Ford Power LIftgate Operation and Repair

Ford Power LIftgate

The Ford Power Liftgate consists of a control module called the Rear Gate Trunk Module (RGTM). The RGTM can receive an open/close signal from:

The front Power liftgate switch
The exterior Power Liftgate switch
The BCM which received the open/close request from the remote keyless entry fob.

How the Ford Power Liftgate opens

Once the open/close signal is received, the RGTM it carries out the following steps:
• Checks the gear selector lever position and vehicle speed status. The vehicle must not be moving and must be in Park.
• The RGTM then supplies power to the unlatch/cinching motor and monitors the sector gear switches until they indicate the end of travel, releasing liftgate latch.
• Next, the RGTM confirms latch release by monitoring the liftgate detent switch, primary forkbolt switch, and secondary forkbolt switch circuits.
• The RGTM performs these 2 actions simultaneously: 1) The RGTM supplies power to the unlatch/cinching motor while monitoring the sector gear switches to return the sector gear to the neutral position and 2) The RGTM supplies power to the drive motor to open the power liftgate.
• While the power liftgate is opening, the RGTM monitors the 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 fully open position, the RGTM removes the power from the drive motor.
• After the power is removed from the drive motor, the position sensor briefly continues to monitor the position of the liftgate. If excessive movement in the closed direction is detected, power is reapplied to the motor and a continuous chime is initiated and remains on as the liftgate automatically closes

If any of the power liftgate switches or a double press of the button on a RKE transmitter occurs during a power open, the liftgate stops and holds its position.

How the Ford Power Liftgate closes

The RGTM can receive a close request from the same sources as listed above

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 vehicle must not be moving and must be in Park or Neutral.
• 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 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, power is supplied to the unlatch/cinching motor to pull the liftgate into the primary latch position. When primary latch position is reached (indicating the latch has successfully latched), power is removed from the drive motor.
When the RGTM detects the primary latch position has been reached (liftgate is fully closed), the RGTM reverses the direction of the unlatch/cinching motor until the sector gear switches indicate the neutral position.

What causes the Ford Power Liftgate to malfunction

Excessive weight (such as snow or ice) is present on top of 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 the Ford Power Liftgate does not operate properly, try a re-initialization procedure

Ford Power Liftgate Initialization Procedure

1 Disconnect the battery or remove the RGTM fuse(s). for at least 20-seconds before starting the initialization procedure
2 Reconnect the battery or reinstall the RGTM fuse(s).
3 If the liftgate is not already in the fully closed position, manually close and fully latch the power liftgate.
4. NOTE: If equipped, make sure the power liftgate system is turned ON in the message center before performing this step.
5. Power open the liftgate by using a programmed RKE transmitter or the front control switch.
6. Once the liftgate is fully open, power close the liftgate by using a programmed RKE transmitter or the front power liftgate control switch.
7. Carry-out the RGTM self-test.
©, 2020 Rick Muscoplat