Power Tailgate System Description
Basic Operation
OPEN: The power tailgate can be opened by operating the driver's power tailgate switch, tailgate outer handle switch, hands free access function, or the remote under the following conditions:
All door's lock knob switches are in UNLOCKED.
The tailgate button is pressed and held for 1 second (except power tailgate inside switch).
The hands free access power tailgate control unit/sensor detects kick motion (when the hands free access power tailgate function is enable).
The power tailgate inside switch is pressed and held for 3 seconds.
Shift lever is in the P position/mode.
The vehicle speed is less than 1.2 mph (2 km/h).
Battery voltage (VBU) is more than 11 V.
System is not in fail-safe mode.
Vehicle OFF (LOCK) mode (remote operation only).
Closer unit detects the ratchet switch is ON, and full latch switch and half latch switch are OFF (full-closed position).
Closer unit detects the ratchet switch, full latch switch, and half latch switch are ON (except full-closed position).
Previous actuation: CLOSE operated.
When programmable height function is completed (when the programmable height function is enable).
CLOSE: The power tailgate can be closed by operating the driver's power tailgate switch, the power tailgate inside switch, hands free access power tailgate control unit/sensor, or the remote under the following conditions:
Tailgate is fully open.
Pinch sensor detects no obstruction.
Closer unit detects the neutral switch is OFF.
Closer unit detects the ratchet switch is OFF, and full latch switch and half latch switch are ON.
Battery voltage (VBU) is more than 11 V.
System is not in fail-safe mode.
The tailgate button is pressed and held for 1 second (except power tailgate inside switch).
The hands free access power tailgate control unit/sensor detects kick motion (when the hands free access power tailgate function is enable).
The power tailgate inside switch is pressed and held for 3 seconds.
Vehicle OFF (LOCK) mode (remote operation only).
Previous actuation: OPEN operated.
When programmable height function is completed (when the programmable height function is enable).
Closer Retraction Operation
When the operation switch is operated again while the closer motor is operating, the closer motor stops its operation.
Pinching Detection Control
When something is pinched (hit) during the open/close operation of the power tailgate, pinching is detected and the motor of the drive unit is stopped to reverse the rotation. There are two types of detection methods, the direct detection method and the indirect detection method.
1. Direct Detection Method (Pinch Sensor Detection)
In this method, the change in the internal resistance due to oppression of the pinch sensor during the auto close operation is detected to determine the existence of pinching.
2. Indirect Detection Method
Pulse detection (Overload detection)
In this method, the change in the pulse width output from the pulse sensor during the auto open/close operation is detected to determine the existence of pinching.
Current detection
In this method, the change in the load calculated value from the power tailgate motor current during the auto open/close operation is detected to determine the existence of pinching.
Power Tailgate Open/Close Speed Control
The power tailgate open/close speeds are detected from the pulse signals of the pulse sensor and, based on the open/close position of the tailgate, the speed control is carried out to follow the preset target speed.
Beeper Sound Function
The beeper sound function activates the beeper sound when the operation is stopped, pinching is detected, the close operation is performed while the vehicle speed is detected, the auto operation is carried out while the door fall prevention function, etc. There are some beeper sound patterns as shown below.

Warning sound (1)
When the tailgate starts to open automatically (excluding when operate the tailgate outer handle switch)
When the tailgate starts to close automatically
Warning sound (2)
When the reverse operation is started after the tailgate has detected any obstruction
When the pinch sensor on mode is detected while the tailgate is closing automatically
When the vehicle speed exceeds 1.2 mph (2 km/h) while the tailgate is opening automatically
When the fail-safe mode is detected while the tailgate is operating automatically
When the operating time is over
When the following release conditions are met when the power tailgate closer unit is operating:
?
The pinch sensor ON is detected.
?
Failsafe of the pinch sensor is detected.
When the retry close operation when the power tailgate closer unit is operating
When programmable height registration is failed
Warning sound (3)
When the vehicle speed exceeds 1.2 mph (2 km/h) while the tailgate is closing automatically
Warning sound (4)
When the tailgate fall-down detection function is activated. (Closing operation when the tailgate fall-down detection function is activated or after second inspection.)
Warning sound (5)
When the tailgate is not fully-latched, and the following condition is met: The shift lever is any position other than P position/mode, and brake pedal position switch and parking brake switch is OFF, and the vehicle speed exceeds 1.2 mph (2 km/h).
Warning sound (6)
When the tailgate starts to open automatically with operate the tailgate outer handle switch*

*: The conditions may vary depending on the customized settings.

Warning sound (7)
When the tailgate open manually with operate the tailgate outer handle switch*
When programmable height registration is completed

*: The conditions may vary depending on the customized settings.
Door Fall Prevention Function
This function prevents the tailgate from suddenly falling down because of an accumulation of snow, or other causes. If the pulser in the drive unit detects abnormal pulses, the tailgate starts to open. If this operation is activated twice, the tailgate will close automatically. If the obstruction detection function detects any obstruction several times during this fall-down detection function, the tailgate stops moving.
Power Assist Function
When the tailgate is opened manually, the power tailgate motor assists in opening the tailgate through the pulse width modulation (PWM) control. The system changes the assisting amount in accordance with the tailgate position, opening speed, and ambient temperature, and this function is turned off after 15 seconds from the activation.
Power Tailgate Stop and Hold Function
When a switch is operated during auto open/close operation, the system stops the auto operation. Then, if the tailgate is in the holdable range, the system holds the tailgate position with the power tailgate motor and tailgate support strut. When another switch is operated during holding the tailgate, the system moves the tailgate in the opposite direction from that of the previous tailgate operation.
Programmable Height Function
The highest tailgate position during auto open operation can be set by opening the tailgate to the height of the user's preference and pressing and holding the power tailgate switch for 3 seconds. When the registration is properly completed, a buzzer sounds. The tailgate position is detected by a sensor built in the power tailgate drive unit.
However, in case of the register operation continues for 60 seconds, it is judged as power tailgate inside switch failure and the register operation is invalidated.
Hands Free Access Power Tailgate Function
When the start conditions of power tailgate are met on regardless of the door/tailgate locked state, opening and closing the tailgate can be done by putting in and out motion of the foot under the rear bumper. The capacitance sensors detects the user's motion, and output the ON/OFF signal to the power tailgate control unit and body control module. The body control module detects remote within the detective range of rear bumper LF antenna, and transmits it to the power tailgate control unit. When only both the capacitance sensors signal and smart entry function signal are established, the power tailgate control unit operates opening and closing, or stopping the tailgate.
Failsafe Function
A malfunction among the sensors, the switches, or the control units cancels the function of power tailgate as a failsafe. At the same time, the warning message on the gauge control module comes on.