B396B

DTC B396B

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors
DTC B396B 01
- Liftgate Motor Clutch Control Circuit Short to Battery

DTC B396B 02
- Liftgate Motor Clutch Control Circuit Short to Ground

DTC B396B 04
- Liftgate Motor Clutch Control Circuit Open

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

The liftgate module (LGM) supplies power and ground to the liftgate clutch, which is part of the liftgate motor assembly. Upon receiving a liftgate open request, the LGM supplies voltage to the clutch via the liftgate motor engage control circuit. The liftgate motor disengage control circuit supplies a ground. With the clutch energized, the motor output is mechanically connected to the liftgate and power liftgate operation is allowed. The liftgate motor clutch engages or disengages the liftgate motor to the liftgate drive gear and is the component that determines power or manual operation.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The system voltage is 9-16 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B396B 01

The LGM detects a short to voltage in the liftgate clutch engage control circuit or the liftgate clutch disengage control circuit.

B396B 02

The LGM detects a short to ground in the liftgate clutch engage control circuit or the liftgate clutch disengage control circuit.

B396B 04

The LGM detects an open/high resistance in the liftgate clutch engage control circuit or the liftgate clutch disengage control circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* When an open or short to ground condition exists, power liftgate operation will be inoperative.
* When a short to voltage condition exists, the liftgate can not be opened or closed manually.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

* The DTC will be current for as long as the fault is present.
* When the fault is no longer present, the DTC will be a history DTC.
* A history DTC will clear after 50 ignition cycles

Diagnostic Aids

Important: Before testing can be performed the liftgate must be opened. Refer to Opening the Liftgate Without Electrical Power (Procedures) for the appropriate procedure.


Whenever the LGM loses power or is disconnected, the ignition must be cycled OFF then ON in order to reactivate the LGM.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Liftgate Schematics (Liftgate Schematics)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Rear Hatch/Gate Description and Operation (Rear Hatch/Gate Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning)for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON, doors unlocked, transaxle in Park, enable the power liftgate by pressing the liftgate enable/disable button on the I/P switch assembly.
2. Open the liftgate by pressing the touchpad on the liftgate handle switch. The liftgate should release and power open.
3. Close the liftgate by pressing the liftgate button switch. The liftgate should power close, cinch-in, and latch.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the LGM.
2. Test for less than 15 ohm between the control terminal 14 at the LGM and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, replace the LGM.

3. Test for less than 15 ohm between the control terminal 13 at the LGM and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, replace the LGM.

4. Test for 9-10 ohm between the control circuit terminal 13 and control circuit terminal 14 at the liftgate motor assembly.

• If less than the specified range, test either control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuits test normal, replace the liftgate motor assembly.
• If greater than the specified range, test either control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the liftgate motor assembly.

5. If all circuits test normal, replace the liftgate motor assembly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Liftgate Actuator Replacement (Liftgate Actuator Replacement)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for LGM replacement, setup, and programming