rwp144

Would it not be reasonable that if not GM then the dealer would warn people of the power liftgate problem in cold weather. Last year the weather was fairly moderate but this year we are still in below 0 at night. I travel frequently and overnight and it is absolutely ridiculous to not be able to get things out of the back because the liftgate will not open. I bought it because of rotator cuff problems, but this is getting me to think of changing brands. Between the liftgate and the battery going dead I have had it in 5 times now not including right now. They replaced a part, downloaded a program update or whatever, I picked it up Tuesday and Wed Morning it would work by pulling it up manually. Tried the key and it barely started. Battery charging at about 3 o'clock point. Liftgate now just grunts and groans releasing lock for a few seconds and then locking again. If you want to get in you better be quick. I believe that the two are related (battery and liftgate)and it is not all cold weather as it can go through this even in the garage which is heated. According to the service mgr there is supposed to be some new bulletin about some wiring deal. It is irritating to say the very least.

ZX1100F1

Please tell us about the "new bulletin about some wiring deal"?
I would find a better service department if I were you.

FYI: Every other manufacturer that offers a power liftgate feature has the same problem with operation in cold weather.

rwp144

I will try to find out tomorrow exactly what it was and a number or whatever if I can. I know that others have the same problem as I seeon a lot of them it is even standard equip. One would think that with a problem that is ongoing this long someone would have come up with an answer to it. I understand it is a cold weather issue but then back to my warning. Had the dealer or literature mentioned this was a problem I would not have touched it. Wisconsin has enough cold weather and especially if it supposedly is a problem below 32 degrees. That would only encompass Nov - March. I have had more problems with this Tahoe than any other and that is also weighing in on the desire to switch.

rwp144

I do have this from the other day, Bulletin #1995519. My wife said that the service guy talked to GM and they told him about some wiring issue in the door. Now, I don't know if that was related to this battery bleeding issue or the liftgate or both. Hopefully will know more tomorrow.

ZX1100F1

That Bulletin number references the cold operational characteristics of the power liftgate. If it will not operate when outside temperatures are warmer then 7F degrees then a new control module calibration should address that issue. I personally don’t see a need for any more warnings, in your case your problem is “an injured rotator cuff”, which is a special case; and nobody makes a power liftgate that will solve that for you.

rwp144

I would differ on the need for "warnings". If you know that there is a problem with something (power liftgates) and that it has existed for years with no solution (which I think you defined very well about the fluid and gas charateristics) then I believe that there is an obligation on the part of the vendor to disclose that fact. Northern WI is always going to have cold and subzero weather. I don't think it is the obligation of the buyer to go out and investigate every option to see if there are problems and it was only by luck I stumbled on this site to get a reasonable explanation.If there is a warning then it is my problem if I choose it anyway. Otherwise I think Chevy has the burden to resolve it.Yes, I particular situation with the rotator cuff is a problem, but my recollection is that the non power liftgate I had in the prior Tahoe was much easier to lift. Since I know that I am going to have to deal with the problem of it not working, I need to become a timing specialist to grab hold and lift it before it can relock. I understand the comment about the other manufacturers having this problem also, but the reality is that this left a very bad taste and I will probably buy elsewhere (without the power liftgate). Maybe others have designed something aroundtheunlock relock issue with a pure mechanical process that would at least make opening it in that type of situation less of aproblem. While Iamnew to the site, I would like to thank you for your replies and your obvious interest in resolving or explainingissues for those of us without the knowledge. Will let you know if there is anything further regarding theconversation the service guy had with GM.

Brewboy

I have an 07 Suburban and the power rear lift-gate opens 1/4 and suddenly stops and closes again.

Doesn't matter which way you activate the lift gate, remote, rear handle, or interior overhead console switch.

When I switch to manual mode the lift-gate opens but wont stay up.

Im guessing the pistons are gone?

73shark

Certainly sounds like it.

Brewboy

I found this....

Technical Service Bulletins for the CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2500 2007 - 162600 STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Make : CHEVROLET Model : SUBURBAN 2500 Year : 2007
Service Bulletin Number: 070847005
Replacement Service Bulletin Number:
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 10022713
Date of Bulletin: 07/01/2007 Date Added to Database: 09/24/2007
Component: 162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Summary: POWER LIFTGATE MAY OPEN OR CLOSE ABOUT A THIRD OF THE WAY THEN REVERSES, DTCS B135E AND/OR B135F SET (INSPECT LIFTGATE WIRING HARNESS AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY). *NJ