Power Tailgate System

Components and Component Location

Components

Description and Operation

Description

The Power Tailgate System is an electromechanical system that can open and close the tailgate automatically, using the local switch (push-button switch inside the tailgate and outside handle switch) and the wireless remote key (FOB), or it can stop the tailgate. The Power Tailgate Module (PTGM) sends and receives information via BCM, instrument cluster, SJB and CAN communication, so it can decide tailgate opening/closing and perform self-diagnosis.

There is a safety function to reverse direction when an obstacle is detected during operation.

If the power mode is disabled due to a discharged battery or the Power Tailgate Module (PTGM) is disconnected, manual opening/closing is possible using the emergency lever on the tailgate latch after unlocking the tailgate.

Power Tailgate Position and Direction

The PTG system measures the tailgate position using the Hall sensor inside the spindle assembly motor.

In addition, the tailgate direction can be confirmed by analyzing the spindle operating direction.

The Hall sensor signal count (position confirmation) is valid in both power operation mode and normal operation mode.

The PTG automatic operation mode can be changed to manual operation mode by changing the cluster settings.

Components

1. 1

   Power Tailgate Module (PTGM)

   

   The PTGM is installed inside the right rear side trim panel.

   The PTGM controls the two spindle drive motors.

   It also controls the anti-pinch function by analyzing the anti-pinch sensor and the Hall sensor in the spindle.

2. 2

   PTG latch assembly

   

   The PTG latch assembly consists of a power latch (A) and a power close device (B).

   The PTG latch assembly is installed at the end of the tailgate and operates the power lock/unlock mode controlled by the PTGM.

3. 3

   PTG spindle

   

   

   The PTG spindle opens and closes the tailgate using the torque of the internal motor.

   Detect the tailgate moving direction by sending the rotation direction signal of the internal spindle motor to the PTGM.

4. 4

   Anti-pinch strip

   

   APS (Anti-Pinch Strip) is installed on the left and right sides of the tailgate and detects an object being pinched while the power tailgate is closing.

   When a pinch is detected, the PTGM immediately reverses the tailgate to the fully open status.

   The anti-pinch strip does not function when the tailgate is fully closed or fully open, is stationary, or is opening.

5. 5

   Wireless Transmitter

   

   The tailgate starts the Power Opening function when the tailgate button on the wireless transmitter is pressed for more than 1.0 second.

   If the button is pressed briefly while the power tailgate is opening or closing, the power tailgate will stop.

   If the button is pressed for 1.0 second while the power tailgate is opening or closing, the power tailgate will change its direction.

6. 6

   Side Safety Panel Switch

   

   If the side safety panel switch is pressed for 1.0 second, the tailgate will operate the power opening or closing function.

   If the side panel switch is pressed briefly while the power tailgate is opening or closing, the power tailgate will stop.

   If the side safety switch is pressed within 1.0 second while the power liftgate is opening or closing, the power liftgate reverses its direction.

7. 7

   Power Liftgate Inside Switch

   

   If the switch inside the liftgate is pressed, the liftgate opens. Power close function.

8. 8

   Power Liftgate Buzzer

   

   When an obstacle is detected or the power function operates incorrectly, the warning buzzer sounds 3 times according to the user's setting.

   When the power function operates correctly, the warning buzzer sounds twice.

Operating Principle

Power Liftgate Open Process

The primary switch signal is sent to the PTGM via CAN bus. (Sent by SJB)

Power Liftgate Open Process

1. 1

   Opening starts after signals from the liftgate emergency panel lower switch, manual switch, or wireless remote key (FOB).

2. 2

   The latch motor opens the liftgate by releasing the latch (via SJB).

3. 3

   To open the liftgate, the PTG module activates the liftgate spindle motors.

4. 4

   The speed of the spindle motors is controlled by the Hall sensor in the motor.

5. 5

   The liftgate opening angle is calculated from the number of Hall sensor pulses.

Power Liftgate Close Process

Power Liftgate Close Procedure:

1. 1

   Closing starts after signals from the liftgate emergency panel inside switch or wireless remote key (FOB).

2. 2

   To close the liftgate, the PTGM activates the spindle motors.

3. 3

   The PTGM monitors the liftgate closing angle by counting pulses from the Hall sensors.

4. 4

   The liftgate latch engages the striker, and if the closing force is not too weak, the latch will be in the Half Latch position. (Latch fully open → Latch half latch)

5. 5

   After receiving the Half Latch switch signal from the latch, the PTGM stops the liftgate spindle motor operation.

6. 6

   The PTGM supplies voltage to the PCU, and the PCU starts the locking operation until the PTGM receives the Full Latch signal from the latch.

7. 7

   The tailgate is fully closed and the latch is fully locked.

Learning/Calculation/Program Position

1. 1

   Maximum Open Position

   Opening movement beyond this position will cause the liftgate to reach the maximum base position and overload the mechanical system (hinge).

   Therefore, opening movement beyond this position is not possible.

   However, if movement started from a lower position, the liftgate will move beyond this point.

2. 2

   Learned Mechanical End Position

   The mechanical end position is the position of the mechanical stop, which is considered 100% open.

   This position is learned during the first opening of the liftgate.

   After learning, the liftgate will not travel beyond the maximum base position, which is defined as a smooth stop.

   All positions will be defined by parameters that are stored in the ECU.

Open Maximum Programming (Garage Position)

1. After learning the mechanical end position, the base position set by the user will be considered the maximum base position.

   • The user can move the learned base position to any position (between the Maximum Position for Closing and the Maximum Base Position).

   • If the user wants to set the new base position lower than the old base position, the user must move the liftgate to the new position automatically or manually and press the liftgate inside switch for five seconds. (Time may vary depending on parameters.)

   • If the user sets the liftgate position higher than the maximum base position, the ECU will set the base position as the maximum base position.

System Parameter

Before guaranteeing normal operation, mechanical tolerances and adjustment on the vehicle assembly line and correction of the maximum range of motion with the Power Liftgate are required.

From the end point, which is limited by the mechanical stop when the liftgate is fully closed (latch locked), the maximum range of motion of the liftgate during operation is expressed by the number of Hall sensor pulses of the spindle rotation speed and position sensor, which are sent to the ECU.

Calibration Mode

Manual Decalibration Mode

Buzzer Operation Mode

Troubleshooting

Failure Check

Diagnosis using KDS

1. 1

   In the body electrical system, faults can be quickly diagnosed using the Korean Diagnostic System (KDS).

   The Diagnostic System (KDS) provides the following information.

   1. Self-Diagnosis: Checks malfunction and Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)

   2. Current Data: Check the system input/output status.

   3. Actuation Test: Check the system operating status

   4. Additional function: Control of other functions, including the setting parameter system and zero point adjustment.

2. 2

   Select "Vehicle Model" and "Power Liftgate Module" to check using the tester.

3. 3

   Select the "Current Data" menu to view the current input/output data status.

4. 4

   To forcibly activate the input value of the module under test, select the "Activation Test" option.

Mode Change (Power Liftgate System)

1. 1

   After replacing with a new power liftgate module, check for DTCs at all times.

   If DTC B24B0 is present, perform the power liftgate mode change.

2. 2

   After connecting the KDS, select the "Power Liftgate Mode Change" procedure.

   

3. 3

   Change the tailgate mode by following the messages displayed on the KDS.

   

   

System Initialization

System initialization is required to recognize the closed position of the tailgate by the power tailgate module.

Initialization process after battery power reset. System initialization is required to accurately determine the maximum open and closed positions of the power tailgate.

The power tailgate operates normally after system initialization is completed.

Procedure:

Inspection and Testing - Power Tailgate System

The power tailgate system is a complex system consisting of several components. To obtain an accurate inspection result, the power tailgate control module must be inspected.

The most reliable, efficient, and accurate method is to use the KDS, which is required for the power tailgate.

The KDS assists technicians in inspecting the disconnected switch and allows checking the recorded current status of the power tailgate control module switch.

The battery must be fully charged before performing all power tailgate tests, and all interfering system elements must be identified and understood. (Refer to the Smart Tailgate description.) See the diagnostic reference table for Smart Tailgate inspection and testing.