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2020 CX-9 Power Liftgate Intermittent Failure

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Angela R. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:53 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature

Hello everyone,

I'm having a frustrating issue with the power liftgate on my 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature. For the past few weeks, it's been acting up intermittently. Sometimes it works perfectly fine, opening and closing with the button on the key fob or the one inside the car. Other times, it either won't open at all, or it will open halfway and then stop, or even start to close and then reverse direction.

There doesn't seem to be any pattern to it – it happens in different weather conditions and whether the car is running or off. I've checked for obstructions, but there's nothing in the way. It's really inconvenient, especially when my hands are full.

Has anyone with a newer CX-9 experienced similar power liftgate problems? Is there a known reset procedure or a common component that fails? Any advice would be appreciated before I take it to the dealer.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 4:53 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Intermittent power liftgate issues on a 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature can be quite annoying. Here's a breakdown of common causes and troubleshooting steps:

  1. Obstruction Sensors: Even if you don't see an obvious obstruction, the liftgate's safety sensors might be overly sensitive or have a minor calibration issue. Try gently cleaning the edges of the liftgate and the surrounding body where the sensors might be located.
  2. Manual Reset Procedure: Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve electronic glitches. Try this:
    • Manually open the liftgate all the way.
    • Then, manually close it completely.
    • Try operating it with the power button again.
    • Alternatively, some vehicles allow a reset by disconnecting the car battery for 15-30 minutes (ensure you have radio codes if applicable, though modern Mazdas usually retain them).
  3. Fob Battery/Signal: While less likely if it's also failing with the interior button, a weak key fob battery could contribute to inconsistent operation. Replace the fob battery if it hasn't been done recently.
  4. Liftgate Struts/Motor: The power liftgate relies on motorized struts. If one of these is weakening or has an internal fault, it can cause inconsistent operation. They might struggle to lift the gate fully or maintain position.
  5. Wiring or Module Issue: A loose connection, corroded wire, or a fault within the liftgate control module itself could be the culprit. These are harder to diagnose without specialized tools.

When to see a shop:

  • If the issue persists after checking for obstructions and attempting a manual reset.
  • If you hear unusual noises (grinding, straining) when the liftgate attempts to operate.
  • If the problem is consistent and prevents you from using the liftgate reliably.

Given the vehicle's age, it's likely still under warranty. A Mazda dealership can perform a diagnostic scan for liftgate-specific error codes and inspect the motor, sensors, and wiring harness for faults. There might also be a relevant TSB for this specific issue.

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