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How to operate the AutoSense Power Liftgate

If equipped and enabled, the available AutoSense Power Liftgate lets you open your liftgate simply by approaching the rear of the vehicle with your key fob in your pocket or bag. The vehicle must be in PARK to use this feature. 

Enabling your AutoSense Power Liftgate

Before performing the steps below, be sure to enable the AutoSense Power Liftgate using your center display. With the vehicle on, select: Vehicle Settings > Comfort and Convenience > Hands-Free Exterior Storage Access > Open Only

Opening the liftgate:

1. Approach the rear of the liftgate with your key fob from farther than 10–15 feet (approximately 4.5 meters).

 

2. Within 4 feet (approximately 1 meter) of the liftgate, the key fob will activate the opening function.

 

3. If you stay in that area for about three seconds, the liftgate will prepare to open with four quick beeps and taillamp flashes.

 

- If you step out of this area in under three seconds, the liftgate opening will be canceled, unless you return within eight seconds.

 

4. The liftgate will continue rising, accompanied by three slower chimes and taillamp flashes, until fully open. 

Closing the liftgate:

This function of the AutoSense Power Liftgate is not presence-based. Here are three ways to close the liftgate:

  • Press the Close button in the rear of the vehicle, usually located on the liftgate trim (exact location varies by model)
  • Press the liftgate button in the cabin (exact location varies by model)
  • Press the liftgate button on your key fob (Double press)

Reactivating the AutoSense Power Liftgate feature:

After closing your liftgate, you will need to reactivate the AutoSense Power Liftgate feature before using it again. Here’s how:

  • Remain at least 15 feet (approximately 4.5 meters) away from the vehicle for over 20 seconds
  • Approach the rear of the vehicle with your key fob
  • If the key fob becomes muted, you can unmute it with these actions:

– Press any key fob button
– Use the vehicle’s exterior door handle switch
– Open and close any vehicle door

Cancelling a liftgate opening:

In addition to stepping more than 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) away from the liftgate within three seconds, there are other ways to cancel a liftgate opening while the feature is active:

  • Press the exterior liftgate button/emblem at the rear of the vehicle
  • Press the liftgate button on the key fob

Disabling/re-enabling the AutoSense Power Liftgate:

Turn the feature off entirely with these methods:

  • In your center display, select: Vehicle Settings > Comfort and Convenience > Hands-Free Exterior Storage Access > Off
  • Press and hold the button in the liftgate area for over five seconds

– Press and hold this button again to turn the feature back on

Here are some other reasons the AutoSense Power Liftgate may become disabled:

  • The vehicle is not in PARK
  • A trailer is attached and properly connected to the vehicle (the feature will be automatically disabled)
     

NOTE: Before attaching a trailer, it is recommended that you disable the AutoSense feature as described in Disabling/Re-enabling the AutoSense Power Liftgate.
 

  • The key fob is muted as a result of remaining in the approach zone continuously for over two minutes

– To unmute the fob, use it to perform an action, such as a vehicle unlock, or press the vehicle’s exterior door switch. Then repeat the steps for opening the AutoSense Power Liftgate

  • The vehicle’s battery is low
  • A remote key is inside the vehicle
  • The vehicle has been parked for several consecutive days with no remote key use or Keyless Access Operation
     

To re-enable, press any button on the remote key or open and close any vehicle door

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Related links and resources

Q&As

Why did my liftgate prepare for opening with four beeps and taillamp flashes yet never open?

The liftgate opening may cancel if you step more than 3 feet away from the liftgate during this three-second period of alerts without returning.

How do I avoid unintentionally triggering a liftgate opening?

The liftgate is designed to open with a purposeful approach, using the areas and process defined in this article. If the liftgate alerts an undesired opening, simply step more than 3 feet (1 meter) away from the liftgate within three seconds. You can also use the liftgate button on your key fob or the exterior liftgate button/emblem to cancel.

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To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner’s Manual for more information about features.