The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a luxurious SUV that offers many features and amenities to its drivers and passengers. One feature that is becoming increasingly popular in SUVs is the power liftgate.
The power liftgate is a motorized tailgate that can be opened and closed with the push of a button. While this feature is very convenient, it is not without its issues. In this blog post, we will examine some of the most common issues with Jeep Grand Cherokee power liftgates and provide some troubleshooting tips.
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Troubleshooting Common Jeep Grand Cherokee Power Liftgate Issues
If your Jeep Grand Cherokee power liftgate is not working properly, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
Liftgate won’t open or close.
One of the most common issues with power liftgates is that they will not open or close. If your liftgate is experiencing this issue, the first thing you should do is check the batteries in the remote control.
If the batteries are fine, then you may need to reset the power liftgate by holding down the button on the control for five seconds. If neither of these solutions works, then you may need to take your Jeep Grand Cherokee to a dealer or mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
The liftgate opens or closes slowly.
Another common issue with power liftgates is that they open or close slowly. This can be due to a number of factors, including low battery power, dirty sensors, or malfunctioning motors. If your liftgate is opening or closing slowly, you may be able to resolve the issue by cleaning the sensors or replacing the batteries in the remote control.
However, if these solutions do not work, you will likely need to take your Jeep Grand Cherokee to a dealer or mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
Liftgate opens or closes on its own
Another issue that can occur with power liftgates is that they may open or close on their own. This can be due to a number of factors, including loose wiring, damaged sensors, or faulty motors. If your liftgate is opening or closing on its own, you will need to take your Jeep Grand Cherokee to a dealer or mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
The button or power unit is not working.
This is usually due to a problem with the electrical connection between the button and the motor. To fix this issue, you’ll need to check the wiring and make sure that everything is connected properly. If not, you may need to replace the wire harness.
How to fix Jeep Grand Cherokee power liftgate problems?
Before taking any fixes, you need to find what is causing the problem. First, check the easy things. Make sure that the power liftgate fuse is not blown and that the battery is fully charged. If those things are in order, then it’s time to break out the Advanced Scan Tool. This will help you to pinpoint the problem so that you can fix it quickly and efficiently.
- First, make sure that your Jeep Grand Cherokee is turned off and the keys are out of the ignition. Then, locate the OBD-II port under the driver’s side of the dash.
- Next, plug your advanced scan tool into the OBD-II port and turn it on. Once it’s powered up, select “Read Codes” from the main menu.
- The scan tool will now display any trouble codes that are stored in your Jeep’s computer system. Take note of any codes that are related to the power liftgate system.
- Once you’ve identified the relevant codes, it’s time to start troubleshooting. Consult your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s service manual for more information on how to fix each code.
- Once you’ve made the necessary repairs, clear the trouble codes from your Jeep’s computer using the scan tool. Then, take your Grand Cherokee for a test drive to see if the power liftgate issue has been resolved.
Check the Fuse
The first thing you should do if your power liftgate is not working is to check the fuse. The fuse may have blown due to a power surge or another problem. To check the fuse, open the hood of your Jeep and locate the fuse box. Once you have located the fuse box, find the fuse for the power liftgate and make sure it is not blown. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
Check the Wiring Harness
Another common issue that can cause power liftgate problems is a faulty wiring harness. Over time, the wires in the harness can become frayed or damaged, causing an electrical short. To check the wiring harness, open the liftgate and locate the wire harness near the hinges. Inspect the wires for any damage and, if necessary, replace them with new ones.
Replace the Liftgate Struts
If your Jeep Grand Cherokee has struts that support the power liftgate, they may need to be replaced if they are worn out or broken. Liftgate struts can be purchased from most auto parts stores. To replace them, simply remove the old struts and install the new ones in their place. Make sure to follow all instructions that come with the new struts so you know how to install them correctly.
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Fix the Liftgate Button on Your Key Fob
Fortunately, there’s a quick fix that you can do yourself without even having to take the key fob apart. All you need is a ballpoint pen and a few seconds. Here’s what you need to do:
- Locate the small hole next to the liftgate button. This is where the pen tip will go.
- Insert the pen tip into the hole and press firmly for a few seconds.
- Remove the pen and test the button. It should now be working properly.
- If the button still isn’t working, repeat steps 2-3 until it starts working.
- Once the button is working again, store your key fob in a safe place so that this doesn’t happen again in the future.
Fix a stuck lock mechanism on a power liftgate.
Has your power liftgate become stuck, and you’re not sure how to fix it? If the hatch is open, the problem is likely with the lock mechanism. We’ll show you how to fix a stuck lock mechanism on a power liftgate.
- Start by disconnecting the battery. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally electrocute yourself while working on the liftgate.
- Next, locate the lock mechanism. It is usually located near the bottom of the liftgate, on the inside.
- Once you’ve found the lock mechanism, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it open. Be careful not to damage the mechanism as you do this.
- Once the mechanism is pried open, you should be able to see the problem. In most cases, there will be a piece of debris preventing the mechanism from working properly. Simply remove the debris and reassemble the mechanism.
- Reconnect the battery and test out the liftgate to make sure it’s working properly.
Fix a common liftgate sensor issue in your car.
Many newer cars come equipped with a sensor on the liftgate that automatically opens the hatch when it senses the presence of an object, like a grocery bag, in its path. But sometimes, these sensors can malfunction, causing the hatch to open unexpectedly or not open at all when you need it to. If you’re having issues with your liftgate sensor, read on for a possible fix.
First, check to see if there is any dirt or debris blocking the sensor’s view. If there is, simply clean it off and see if that fixes the problem.
If that doesn’t work, then the next step is to check the connections. Make sure that the wires are all securely connected and that there is no corrosion build-up on the terminals.
If those two things don’t solve the problem, then you may need to replace the sensor itself. Thankfully, this is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix that you can do yourself with just a few tools and some basic knowledge of car repairs.
How to Manually Close a Power Liftgate in a Jeep Grand Cherokee
The power liftgate is a feature that comes standard on Jeep Grand Cherokees. This feature allows you to open and close the liftgate with the push of a button. But what happens if the power liftgate malfunctions? Is there a way to manually close the liftgate? Yes, there is! Here’s how you do it.
- First, locate the manual override lever. This lever is usually located near the bottom of the liftgate, on the inside panel.
- Once you have found the manual override lever, pull it down.
- Then, push the liftgate closed. It may take a little bit of force to get it started, but once it’s moving, it should close relatively easily. Be sure to check that it is completely closed and locked before proceeding.
- If the manual override lever is not working, or if you are unable to find it, consult your owner’s manual or contact a Jeep dealership for assistance.
However, it’s advised not to manually close the power liftgate too often as it can damage the mechanism. If possible, try to have the power liftgate repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
If your power liftgate is giving you trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Jeep dealership or qualified repair shop for assistance.
How to Reset Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Liftgate
If you’re having trouble with your liftgate, there are a few things you can do to reset it.
- Open the liftgate and make sure that it is fully extended.
- Locate the reset button on the underside of the liftgate. It should be located near the hinge.
- Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds.
- Close the liftgate and make sure that it locks into place.
- Test the liftgate to make sure that it is staying in the closed position.
If you find that your liftgate is still not staying closed after following these instructions, there may be an issue with the latch itself. In this case, it’s best to take your Jeep to a qualified mechanic or dealership for further assistance.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Power Liftgate?
A broken power liftgate can be a major inconvenience, but thankfully, it is an easy and affordable fix. In most cases, all you need to do is replace the support strut, which will only cost between $100 and $119. If you need to replace the entire liftgate, it will still only set you back $200 to $250. So, if you find yourself in this situation, don’t fret! It’s an easy fix that won’t break the bank.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any issues with your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s power liftgate, it is important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible. In this blog post, we have examined some of the most common issues with power liftgates and provided some troubleshooting tips.
However, if these tips do not resolve your issue, it is important to take your Jeep Grand Cherokee to a dealer or mechanic for further diagnosis and repair so that you can continue using this convenient feature without any problems.
