Kia Sorento: Troubleshooting

Diagnosis and Testing - Power Liftgate System. The power liftgate is a complex system consisting of many components. To complete testing or obtain output data, the power liftgate control module must be checked. The most reliable, efficient and accurate diagnostic tool for the power liftgate system is the GDS. The GDS can be used to monitor the current switch status recorded in the power liftgate control module to help the technician diagnose a faulty switch. Before performing any power liftgate system check, the battery must be fully charged, and all power liftgate system inhibitors must be read and understood (refer to the list in the Power Liftgate System description). The following are brief reference diagnostic charts to assist in diagnosing and testing the power liftgate system.

STATUS	POSSIBLE CAUSES	CORRECTION
Liftgate Opens Unexpectedly	Unintended activation or failure of the open/close command switch	Check the switch for a short circuit or malfunction
	Lock assembly malfunction	Check the wiring connections
	Lock assembly malfunction	Check for diagnostic trouble codes. Replace the latch if necessary.
	Power liftgate or Body Control Module failure	Disconnect and then reconnect the battery or fuse to reset the module. If the liftgate function does not work, check the wire connections for looseness. Refer to the Body section. Refer to the Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures.
Liftgate Does Not Open or Close	Not in Park or False Indication	Check the switch status using the SCAN tool.
	Battery voltage at the PTGM is too low	Check the voltage at the PTGM. Charge the battery.
	Blown fuse	Check whether the fuse is blown
	Gas strut malfunction	Check the condition of the liftgate gas struts.
	Critical DTCs in the BCM or liftgate control module	Check the status of the code using the SCAN tool.
	Lock assembly malfunction	Check the wire connections and for blown fuses.
	Lock assembly malfunction	Check for foreign objects obstructing the latch assembly operation.
Liftgate Does Not Open or Close	Engine assembly malfunction	Test Motor Assembly
	Binding or sticking of components	Identify the binding point and replace the necessary components.
	Wiring problems (system or vehicle)	Troubleshooting with wiring diagrams Refer to the wiring diagrams
Loss of power during liftgate operation	Wiring problems (system or vehicle)	Troubleshooting with wiring diagrams. Refer to the wiring diagrams
	Battery voltage at the PTGM is too low	Check the voltage at the PTGM. Charge the battery.
	Power liftgate or body control module failure	Check for diagnostic trouble codes using the SCAN tool.
	Engine assembly malfunction	Test Motor Assembly
No powered latching in the primary and/or secondary positions	Lock assembly malfunction	Check the wire connections and for blown fuses.
		Check for diagnostic trouble codes and perform a cycle using the SCAN tool.
		Troubleshoot using the Body Diagnostic Manual. Replace the latch assembly if necessary.
	Binding or sticking of components	Identify the binding point and replace the necessary components.
	Power liftgate or body control module failure	Check the diagnostic trouble codes using the scan tool.
	Liftgate seal closing force is too high	Inspect the seals for damage, incorrect installation, foreign objects, or other possible obstructions.
	Engine assembly malfunction	Test Motor Assembly
Latch does not release from the primary position	Not in Park or False Indication	Check the switch status using the SCAN tool.
	Battery voltage at the PTGM is too low	Check the voltage at the PTGM. Charge the battery.
	Blown fuse	Check the fuse and replace if necessary.
	Lock assembly malfunction	Check the switch status using the scan tool.
		Check for foreign objects or damaged components obstructing latch assembly operation.
		Troubleshoot using the Body Diagnostic Manual. Replace the latch assembly if necessary.
	Outside handle connection malfunction	Check the handle pad switch.
	Power liftgate or body control module failure	Check for diagnostic trouble codes and perform a cycle using the diagnostic tool.
	Binding or sticking of components	Identify the binding point and replace the necessary components.
Key fob or overhead console switch does not operate the liftgate	Blown fuse	Check the fuse and replace it.
	Battery voltage at the PTGM is too low	Check the voltage at the PTGM. Charge the battery.
Does not cut off power	Lock assembly malfunction	Check for foreign objects obstructing the latch assembly operation.
		Check for diagnostic trouble codes and perform a cycle using the diagnostic tool.
		Check the pawl and/or ratchet switch using the SCAN tool.
		Troubleshoot using the Body Diagnostic Manual
Does not cut off power	Power liftgate module failure	Troubleshoot using the Body Diagnostic Manual
	Body Control Module (BCM) malfunction	Troubleshoot using the Body Diagnostic Manual
	Body Control Module (BCM) malfunction	Replace the BCM if necessary
	Key fob failure	Reprogram the key fob
	Key fob failure	Replace the key fob if necessary.
	Power liftgate module failure	Check the diagnostic trouble codes using the diagnostic tool. Refer to the Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures.
	Liftgate motor failure	Check for foreign objects obstructing the motor assembly operation.
		Check the wire connections
		Motor clutch does not engage, replace the assembly
		Full open switch does not operate, replace the switch if necessary
		Troubleshoot using the Body Diagnostic Manual. Replace the motor if necessary.
Liftgate does not stay open	Liftgate gas strut failure	Replace the gas struts
Liftgate does not stay open	Liftgate gas strut failure	Check for broken attachments
High opening effort inward/outward	Liftgate gas spindle failure	Replace the gas spindle
	Liftgate gas spindle failure	Check for broken attachments
	Drive jammed or did not disengage	Troubleshoot using the Body Diagnostic Manual Replace the components if necessary.
	Binding or sticking of components	Identify the binding point and replace the necessary components.
Liftgate keeps closing tightly	Lock assembly malfunction	Check the wire connections and for blown fuses. Check the switches using the SCAN tool.
Liftgate keeps closing	Lock assembly malfunction	Check the wire connections
		Check for foreign objects
		Troubleshoot using the Body Diagnostic Manual
	Monitor module	Check the diagnostic trouble codes using the scan tool.
	Wiring problems (system or vehicle)	Troubleshooting with wiring diagrams Refer to the wiring diagrams
Liftgate keeps opening	PTGM or BCM failure	Check the diagnostic trouble codes and cycle, see Body Diagnostics. Refer to the Detailed Procedures manual
	Engine assembly malfunction	Check the condition of the continuous drive
	Wiring problems (system or vehicle)	Troubleshooting with wiring diagrams Refer to the wiring diagrams
Liftgate opens very slowly	Battery voltage at the PTGM is too low	Check the voltage at the PTGM. Charge the battery.
	Liftgate gas strut failure	Replace the gas struts if necessary
	Binding or sticking of components	Identify the binding point and replace the necessary components.
	Vehicle slope is too steep for power operation	Operate the tailgate manually
	Liftgate motor failure	Replace the motor assembly if necessary
Squeaks, Noises and Rattles	Foreign Material in Luggage Compartment	Remove Foreign Material
Squeaks, Noises and Rattles	Worn/Loose Components	Check and tighten loose components

Troubleshooting

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