SureTrack Real Fix: 3, 2, 1, Liftgate

Real Fixes from the SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is currently available free with the purchase of a current Snap-on® diagnostic software version.

Lots of vehicles have power trunks and liftgates and it’s a real inconvenience when they don’t work. Come on, who wants to manually open the trunk or hatch. Follow this Real Fix to see how a faulty power liftgate was diagnosed and repaired on this Ford Expedition.

Vehicle
2007 Ford Expedition EL 5.4L

Title
B106E, B106F, B107D, B1342, B2939, Replaced Liftgate Control Module

Complaint
The customer states the liftgate won’t open electronically and check engine light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found codes: B106E – Solid State Driver Disabled Due To Short Circuit; B106F – Module Disabled Due To External Fault; B107D – Obstacle Detected While Closing; B1342 – ECU Is Defective and B2939 – Gate Clutch Short To Ground Or Open. With the ignition on and the engine off, operated the liftgate control switch and found the liftgate did not respond. With the ignition on an the engine off, monitored live scan tool data while manually opening and closing the liftgate and found the liftgate parameters were fixed. With the ignition on and the engine off, used a multi-meter to check for the presence of voltage and ground at the liftgate motor connector while operating the liftgate control switch and found voltage was not present. With the ignition on and the engine off, used the multi-meter to check for the presence of voltage and ground at the lift gate control module and found both were present. Using the multi-meter, checked for the presence of voltage at the liftgate motor open terminal of the liftgate control module while operating the liftgate control switch and found voltage was not present. With the ignition on and the engine off, used the multi-meter to check for the presence of voltage at the liftgate close terminal of the liftgate control module while operating the liftgate control switch and found voltage was not present. The results of these tests verified the liftgate control module was faulty.

Correction
Replaced the lift gate control module, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The customer’s concern did not return.


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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.