Magic Self Opening Tailgate 2018 Denali

[ncpepperman]

I just finished hand washing and drying my '18 Denali for the second time. As I was drying the rear bumper, the lights flashed and the tailgate opened by its self. Finished drying it, lights flashed and it closed...... This is the second time it has happened as I am rubbing over the left rear sensors, doesn't seem to happen with the right sensors. I did have the key fob in my pocket but none of the buttons were pressed and my leg was not under the vehicle. Just curious if this is a normal occurrence.

 

[noob]

all it takes is a foot, so I’m guessing maybe it’s sensitive enough that it picked up your foot from being centered on the bumper?

 

[ncpepperman]

all it takes is a foot, so I’m guessing maybe it’s sensitive enough that it picked up your foot from being centered on the bumper?

Foot was not under vehicle. It has to be centered , straight in and straight out to open. It has something to do with the sensors in the bumper. Wet chamois has to be rubbed back n forth on left side sensors before it will open. Haven't been able to get it to do it on the right side. Weird ........

 

[adventurenali92]

It happens all the time when I’m detailing the 15 esky esv that belongs to my best friends parents. The pressure washer hose can be just slightly under the rear and move an inch and the damn tailgate will open. I hate it. I think the foot sensor is the dumbest design ever. And I hate that there’s no way to disable it. It would be better if there was a way to disengage it while I wash it so it doesn’t open mid wash step, and then re-engage when I’m done.

 

[sickk23]

It happens all the time when I’m detailing the 15 esky esv that belongs to my best friends parents. The pressure washer hose can be just slightly under the rear and move an inch and the damn tailgate will open. I hate it. I think the foot sensor is the dumbest design ever. And I hate that there’s no way to disable it. It would be better if there was a way to disengage it while I wash it so it doesn’t open mid wash step, and then re-engage when I’m done.

Twisting this knob to the off position should disable it.

 

[adventurenali92]

Twisting this knob to the off position should disable it.

View attachment 193290

Doesnt that just disable the whole tailgate?! So if I do that it won’t go up on it’s own when I actually push the button in the grab handle right?

 

[sickk23]

Doesnt that just disable the whole tailgate?! So if I do that it won’t go up on it’s own when I actually push the button in the grab handle right?

That’s right. You’d have to manually open and close it when it’s set to off.

 

[adventurenali92]

That’s right. You’d have to manually open and close it when it’s set to off.

I wish it wasn’t an all or nothing feature....

 

[ncpepperman]

It happens all the time when I’m detailing the 15 esky esv that belongs to my best friends parents. The pressure washer hose can be just slightly under the rear and move an inch and the damn tailgate will open. I hate it. I think the foot sensor is the dumbest design ever. And I hate that there’s no way to disable it. It would be better if there was a way to disengage it while I wash it so it doesn’t open mid wash step, and then re-engage when I’m done.

Nothing under the bumper . Have to rub the left sensors and it will open ... right sensors don't seem to be able to duplicate the feat. I can always take the key fob out of my pocket to eliminate the hatch opening. It has to be a wet chamois, dry polishing cloth won't get same effect. Will check with service when I take it in for my first oil change.

 

[adventurenali92]

Nothing under the bumper . Have to rub the left sensors and it will open ... right sensors don't seem to be able to duplicate the feat. I can always take the key fob out of my pocket to eliminate the hatch opening. It has to be a wet chamois, dry polishing cloth won't get same effect. Will check with service when I take it in for my first oil change.

From what I understand the sensors are on both sides, right behind that lower reflector piece on each bottom corner of the bumper. Yes taking the key out of pocket eliminates the gate opening.