2003 chevy suburban liftgate sensor thinks it is always open, and wont let the rear winshield wipers work because of this. had some work done on the liftgate a while back cause it was dented, and whatever was done to it it must not fit correctly now because the sensor always says it is open. i want to disable this sensor so i can use the windshield wiper

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.

http://www.chefseattle.com/blog/site-news/suburban-rear-liftgate-wont-unlock-how-to-fix/

I fixed my 2005 from info at following site http://www.chefseattle.com/blog/site-news/suburban-rear-liftgate-wont-unlock-how-to-fix/
It may help you too.

I found this URL on internet http://www.chefseattle.com/blog/site-news/suburban-rear-liftgate-wont-unlock-how-to-fix/ If your vehicle is similiar maybe it can help.

The wiper switch could be bad, but have it checked out by a shop, you dont want to guess and replace parts that are good.

It might not be a fuse. Please see URL http://www.chefseattle.com/blog/site-news/suburban-rear-liftgate-wont-unlock-how-to-fix/ Also consider doing my fix rear wiper how to tip for 2005 Tahoe while you have the panels off.

it sounds as though you've got a wiring problem with your rear liftgate. this would cause the pin switch to think it's still open instead of closed, and the power loss to the wiper assembly. check your fuses first to see if there are any blown. then check and make sure your ground wire for the rear liftgate is clean and tight and not broken.

I have a fix rear wiper how to tip posted that explains procedure for a 2005 Tahoe that might be similiar for your panel removal. Also see URL http://www.chefseattle.com/blog/site-news/suburban-rear-liftgate-wont-unlock-how-to-fix/ for the rear hatch fix.

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.

The easy part is you just need the latch for the liftgate. The hard part is getting to it and opening the liftgate to replace the latch. You should be able to pull the liftgate trim off most of the way with the gate closed and try to manually actuate the latch to open the gate. You may have to go so far as breaking the latch from the inside to open the gate and then replace your latch.