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2022 Aviator Power Liftgate Not Opening/Closing Reliably

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

I'm having a persistent issue with the power liftgate on my 2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring. It's become really unreliable. Sometimes it opens perfectly fine with the key fob or the button inside, but other times it only opens halfway and then stops, or it won't open at all. When it does stop halfway, it often won't respond to any commands to open or close further.

I've tried resetting the system by disconnecting the battery for a bit, but that didn't seem to help much. Is this a common problem with the Aviator? Could it be a sensor, the motor, or something else entirely? Any troubleshooting tips or known TSBs for this would be great.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:33 AM

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Intermittent power liftgate operation on your 2022 Lincoln Aviator can be quite frustrating, and it's a problem that can stem from several different components. While not universally common, liftgate issues do arise in various models with power liftgates.

Here are the most common culprits and what a diagnostic process would typically involve:

  1. Common Causes:

    • Liftgate Struts/Actuators: The motorized struts that lift and lower the gate can weaken over time or develop internal electrical faults. If one strut is weaker than the other, it can cause the gate to bind or stop.
    • Obstruction Sensors: The anti-pinch sensors (often along the edges of the liftgate) might be overly sensitive, dirty, or faulty, causing the system to think there's an obstruction even when there isn't one.
    • Wiring Harness Issues: Flexing wires within the liftgate hinge area can fray or break, leading to intermittent power or signal loss to the motor or sensors.
    • Liftgate Latch Assembly: A faulty latch mechanism can prevent proper opening or closing, or give false feedback to the control module.
    • Control Module (Liftgate Module): The dedicated module that controls the liftgate operation could have an internal fault or require a software update.
    • Key Fob/Antenna: Less common, but a weak key fob battery or an issue with the vehicle's antenna for the remote system could cause intermittent responses.

  2. Troubleshooting Steps (Initial):

    • Manual Operation Check: Try to manually open and close the liftgate (if possible, with the power assist disengaged or overridden) to feel for any binding or resistance.
    • Clear Obstructions: Ensure there's absolutely nothing physically blocking the liftgate's path, including cargo or debris in the latch area.
    • Soft Reset: While disconnecting the battery is a hard reset, sometimes a simple lock/unlock cycle with the key fob, followed by waiting a few minutes, can reset minor glitches.

  3. Diagnostic Codes: A professional scan tool can often pull specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the liftgate control module (e.g., B1Axx series codes) that can pinpoint electrical faults, sensor issues, or motor problems.

  4. When to See a Shop: Since you've tried a battery reset without success, it's best to take your Aviator to a Lincoln dealership. They have specialized diagnostic tools to read codes from the liftgate module and perform specific tests on the struts, sensors, and wiring. This will help accurately identify the root cause and ensure the correct repair is made, whether it's a software update, a sensor replacement, or a new actuator.

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