Liftgate Operation Best Practices for Safe and Reliable Use

To operate a liftgate safely and reliably, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Position the liftgate on a firm, level surface, away from any obstacles or overhead obstructions.

A liftgate can weigh up to 3,000 pounds, so it's essential to use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.

Before lifting the gate, check that it is securely attached to the vehicle and the trailer is properly loaded.

Always maintain three points of contact with the liftgate to prevent it from swinging or falling.

Worth a look: Power Liftgate Truck

Lift Gate Safety is a top priority when operating a liftgate. Always adhere to all safety requirements and instructions when operating the liftgate.

Maintaining a safe operational area is crucial when using the liftgate. Never operate the control switch while unfolding the platform.

To ensure safe operation, stay within the stated load limit and distribute weight evenly on the liftgate platform. This will help prevent accidents and injuries.

Here's an interesting read: Hands Free Power Liftgate

Here are some key dos and don'ts to keep in mind when using a liftgate:

If you're not careful, you can easily get hurt by the moving parts of the liftgate. Stay away from the moving parts when the liftgate is in use, and make sure everyone else does too.

Additional reading: Power Liftgate

To safely operate the liftgate, you need to adhere to all safety requirements and instructions. This includes maintaining a safe operational area and never operating the control switch while unfolding the platform.

Before using the liftgate, ensure the truck is on a flat and stable surface with enough room behind it for the liftgate. Engage the parking brake and turn on the liftgate auxiliary switch, if applicable.

Some liftgates have safety chains or latches that prevent accidental unfolding. Unhook these before using the liftgate. You can also cancel a liftgate opening by stepping more than 3 feet away from the liftgate within three seconds, or by pressing the exterior liftgate touchpad/emblem at the rear of the vehicle.

Here are the basic steps to operate the liftgate:

To operate the liftgate safely and effectively, follow these steps. First, position the truck on a flat and stable surface with enough room behind it for the liftgate, and engage the parking brake.

To turn on the liftgate, press the auxiliary switch, if applicable, while the truck is running in park or neutral. Next, unhook the safety chains or latches that prevent accidental unfolding.

Lower the liftgate platform by pressing the control button, and continue until it touches the ground. Then, unfold the platform using the built-in handhold, if present.

Once the platform is unfolded, you can operate the liftgate, but always do so with the cargo securely in place and no one on the platform. A trained operator should control the liftgate from the side of the vehicle.

To raise the platform, press the control button, and then fold the flip-over section using the built-in handholds. Be careful not to trap any body parts between the two sections of the liftgate, and never drop the flip-over section – lower it gently instead.

Finally, raise the liftgate until it's positioned in its stowed position under the vehicle, and hook the safety chains or latches back into place.

First, you need to enable the AutoSense Power Liftgate using your center display. With the vehicle on, select: Vehicle Settings > Comfort and Convenience > Hands-Free Exterior Storage Access > Open Only.

To ensure the liftgate works properly, you'll need to follow a specific process. Remain at least 10 feet (approximately 3 meters) away from the vehicle for over 20 seconds. Then, approach the rear of the vehicle with your key fob.

You can also unmute your key fob if it becomes muted by using various actions. However, the exact steps to unmute it are not specified in the provided article sections.

Here are the steps to enable the AutoSense Power Liftgate:

Operating the Lift Gate is a convenient feature that can save you time and effort, but it does require some understanding of how it works.

To open the liftgate, approach the rear of the vehicle with your key fob from farther than 10 feet. The key fob will activate the opening function within 3 feet of the liftgate.

If you stay in that area for about three seconds, the liftgate will prepare to open with multiple quick beeps and flashes from the exterior lighting.

You can cancel the liftgate opening by stepping out of the area in under three seconds, unless you return within eight seconds.

There are also two other ways to cancel a liftgate opening: press the exterior liftgate touchpad/emblem at the rear of the vehicle, or press the liftgate button on the key fob (single press).

To close the liftgate, you have a few options. You can press the Close button in the rear of the vehicle, usually located on the liftgate trim, or press the liftgate button in the cabin. You can also press the liftgate button on your key fob (double press).

Here are the ways to close the liftgate in a summary:

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your liftgate in good working condition.

Signs of impending problems can be spotted early, making repairs easier and less costly. Look out for issues like a faulty motor solenoid or broken switch or wire if the motor fails to run.

If the motor is running but the platform doesn't move, check the truck's batteries or the lock valve or lowering valve for power. Fluid leaks can be caused by damaged lines, hoses, fittings, and/or cylinders, and should be addressed by tightening the fitting connections.

A slow-moving liftgate may be due to a low hydraulic reservoir fluid level. Applying lubricants can help prevent unusual squeaking sounds, but if the problem persists, it's best to consult a professional.

Some common issues include jerky or wobbly movement, a platform that drifts down slowly when raised, sagging doors or platforms, and doors/platforms that can't be fully raised or lowered.

Here are some common signs of liftgate problems:

To prevent these issues, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance, inspection, and care. Regular inspections can help identify recurring problems and prevent costly repairs.

If your liftgate's motor fails to run, it may be due to a faulty motor solenoid or a broken switch or wire.

A faulty motor solenoid can be identified by a lack of clicking sound when the motor is supposed to run.

If the motor is getting no power, the culprit could be a broken wire or switch.

If the motor is running but the platform doesn't move, you may check your truck's batteries.

A booster can be used to quickly find out if the reason for this problem is the battery or not.

Fluid leaking from the truck's hydraulic liftgate can be due to damaged lines, hoses, fittings, and/or cylinders.

Visible damage to these parts or residue around the connections may warrant replacement.

If your liftgate is working too slow, you may check the hydraulic reservoir's fluid level.

If the hydraulic fluid is still within an acceptable level, your mechanic will need to check the mechanism responsible for the liftgate's operation.

Common Signs of Liftgate Issues

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your truck's liftgate. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations on proper care, maintenance, and inspection requirements.

It's essential to keep a maintenance checklist for every liftgate unit and create a consistent mode of recording. This will help you identify recurring liftgate issues and make informed decisions when replacement liftgate components are needed.

Improper use of liftgates can cause damage or injury. Make sure drivers, equipment operators, and crew receive proper training to operate the liftgate correctly.

Require daily visual and operational inspections of liftgates by assigned operators. This will help you stay aware of any issues before they become more severe and costly.

Store the liftgate in the right place and position when not in use to extend its service life.

To manage the AutoSense Power Liftgate feature, you can turn it off entirely by selecting Vehicle Settings > Comfort and Convenience > Hands-Free Exterior Storage Access > Off on your center display. This will disable the feature.

You can also disable the feature by pressing and holding the button in the liftgate area for over five seconds.

If you need to re-enable the feature, simply press and hold the button again.

The AutoSense Power Liftgate may become disabled if the vehicle is not in PARK or if a trailer is attached and properly connected to the vehicle.

Before attaching a trailer, it's a good idea to disable the AutoSense feature as described above.

To re-enable the feature after attaching a trailer, press any button on the remote key or open and close any vehicle door.

Avoiding unintentional liftgate openings is easier than you think. Simply step more than 3 feet (1 meter) away from the liftgate within three seconds to cancel the opening.

The liftgate is designed to open with a purposeful approach, using the areas and process defined in the article. This means you should be aware of your surroundings and the liftgate's operating zones.

Stepping away from the liftgate is a straightforward solution to unwanted openings. This quick action can prevent accidents and damage.

Another option to cancel the liftgate opening is to use a single press of the liftgate button on your key fob or the exterior liftgate touchpad/emblem. This can be a lifesaver in a tight spot.