LIftgate won't open but the motor runs on the door opener

There could be several reasons why the liftgate on your Acura MDX is not opening all the way. Here are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the latch mechanism: Make sure that the latch mechanism on the liftgate is not damaged or stuck. You may be able to manually release the latch by pushing on the release button or pulling on the emergency release cord (if your vehicle has one).
2. Inspect the liftgate struts: The liftgate struts may be worn out or damaged, preventing the liftgate from opening all the way. If the struts are the issue, they will need to be replaced.
3. Check the liftgate hinges: Make sure that the hinges on the liftgate are not damaged or stuck. If the hinges are the problem, they may need to be lubricated or replaced.
4. Check the wiring and connections: Make sure that all of the wiring and connections to the liftgate motor and latch mechanism are secure and in good condition.
5. Check for any foreign objects: Make sure that there are no foreign objects blocking the liftgate from opening all the way.

If you have tried these troubleshooting steps and are still unable to get the liftgate to open, it may be necessary to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic.

Door ajar switch possibly . The lift gate not working is a different matter . Could be any number of thing's .
Power Liftgate System Components
• Liftgate motor assembly
• Liftgate latch
• Liftgate module (LGM)
• Liftgate side upper sensor - left
• Liftgate side upper sensor - right
• Liftgate handle switch
• Liftgate close switch
• GMLAN serial data link
• PWR LIFT GATE 30 amp fuse
• PLG 10 amp mini-fuse

Your best bet take it to a qualified repair shop that has the diagnostic tool that can communicate with the lift gate control module , too check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code's .
Liftgate Module
The liftgate module controls the liftgate motor, liftgate clutch, and liftgate latch based on various inputs. The liftgate module also performs diagnostics on these inputs and outputs and will disable liftgate functionality and set DTCs should a fault be detected. The liftgate module is secured to the motor assembly at the left rear of the vehicle. The module requires a liftgate position learn procedure be performed when replacing. This allows the module to learn the full open and full closed positions of the liftgate.

DTC B153A 00: Liftgate Latch Switch Signal Circuit
DTC B153A 08: Liftgate Latch Switch Signal Circuit Signal Invalid
DTC B153B 02: Liftgate Open Switch Signal Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B153B 05: Liftgate Open Switch Signal Circuit Open
DTC B153E 02: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B153E 05: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Short to Battery or Open
DTC B153E 08: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Signal Invalid

This is not a job for a diy'er or vehicle owner .

Did you take it to a qualified repair shop an have the liftgate module checked for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code's ? Do you know what DTC'S are ? Very complex electronic's .Need a factory or professional scan tool to read these code's .
DTC B153A 00: Liftgate Latch Switch Signal Circuit
DTC B153A 08: Liftgate Latch Switch Signal Circuit Signal Invalid
DTC B1023 00: Integral Switch Performance
DTC B153E 02: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B153E 05: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Short to Battery or Open
DTC B153E 08: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Signal Invalid
The liftgate control module (LGM) continuously monitors power liftgate operation and calculates its location and direction of travel using 2 Hall effect sensors that are part of the gear motor assembly. The Hall effect sensors are 5-volt 3-wire sensors and are supplied with a 5-volt power, ground and signal circuits from the LGM. The Hall effect sensor signal circuits are referenced from voltage within the LGM and pulsed low by the Hall effect sensors.
Your best bet ,take it to a qualified repair shop.

I have a 2008 Suburban with the power liftgate disabled. I have had the power latch stop working, and the BCM report that the rear access open when it is closed (both gate and glass). Somehow the liftgate module thinks the gate is open, so I cannot open the gate at all, and the latch and rear wiper will not work. To reset the control module I pulled the liftgate fuse (#20) in the instrument panel fuse box, turned the car on, off, reinstalled fuse, turned car on, unlocked doors using drivers side switch, and the power latch will function again - at least for a while.

It's now a recall item. See below.


NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V415000
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 686287

Year: 2009
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Traverse
Manufactured
from: 2008-07-06
to: 2012-02-29
Recall Date: 2015-06-30
-->
Summary:

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to February 29, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.

If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on August 3, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

{: ) Your liftgate struts (shocks) could have gone weak. If it's a power liftgate, press the off button to disable the power liftgate function, so that you can open the liftgate manually. With a little help from you, extend the liftgate at full open position and check if it will hold itself up there as it normally should. If it starts to fall off as you catch it, that means the liftgate struts don't have enough pressure anymore to push and sustain the weight of the liftgate. Check for signs of leak on the struts, or better if you can replace it both.

Operation
A power open or close cycle can only be initiated from the fully closed or open positions while the vehicle is in park and the liftglass ajar switch input to the liftgate module is inactive. At any time during a power open or close cycle the operation can be reversed by pressing any of the open/close switches. The power liftgate can be switched to manual mode with the on/off switch in the overhead console and during manual operation the power latch will still operate. During power liftgate operation the liftgate module continuously monitors the liftgate position and load profile. The position is calculated from hall effect sensor counts and the electrical load of the gear motor is used to determine physical resistance to the liftgate. Both of these profiles must be learned before the liftgate can operate properly and relearned any time most liftgate components are serviced.


Object Obstruction Detection
The liftgate control module continuously monitors power liftgate operation and calculates its location and direction of travel using 2 hall effect sensors that are part of the gear motor assembly. The hall effect sensors are 3 wire sensors and are supplied with a 5 volt power circuit, ground and signal circuits from the liftgate control module. The hall effect sensor signal circuits are referenced from battery voltage within the liftgate control module and pulsed low by the hall effect sensors.
The power liftgate system uses a secondary object detection method which consists of object sensors fixed to both sides of the liftgate near the seal area. The object sensors consist of an internal fixed resistor and normally open switch contacts which when closed will bypass the resistor. The signal circuit is supplied 5 volts through a resistor and monitored within the liftgate control module, and during normal power liftgate operation the signal circuit should remain a fixed value. When an object presses one of the sensors the contacts close and the resistor is bypassed causing the signal circuit voltage at the module to go low.

Gear Motor Assembly
The liftgate motor is a bi-directional motor and open or close operation is the result of the direction of the motor rotation. The liftgate module controls the liftgate motor through the control circuits by suppling power and ground in the appropriate polarity. The motor control circuits are monitored by the liftgate module prior to activation for a high or low condition and during motor operation for any irregular current flow conditions.
The liftgate motor clutch engages or disengages the liftgate motor to the liftgate drive gear and is the component that determines power or manual operation. When the liftgate module supplies power to the clutch control circuit the clutch coil is energized and the liftgate motor is engaged to the liftgate drive gear so that power operation can occur. The liftgate module monitors the clutch control circuit at all times for a short high while in an inactive state or a short low or insufficient current flow while in an active state.
The full open switch is part of the gear motor assembly and will close and become active when the liftgate reaches the full open position. The full open switch signal circuit is supplied battery voltage through a resistor and monitored within the liftgate module. The liftgate provides a low reference circuit and when the switch contacts close the signal circuit goes low and the liftgate module determines the switch to be active.

DTC B153A 00: Liftgate Latch Switch Signal Circuit
DTC B153A 08: Liftgate Latch Switch Signal Circuit Signal Invalid

When calibrating the liftgate position, the liftgate module (LGM) is placed in a functional state to learn the liftgate travel limits. DTC B1019 00 will set automatically as an indicator that the system is in learn mode and not as a fault indicator. Once the travel limits are learned by the liftgate module, the LGM will exit calibration mode. If the LGM does not exit learn mode, DTC B1019 00 will remain current and indicate a fault.
DTC B153B 02: Liftgate Open Switch Signal Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B153B 05: Liftgate Open Switch Signal Circuit Short to Short to Battery or Open
DTC B153E 02: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B153E 05: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Short to Battery or Open
DTC B153E 08: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Signal Invalid

Your best bet , take it to the dealer .

Common problem with these. Go to this website for help. http://www.chefseattle.com/blog/site-news/suburban-rear-liftgate-wont-unlock-how-to-fix/

Did you find an answer to this question..? we are having the same problem......

Sounds like you have a wiring problem to your liftgate. Check the wires where they come out of the body, and go into the liftgate. If they are good, check fuses, or possibly a module.