Tailgate spontaneously opening

[jsward12]

I have a 21 2500 AT4 Gasser. Just recently seem when I am putting the truck in park the tailgate opens (at random) or at least that is when I notice it open (no warning light that its open  ). I was also thinking it could be my fob and something hitting the tailgate open button... Today as I was dropping my daughter off at school, I put the truck in park and I heard the clicking of the tailgate release. It kept clicking, sure enough the tailgate was down. I put it up the clicking stopped, then the dash complained the inner tailgate was opened. I dropped it made sure it was closed and all seemed fine. Then as I got out of my truck at the gas station it was down again. It must have just happened when I was pulling in as I monitoring it on the rear camera during the drive......Anyone experience random tailgate opening? I am going to try my second fob to rule out an issue with fob.... 

 

Thanks in advance!

[mrjulian416]

Sounds like a bad switch or loose connector/wire in the harness(es).   I would guess most likely a switch issue... either dash or one/both of the tailgate ones.  As you drive around the contact closes and as soon as you put it in park the truck sees the switch as "pressed".

[It's Tim]

1 hour ago, jsward12 said:

Anyone experience random tailgate opening?

Apparently been going on for some time.

 

[jsward12]

Yeah thanks Tim, I did come across that post. I just wasnt sure if anyone else had had this issue. I guess I have to be careful where I keep my fob. 

[MTU Alum]

I have seen issues with spray in bedliners where the coating is too thick on tailgate or bed causing it not to fully latch.

 

#iworkforGM 

[jsward12]

Thx. It's the factory spray in bed liner. Any other thoughts? Now the lower button will not unlatch the tailgate only the fob and switch inside and the upper tailgate sporadically works....

[JimCost2014]

1 hour ago, jsward12 said:

lower button

Maybe that is the problem?

 

I would use my warranty and get it fixed.

[NHSailor]

2021 AT4 6.6 - Same Issue!!!! Its at the dealer right now and they cannot find anything wrong with it! Very Frustrating!! Mine randomly opens any time. I hadn't driven it for about 4-5 hours and then I happen to look outside with my kids and the lights blinked and the gate dropped open... crazy! I worry about parking in parking lots now.

This is why I signed up here - hope someone has heard of this. Its been going on for a couple weeks now. Thanks!!

Edited March 18, 2021 by NHSailor

[jsward12]

Ok so here is the latest, I created a video so the dealership could see in the event it was behaving for them. Luckily it was not! They diagnosed it as a bad switch for the upper tailgate via tailgate button. They are not sure what caused the switch to go bad but they suspect the stiffness of the upper tailgate might have something to do with it. Because it spontaneously opened up for them 3 times, they were kind enough to disconnect the buttons on the tailgate. Currently the upper tailgate is disconnected and the only way to open the lower tailgate is via FOB or inside switch. It has been two weeks and it has not spontaneously opened.  Not sure where you're located but have them call Central GMC in Norwood Ma. The tech name was Bill, super great guy, he had sent an alert to dealerships in the area about this.  The parts are still on back order he ordered two new switches and some part for the upper tailgate maybe to address the stiffness.... 

[gearheadesw]

$3,500 tailgate issues, I'll keep the regular, thank you.

[jsward12]

I agree. It's just a gimmick anyway...

[Mardo]

5 hours ago, jsward12 said:

I agree. It's just a gimmick anyway...

 

[Mardo]

I disagree, I love the tailgate. I've always driven a Ford F150 and decided to try an AT4. One of the things I like the best is the tailgate. If I'm hauling dogfood or anything in the bed it makes it so much easier to unload it by dropping the top part of the tailgate. I drive 45 minutes to get to my deer hunting woods and then I drop the tailgate and then drop the top part of the tailgate and use it to sit on and change into my deer hunting clothes and can stand up on the tailgate step without standing on the ground in my socks. 

[jsward12]

You make great points. I've owned the truck for two months and the tailgate hasn't worked for most of that time. I'm looking forward to getting it fixed and using it to it's fullest

[dw_6.2L]

I’m having the same issues with the power tailgate going rogue randomly when in park.    
Any confirmation on the fix?  Thanks!

 

I have an appointment next week for this and the parking assist randomly turning off (under perfect weather conditions).  200 miles on the truck, less than a week old.