File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

PIT5278B
June, 2014

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Subject:

Power Liftgate Erratic Operation Will Not Power Close DTC B153A And/Or Motor
Running But Does Not Move

Models:

2015 Cadillac Escalade Models
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban
2015 GMC Yukon Models

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern
Some owners may comment of any of the following issues:
– Erratic operation of the power liftgate
– Power liftgate hesitates during opening or closing, or does not go to the fully open or closed position
– When power closing the liftgate you can hear the motor running in the left strut but the liftgate is not closing
– DTC B153A set in the Power Liftgate Module (usually combined with other erratic behavior of the power liftgate)

Recommendation/Instructions
Note: If the power liftgate does not fully open and then reverses in direction, the information in this document does
not apply. It could be caused by the conditions listed in the latest version of PIT5286. DO NOT follow the procedure
below (put a screw through the strut) unless it has the conditions listed above.
These concerns may occur if the left liftgate strut/motor actuator is internally coming apart. It will need to be
replaced, but care must be taken when removing the left liftgate strut/motor actuator from the vehicle. There is an
assist spring inside the strut. If the internal portion of the strut has completely separated, and if it is removed from the
vehicle without following the procedure listed below, the end of the strut can become a projectile.
Note: If you suspect the left strut/actuator has this condition, DO NOT remove the right strut until the left strut is
replaced per the procedure below.
1. Obtain one #8 self-tapping screw 1 1/2 inches long.
2. Fully open the liftgate.
3. Install the self-tapping screw any place in the 30 mm space (from the bottom of the smooth tube) between
location 1 and 2. As reflected below, a location of 20 mm (approximately 3/4") is ideal to secure the tubes.

3825803

3825800

Note: The screw will hold the strut together for removal.
4. Remove the left liftgate strut/motor actuator following the Liftgate Power Assist Actuator Replacement
procedure in SI.
Important: After the left liftgate strut/motor actuator is removed, DO NOT remove the screws. The part will be
requested back to the Warranty Parts Center once the associated warranty claim has paid.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

2064850

Liftgate Power Assist Actuator Replacement

Use Published Labor
Operation Time

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is
resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.