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8Ns - 16
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM
PINCH SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize two
pinch sensors. One pinch sensor is located on each
side of the liftgate. These sensors look like weather-
strips, however they consist of pieces of electrically
conductive rubber (tapeswitch), wires, resistor, dou-
ble sided tape, and a plastic carrier. Pinch sensors
are used to provide additional protection against
vehicle damage or personal injury caused by an
obstacle being "pinched" between the liftgate and the
liftgate opening of the vehicle.
The pinch sensors are wired in series with the
power liftgate control module. If one pinch sensor
becomes defective the module will act as though both
sensors are defective. The power latch "Cinching"
operation will be disabled if a problem is detected by
the control module.
OPERATION
During a power liftgate close cycle, if either of the
two pinch sensors detect a obstruction or "Pinched"
condition a hardwired signal is sent to the power lift-
gate control module. The power liftgate control mod-
ule will stop the direction of the liftgate immediately
and return it to the full open position. The conduc-
tive rubber strips incorporated into the sensors pro-
vide the mechanical means for this sensor function.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PINCH SENSOR
To verify power liftgate system and pinch sensor
operation.
(1) Cycle the power liftgate through two complete
open and close cycles, during each of the final close
cycles, with the liftgate in mid-travel, depress
each of the pinch sensors to verify the power liftgate
control module detects an obstruction and returns to
the open position. If OK, pinch sensors and module
are OK at this time. If NOT OK, go to Step 2
(2) Remove the liftgate trim panel to access the
inoperable pinch sensor's electrical connector. Using
an ohmmeter, check for continuity on the two wires
leading from the pinch sensor. While depressing the
pinch sensor, continuity should be 300 ohms max.
While NOT depressing the pinch sensor, continuity
should be 10,000 ohms min. If OK, pinch sensor is
OK at this time. If NOT OK, replace the pinch sen-
sor.
REMOVAL
(1) Open the liftgate.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(3) Remove the trim panel from liftgate. Refer to
the Body section for the procedure.
(4) Disconnect the pinch sensor wire harness con-
nector.
(5) Remove the screws holding the pinch sensor to
liftgate.
(6) Feed the pinch sensor wire harness out of the
liftgate and remove the sensor from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the pinch sensor and install screws
holding the sensor to the liftgate, third one down
first. Torque screws to 25 in. lbs.
(2) Install wire harness grommet in liftgate flange
and route, connect the pinch sensor wire harness
connector.
(3) Install the trim panel on the liftgate. Refer to
the Body section for the procedure.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
(5) Using an appropriate scan tool, check and
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes related to the pinch sensor.
(6) Verify power liftgate system and pinch sensor
operation. Cycle the power liftgate through one com-
plete open and close cycle, during the final close cycle
press the pinch sensor to verify the power liftgate
detects an obstruction and returns to the full open
position.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN TEST-
ING
PINCH
SENSOR
INJURY MAY RESULT.
OPERATION.
PERSONAL
CS
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