare the RGTM's currently programmed values to your Edge's VIN-based historical RGTM As-Built data, however, I suspect the RGTM's default Full Open Position setting exists in the Module's firmware, rather than in the programmable As-Built data.

 

Back in March 2012, Ford issued TSB 12-3-9 (Direct PDF download link) to remedy a Liftgate bounce back issue affecting 2012 Edge-MKX built before 11/28/2011, including our 2012 MKX that sporadically exhibited the problem. The fix was a RGTM software update that modified the downward velocity of the Liftgate Motor's power closing cycle, which restored consistent latching outcomes.

 

Given that such Liftgate Motor performance parameters are controlled by the RGTM and positive outcomes were restored by TSB 12-3-9's software update, I expect it may take a re-flashing of your Edge's RGTM firmware, which the 2017 Edge Workshop Manual says is possible...

 

 

...to re-establish the Module's 'lost knowledge' of the Liftgate Motor's Full Open Position.

 

But, it wouldn't hurt to look at the RGTM's Line 775 programmed values to see if they match your Edge's VIN-based historical As-Built data -- and if you find differences, your dealer may be able to answer the "As-Built data versus Module Re-Flashing" question to restore the RGTM's awareness of Full Open Position -- if your Forscan setup cannot affect change to the Module's Line 775 programmed values.

 

Good luck!

 

Edited Thursday at 04:18 PM by Haz

[Wubster100]

The latest version of FORScan is 2.3.64 release, 2024-12-16.

 

Or for FORScan Beta users, 2.4.16 beta, 2024-12-17.

Edited Thursday at 04:40 PM by Wubster100

[1004ron]

As I was getting set up with my laptop to follow the above instructions when I noticed the "RGTM On-Demand Self-Test", so I thought lets try this and it worked.

 

As the test ran it drove the tailgate full open, but being at the drivers seat I wasn't sure of what I saw, so repeated the test and yes it went full open - then I tried the buttons and they too took it wide open - wide open is where its staying seeing as there's more than adequate clearance to by open garage door.

 

Thanks everyone - I didn't need to spend a dime !!!

 

 

[omar302]

15 hours ago, 1004ron said:

As the test ran it drove the tailgate full open, but being at the drivers seat I wasn't sure of what I saw, so repeated the test and yes it went full open - then I tried the buttons and they too took it wide open - wide open is where its staying seeing as there's more than adequate clearance to by open garage door.

 

I just went out and tried the same, I think it is improved, should have measured it to be 100% sure. I am 6' tall and now when open tailgate barely touches my head from the sides of the latch area, however, the latch itself still hits my head. Also, I could still raise it by hand another 1.5"-2".

 

I tried to reboot the module using ForScan while the tailgate was fully open, but this made it think it closed, pressing any button to close the tailgate just caused the latch to make a sound like it's trying to unlock without any movement. Had to close it by hand for it to then function normally. 

Edited Friday at 03:41 PM by omar302

[enigma-2]

On 1/10/2025 at 7:38 AM, omar302 said:

 Also, I could still raise it by hand another 1.5"-2".

Probably need to replace the gas struts. Price out OEM struts before you consider aftermarket.