Power Tailgate System Description - Components
Power Tailgate Switch
Listed below are the switches used for controlling the power tailgate (open/close). The control unit detects the ON/OFF signals from each switch.
- Driver's Power Tailgate Switch: Located on the driver's dashboard lower panel
- Tailgate Outer Handle Switch: Located outside the tailgate
- Power Tailgate Inside Switch: Located on the tailgate lower trim
- Power Tailgate Button: Located on the remote
Drive Unit
The left side tailgate support strut is the drive unit. The drive unit consists of the motor, planetary drive gear, spindle shaft, spring, and so forth. Changes in the length of the spindle shaft are used to operate the tailgate (open/close).
Closer Unit
The closer unit consists of the closer motor, sector gear, latch, and so forth. Several switches are used to detect the position of the component parts.
Upon a tailgate close request, the latch switch detects that the tailgate is in the half-shut position. Then, the closer motor begins to rotate in the closing direction until the tailgate reaches the full-close position.
Upon a tailgate open request, the closer motor begins to rotate in the opening direction until the sector gear unlocks the latch.
Hands Free Access Power Tailgate Control Unit/Sensor (With Hands Free Access Power Tailgate)
The hands free access power tailgate control unit/sensor is installed on the back of the rear bumper. Capacitance sensors detects the user's motion and transmits the ON/OFF signal to the power tailgate control unit by placing your foot in a in and out motion under the rear bumper.
Pinch Sensor
The pinch sensor is attached at either end of the tailgate and is equipped to prevent pinching during auto close. When the pinch sensor is compressed, the embedded conductive rubbers contact each other and the resistance value of the sensor varies. This signal is transmitted to the power tailgate control unit and the unit reverses the operation from the auto close to auto open based on the information. The left side pinch sensor has a thermistor. The thermistor sends the temperature information to the power tailgate control unit to prevent the drive unit from overheating and being damaged.