Tailgate

[smarty42]

Is anyone else having intermittent problems getting the tailgate to open. I'm only having the issue when the car is parked in my garage. When I'm out shopping it always works. But when I get home the only way I can get the gate solenoids to activate is by starting the car.

Pressing unlock on the key twice and then the handle on the tailgate does nothing, turning the key to the accessory position and then the handle on the tailgate does nothing, start the car and tailgate opens.

Is there a wireless signal from the key that activates the solenoids? Maybe something wireless in my house (phone, alarm, wifi...) is interfering.

[kwagar]

Haven't had the problem at all. Wonder if it has anything to do with the very cold temps you have been having? Keep us informed.

[Karl Roth]

Have you tried the unlock button on the dash and then the button on the tailgate? That should get around an RF issue.
karl

[Carnut]

Originally Posted by smarty42

Is anyone else having intermittent problems getting the tailgate to open. I'm only having the issue when the car is parked in my garage. When I'm out shopping it always works. But when I get home the only way I can get the gate solenoids to activate is by starting the car.

Pressing unlock on the key twice and then the handle on the tailgate does nothing, turning the key to the accessory position and then the handle on the tailgate does nothing, start the car and tailgate opens.

Is there a wireless signal from the key that activates the solenoids? Maybe something wireless in my house (phone, alarm, wifi...) is interfering.

I may have your problem solved. Keep in mind that the "tailgate" and the "hatch" window operate independently. By holding the hatch button on the key for 2 seconds, ONLY the top window part will unlock and partially release so it can be raised manually. You still have to lower the tailgate by simultaneously releasing the two levers manually. This is dumb as you cannot lower the tailgate with one hand!

The exterior handle on the tailgate is NOT for lowering it. It only releases the top hatch window so that it can be raised.

[smarty42]

Originally Posted by Carnut

I may have your problem solved. Keep in mind that the "tailgate" and the "hatch" window operate independently. By holding the hatch button on the key for 2 seconds, ONLY the top window part will unlock and partially release so it can be raised manually. You still have to lower the tailgate by simultaneously releasing the two levers manually. This is dumb as you cannot lower the tailgate with one hand!

The exterior handle on the tailgate is NOT for lowering it. It only releases the top hatch window so that it can be raised.

Actually, I've got a cabrio so that's not the case

[Smartdavis]

I use the key and press the open button for the back window. It is odd how when the car is stopped, unlocked, with key out, that outside window release lever seems to not always work. I haven't figured out the reason yet.

[Rubik]

Originally Posted by Carnut

You still have to lower the tailgate by simultaneously releasing the two levers manually. This is dumb as you cannot lower the tailgate with one hand!

Turns out you can release the levers one at a time, so it's doable with one hand, just a bit of a waltz.

[smarty42]

Well, I went out for a drive and it's still not working consistently, even when not in the garage. Looks like a trip back to the dealer is in order.

[prm1177]

Originally Posted by Smartdavis

I use the key and press the open button for the back window. It is odd how when the car is stopped, unlocked, with key out, that outside window release lever seems to not always work. I haven't figured out the reason yet.

I found that when driving off, the Smart locks all doors like most modern cars. When you stop and exit via the driver's door, all other doors remain locked, so you either need to hit the unlock button on the remote or in the car, or else use the unlock tailgate function on the remote.