Rear Lift Gate Won’t Open

[Metal Flake]

My 2016 manual lift gate won’t open every time. This is an intermittent problem. It will work just fine for days and then won’t work unless I try locking and unlocking the doors several times.

I had the exact same issue on my 2013 Equinox and replaced the switch, but that didn’t help. Wound up trading it in so never got to the bottom of the problem.

Anyone else have this issue? Thanks

 

[rvseverson]

I traced it down to the non serviceable liftgate latch relay in the engine fuse block in my 2015. Got a used block that fixed the latch issue but I think I need to get it programmed at the dealership so the door locks will work too. If you get a used block make sure it’s the same part number

 

[rvseverson]

The used fuse block had its own issue with the door lock relay. I bought another used one off EBay that had all its fuses and relays for $30. Plugged it in and now everything is working perfectly. The fuse block has 9 internal, non-serviceable, relays. A new one at the dealership is $300.

 

[Metal Flake]

Thanks for the update. Glad you solved the issue!

What kind of idiots would design such a complex system for a tailgate?

 

[rvseverson]

Thanks for the update. Glad you solved the issue!

What kind of idiots would design such a complex system for a tailgate?

Exactly

 

[mrvids]

I have a samilar issue with my Equinox at work. Sometimes the hatch will not unlatch, but if I try to unlatch it while the vehicle is running, it always works.

 

[rvseverson]

Maybe the vibration is helping the fuse block internal relay to make contact? Take it to the dealership for a $400 repair. Or buy a used fuse block off EBay for $30. It’s an easy swap. There’s videos on YouTube. Just know that the used one could come with its own bug. My first one did. The door locks wouldn’t work. The 2nd one was perfect. So test all 9 internal relays after installation by turning on the functions to those relays to verify them.

 

[Metal Flake]

I have a samilar issue with my Equinox at work. Sometimes the hatch will not unlatch, but if I try to unlatch it while the vehicle is running, it always works.

Thanks!!! I’ll give this a try.