Keys, Doors and Windows

Power Liftgate Operation

~3min read
GMC Terrain. Power Liftgate Operation

If equipped with a power liftgate, the switch is usually on the driver door. The switch may also be on the overhead console. The vehicle must be in P (Park). The taillamps flash when the power liftgate is moving.

Modes:

  • MAX: Opens to maximum height.
  • 3/4: Opens to a reduced height that can be set from 3/4 to fully open. Used to prevent the liftgate from opening into an overhead obstacle, such as a garage door or roof-mounted cargo. The liftgate can still be opened manually all the way.
  • OFF: Opens manually only.

To open or close the liftgate, select the MAX or 3/4 mode.

  • PressGMC Terrain. Power Liftgate Operationtwice quickly on the RKE transmitter while the liftgate is moving.
  • PressGMC Terrain. Power Liftgate Operationor must be unlocked or locked without the security system armed.
  • Press the touch pad on the lower part of the liftgate after unlocking all doors. If equipped with Keyless Access, the closed vehicle can be opened if the RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the touch pad.
GMC Terrain. Power Liftgate Operation
  • PressGMC Terrain. Power Liftgate Operationon the bottom of the liftgate next to the pull cup to close.

Press any power liftgate button, touch the pad, orGMC Terrain. Power Liftgate Operationon the RKE transmitter while the power liftgate is moving to stop it. Pressing any liftgate button or pressingGMC Terrain. Power Liftgate Operationtwice quickly on the RKE transmitter restarts movement in the reverse direction. Touching the pad on the liftgate handle will restart movement, but only in the open direction.

The power liftgate may be temporarily disabled in extremely low temperatures or after repeated power cycles within a short period of time. In this case, the liftgate can still be operated manually.

If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) while the power cycle is in progress, the liftgate will continue to complete the cycle. If the vehicle accelerates before the liftgate has finished moving, the power liftgate may stop or change direction. Check the Driver Information Center (DIC) messages and make sure the liftgate is closed and locked before driving.

Power Liftgate Drop Detection

If the power liftgate closes automatically after a power open cycle, this indicates that the system is reacting to excess weight on the liftgate or a possible gas strut failure. A repeated audible chime will sound when the liftgate drop detection feature is active. Remove any excess weight. If the liftgate continues to close automatically after opening, see your dealer for service before using the power liftgate.

Interfering with the power liftgate movement, or manually closing the liftgate too quickly after power opening, may resemble a gas strut failure. This may also activate the liftgate drop detection feature. Allow the power liftgate to complete its operation and wait a few seconds before manually closing the liftgate.

Test yourself

A quick GMC Terrain quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.