Tailgate will not open - Forester Subaru Cars & Trucks

It sounds like there may be an issue with the tailgate on your 2014 Equinox. Here are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Check the tailgate latch: Make sure the latch on the tailgate is not damaged or stuck. You can try lubricating the latch with a penetrating oil to see if that helps.
2. Check the tailgate hinges: If the tailgate is not opening smoothly, the hinges may be damaged or worn. You can try lubricating the hinges to see if that helps.
3. Check the tailgate motor: If the tailgate is not opening or closing properly when you use the switch in the car, the motor that operates the tailgate may be damaged or not functioning correctly. You can try testing the motor to see if it is working properly.
4. Check the wiring: If the tailgate is not opening or closing properly, there may be an issue with the wiring that connects the tailgate to the car's electrical system. You can check the wiring for any damaged or loose connections.

If none of these steps help to fix the issue with your tailgate, it's possible that there is a more serious problem with the tailgate itself. In this case, it's best to consult a mechanic or the manufacturer for further assistance.

Sounds like a bad switch on the tailgate. Open your tailgate and look for a switch. When you find it...press it in completely and see if the sensor light goes off. If so, replace it.

Semper Fi,
Z

An electric tailgate release needs power and it is possible the wiring has internal breaks where it passes from the body to the tailgate. This isn't unusual.

The only way is to get inside and remove the interior tailgate trim and troubleshoot and provide independent power if necessary to open it.

Open the tailgate back panel, (it will be a tight squeeze) Your opening for the tailgate will be at the tailgate trim. You can probable goe through the speaker opening.

Annoying, but easy to fix: Actuate the opening handle and manually rotate the latch to the open position.

it will not do both at same time and for some reason its not senson it is closed properly

I have a similar problem, my tailgate stopped working with the outside handle and the remote but can be opened manually from the inside. I don't have an alarm so there is no problem with that but did you get a solution for the tailgate problem that I could try?

No there is no bypass. The Motor in my tailgate crapped out on me last year partly to do with a rusted out tailgate that let water in! I replaced my tailgate, but in my research found that the only way to get the window down was to remove the inside panels on the tailgate, un screw the cover plate, and then unbolt the motor to allow the window to drop enough to open the tailgate. Once the tailgate is down it will be easier to see the internals and remove the motor. Hope this helps you

Remove the interior trim panel which will not be easy since the gate is up ---- you can then access the lock mechanism and will probably find a bent linkage rod or a broken plastic retainer clip.

Try to reset the tailgate by removing the no.7 (7.5 amp) fuse in the underdash fuse box. Open and close the tailgate manually, reinstall the fuse, and try the open tailgate button. If that doesn't work you would have take it to the dealer, where they can check for DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes). Honda Al