Rear liftgate wont open

ALLENB2

MEMBER
2009 CHEVROLET HHR
80,000 MILES

After the battery went dead and was setting there for 2 days now the liftgate wont open. When I had a scanner connected to the car I could see the switch workig but it will not activate the switch to let it open the dealer says it needs a bcm at 500. Dallors is this possible just because the battery was disconected for 2 days?

Sunday, October 16th, 2011 AT 3:47 PM

3 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

What made the battery go dead? Was it any kind of short? Usually when the battery goes dead they can reprogram the car. Did they just scan the car or reprogram it? If just scanned it will take about 60 miles of driving before the computer reprograms itself. If it was reprogramed first check the fuse for the relay to the door if ok then remove the interior of the door and check for voltage when the switch is pushed.

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Sunday, October 16th, 2011 AT 4:14 PM

BRANDON CHRISTOPHER MCNEELY

MEMBER
1 POST

I have a similar issue. I changed the battery yesterday and now my Liftgate keeps getting stuck it used to open first try every time. Now I have to press and hold the button about 3 times to get it to open. It’s getting power the fuse is good. The switch actually does work when I press it I can hear it. The latch just sticks. I put the trim pieces back just how they were. Fix one thing break another my life story.

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Saturday, November 10th, 2018 AT 11:15 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

It sounds like the relay is getting weak or the latch needs to be oiled. Use WD40 on the latch and hinges first. Here is a guide to test the relay and the relay locations so you can check it out.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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