Power Trunk / Liftgate Hazard Sensor: Description and Operation

Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize two pinch sensors. One pinch sensor is located on each side of the liftgate. These sensors look like weatherstrips, however they consist of pieces of electrically conductive rubber (tapeswitch), wires, resistor, double sided tape, and a plastic carrier. Pinch sensors are used to provide additional protection against vehicle damage or personal injury caused by an obstacle being "pinched" between the liftgate and the liftgate opening of the vehicle.

The pinch sensors are wired in series with the power liftgate control module. If one pinch sensor becomes defective the module will act as though both sensors are defective. The power latch "Cinching" operation will be disabled if a problem is detected by the control module.

During a power liftgate close cycle, if either of the two pinch sensors detect a obstruction or "Pinched" condition a hardwired signal is sent to the power lift-gate control module. The power liftgate control module will stop the direction of the liftgate immediately and return it to the full open position. The conductive rubber strips incorporated into the sensors provide the mechanical means for this sensor function.