Troubleshooting Electric Tailgate Opening Issues

Common Power Source Problems

Let's address the simplest potential issue first — batteries. In most cases, when an electric tailgate refuses to open, the issue isn’t the tailgate; it’s a weak or dead battery. Start by checking the remote key battery. If you push the tailgate button on the key and there is no response — no beep from the car and the tailgate is not moving — the key battery probably needs replacing. Most remote keys use small coin-cell batteries that you can find at convenience stores or auto parts stores and replacing them takes less than a minute.

Check the car’s main battery if the remote key still doesn’t work. A weak main battery cannot deliver enough power to the electric tailgate’s motor even if the car starts fine. This is common with older cars or models with heavy battery usage like the 2015-2022 Toyota Land Cruiser LC 300 which is equipped with extra electronics for off-road use. To see if the battery is the issue, try opening the tailgate using the interior switch (which is usually near the driver’s seat) instead of the remote. If it still doesn’t open, check the car’s battery voltage with a multimeter which most auto shops will do for free. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the battery is probably the issue and will need to be charged or replaced.

Hidden battery drains should be considered as well. Leaving the tailgate open a little or the interior light staying on for a long time will drain the battery enough to stop the electric tailgate from working. If this happens, the tailgate should open again after the battery is charged or the car is jump started. After jump starting or charging the battery, remember to check the tailgate a few times to make sure it works before you start driving.

Clearing Mechanical Jams Caused by Dirt and Debris

Debris, dirt, and leaves are the biggest enemies of electric tailgates. Dirt and leaves will build up over time in the tailgate tracks, hinges, and latch mechanisms and will chronically cause tailgates to open. This is the case if you use your vehicle for outdoor activities (camping or hiking) or if you park in places with overhanging trees.

To resolve this, you will need a soft brush and a damp cloth (an old toothbrush works well for tight spaces). Start by cleaning the outside of the tailgate tracks, i.e. the metal or plastic rails that the tailgate slides along when opening. Next, clean the latch area (part that locks the tailgate to the body of the car) by gently brushing out any debris. Do not use sharp scraping tools, as this will damage the plastic parts of the latch. For sticky dried mud, warm water will help, but avoid pouring water directly into the latch as this will cause rust.Worn or stuck weatherstripping can also cause jams. The weatherstripping rubber seals can become hard and stuck to the bar when it is cold oustide. If you hear a "sticking" sound when you open the gate, carefully pull the seal away and rub it with a silicone-based lubricant. Almost all modern electric tailgates, whether a 2024 Toyota Prado or a 2022 Honda Odyssey, will have the same weatherstripping design.

Tailgate Sensor Malfunctions: Common Causes of Automatic Tailgate Failure

Disrupted tailgate sensors are a common cause for an automatic tailgate malfunction. Modern electric tailgates come with safety sensors to prevent them from opening into obstacles (like a low ceiling or a bike rack) or closing on something (like your hand). But if these sensors are dirty, misaligned, or blocked, they can stop the tailgate from opening at all—even if there’s nothing in the way.

The first thing you should do is clean the sensors. Usually, the sensors are small, round, or square plastic pieces located on the tailgate or on the rear bumper. They can get dirt, rain, or even bugs on them which will block the signal. Use a soft clean dry cloth to wipe them down. Do not use soap or other cleaning chemicals, as these will leave a film on the sensor. If you have been driving in heavy rain or snow, check the sensors for water buildup. A quick wipe will clear it.

If you’ve cleaned the sensors and the tailgate still isn’t working, the sensors may be out of alignment. Sometimes, sensors can be bumped out of alignment if you hit the tailgate with a heavy object like a cooler or if you hit a pothole really hard. To check if the sensors are aligned, stand behind the car and look at them. They should be pointing straight out. If one is tilted, gently push it back into place. Most of the time, the sensors are held in with a small clip, so they can be adjusted. Once adjusted, check the tailgate by opening it slowly. If it works, great! If not, the sensor might be faulty and you should get it looked at. Many professionals in the electric tailgate industry often replace faulty sensors as part of the after-sales service, and it’s usually included in the three-year warranty.

Check for Faulty Switches, Loose Wires, or Distracted Connections

If the battery, mechanical parts, and sensors check out, the problem might be with the electric tailgate wiring or switches. Over time, bumps and vibrations can cause wires to detach, especially if you drive on rough roads, and switches can wear out due to repeated use.

Let’s begin with the switches. Most electric tailgates have three switches: one on the remote key, one inside the car (near the driver’s seat), and one on the tailgate itself. If only one switch doesn’t work (say the remote tailgate switch works, but the gate switch doesn’t), you can assume the faulty switch is the tailgate switch. If the interior switch won’t open the tailgate, try pressing the tailgate’s own switch—if that works, the interior switch is faulty. Most switches can be replaced with ease: you can use a flat screwdriver to pry the switch out and plug a new one in. Just ensure the switch matches your car’s model, like a switch for a 2020-2022 Toyota RAV4, to your car.

If all tailgate switches aren’t working, examine the first electrical connections. The main wires for the electric tailgate stretch from the car battery to the tailgate motor and often hinge wires. In older cars these connections may loosen over time. Tailgates do not have to be completely taken apart. Look for small plastic covers near the hinges, whether on the tailgate or car body. Popping the covers off may help. Wiggle the plugged wire connectors to test firmness. They may be completely loose, in which case unplug them, dry the metal pins completely to remove corrosion, and reconnect firmly.

No comfort in the order to affect wire connections? Don’t worry. Finding a satisfying and simple solution for these ignition problems is trivial for the most common providers. They usually suggest a certified installer to examine the wiring. In the case of the faulty wiring, or switch issue, which is covered under the warranty, there will be no material costs and no labor costs to you. This is why the easiest flow is from providers who warranty their electric tailgate products.