LC-200 2015 lower tailgate latch motors problem - can these be "reset" ? (1 Viewer)

[cnd]

My LHS lower-tailgate latch mechanism was getting "sticky - required banging and tugging to get it to release.
I pulled out the motor part and noticed that the release lever wasn't being pushed far enough by the motor (by a tiny amount - 1 millimeter or less).
Stupidly, I removed the motor to add a shim, and in the meantime, latched the tailgate with just 1 motor installed. As I latched it, I heard the motor "run" as it pulled the tailgate shut tight, as normal.
Now however... nothing works. The lever to open the tailgate does nothing (the motor did not run). I'd attached a manual release string, so I was able to open it, fit the other motor, but I'm still stuck now - the auto-latch system doesn't pull it closed, and the opening lever does nothing.

Any ideas what to try to get this going again?

This thread shows the unit with nice clear photos:

LC 200 2018+ Power Tailgate Assist Repair

I previously experienced an issue with the tailgate locking mechanism which failed to release on one side after installing a Trail Tailor tailgate locking lid. https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/lc-2018-tailgate-lock-assembly-help.1280709/ Fast foward, it happened again. I was all set to head up...

forum.ih8mud.com

A photo of mine is attached below. I unfortunately didn't notice what the "resting" position of the assembly microswitches was when they were working, so I'm also not sure if one or both of the motors has "stopped" at some improper position, further confusing things... (There's 2 limit microswitches and one rotary position sensor in there at least... the motor has only 2 wires, so probably no sensors inside there)

 

[cnd]

Update - I worked it all out. Here's what I did which fixed the problem:

I manually ensured all the mechanisms were fully closed (all microswitches depressed) - I did this by removing the actuators, momentarily supplying 12v to the motor so the arm moved enough to depress the microswitch), putting them back in place [with string attached, so I can pull the string to manually release in future], and firmly closing the tailgate, and every other door. I manually locked the car (using the driver-side internal door switch, then closing the door), and then I disconnected both batteries for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, I reconnected the batteries, unlocked the car, and started the engine (the internal screen did lots of unusual things, and the motor started up very rough for a few moments).

Next, I pressed the trunk-open button, which opened the upper part, and finally, with the motor still running, I got out and pulled the tailgate release lever, and the motors are working properly again.

Prior to the above, I'd tried half a dozen other things suggested by ChatGPT (all kinds of ignition and switch-pushing steps which supposedly reset these systems) - none of which worked.

I also fixed the sticky-latch issue by pushing some silicone-tube over the actuator lever, so the motor pushes the release lever further down than before.

If you're fitting strings yourself, they simply thread through the square hole (see orange string in my photo). I added some tube in there to protect the string, which got jammed a few times and caused the lever not to return properly (which causes it not to latch), so take care not to pinch the string when you bolt the motors back in, and test it works before closing up).

Do not allow any of the microswitches or latch levers to open or close while only 1 motor is connected to the car - this confuses the ECU and caused my problem.