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System Description
 
 
SYSTEM DIAGRAM
The automatic power liftgate system performs the automatic open/close operation of the power liftgate by operating the automatic power liftgate switch, automatic power liftgate close switch, automatic power liftgate lock and close switch, power liftgate opener switch, hands free sensor, and Keyless operation key.
Automatic power liftgate system controls operation function of the following items.
  • Hands free function (hands free sensor operation)
  • Automatic open/close temporary stop function
  • Power liftgate open position setting function
  • Automatic power liftgate open/close function
  • Warning function
  • Power liftgate auto closure function
  • Anti-pinch function
 
 
HANDS FREE FUNCTION (HANDS FREE SENSOR OPERATION)
The hands free function is a function that automatically opens/closes the power liftgate when the user moves a foot toward rear bumper and then pulls it back quickly (performs a kick motion).
 
 
Hands Free Sensor Operation
When the user performs a kick motion toward rear bumper while carrying Keyless operation key as shown in the figure, hands free sensor (upper side) detects shin motion of leg and hands free sensor (lower side) detects instep motion of foot. This varies the voltage waveform of hands free sensor. Hands free sensor control unit judges user operation by detecting the voltage change of hands free sensor.
 
 
Hands Free Sensor Detection Area
It is necessary to perform a kick motion within space as shown in the figure for activating the hands free sensor completely. The detection area may differ depending on the conditions of the surroundings.
note
  • For activating the hands free function, a kick motion must be detected by both hands free sensor (upper side) and hands free sensor (lower side).
  • Hands free sensor may not operate in a place near a radio-wave generation source such as a coin-operated parking lot or radio wave tower.
  • Hands free sensor may not operate if shoes that block static electricity (safety shoes, etc.) are worn when operating hands free sensor.
  • Hands free sensor may not operate if there is any metal near rear bumper.
  • Automatic open/close function may operate if hands free sensor detects an animal, rain, an object, etc. when Keyless operation key is near the rear bumper.
  • When automatic open function is activated by hands free function, BCM unlocks all doors and activates Keyless operation key warning buzzer.
 
 
Operation Condition
When all of the following conditions are satisfied
  • Vehicle speed: 0 km/h
  • Shift position: P position
  • Power power liftgate setting: ON
  • Keyless operation key: Within outside key antenna (rear bumper) detection area
 
 
Operation Description (Fully Closed to Fully Open of Power Liftgate)
  • When the user moves a foot toward rear bumper and pulls back quickly (performs a kick motion) while carrying Keyless operation key, voltage waveform change of hands free sensor (upper side) and hands free sensor (lower side) occurs.
  • Hands free sensor control unit judges user operation by detecting the voltage waveform change of hands free sensor (upper side) and hands free sensor (lower side). The hands free sensor control unit then transmits automatic power liftgate operation request signal to BCM via serial communication.
  • When BCM receives an automatic power liftgate operation request signal from hands free sensor control unit, the BCM transmits a key ID verification request signal to Keyless operation key unit via CAN communication.
  • When Keyless operation key unit receives a key ID verification request signal, Keyless operation key unit activates outside key antenna (rear bumper) and checks that Keyless operation key is near rear bumper.
  • When Keyless operation key is within the outside key antenna (rear bumper) detection area, Keyless operation key receives the request signal and transmits the key ID signal to Keyless operation key unit via remote keyless entry receiver.
  • Keyless operation key unit receives key ID signal and verifies the received key ID with the registered key ID.
  • When key IDs verification match, Keyless operation key unit transmits a key ID verification completed signal to automatic power liftgate control unit via CAN communication. When selective unlock function is OFF, BCM unlocks all doors simultaneously. For details of selective unlock function, refer to System Description.
  • When automatic power liftgate control unit receives a key ID verification completed signal from Keyless operation key unit, the automatic power liftgate control unit operates power liftgate auto closure function and opens power liftgate.
  • Automatic power liftgate control unit operates the automatic open function after power liftgate auto closure function stops, and opens power liftgate to the full open position* automatically.
    *: Full open position can be changed with power liftgate open position setting function.
 
 
Operation Description (Fully Open to Fully Closed of Power Liftgate)
  • When the user moves a foot toward rear bumper and pulls back quickly (performs a kick motion) while carrying Keyless operation key, voltage waveform change of hands free sensor (upper side) and hands free sensor (lower side) occurs.
  • Hands free sensor control unit judges user operation by detecting the voltage waveform of hands free sensor (upper side) and hands free sensor (lower side). The hands free sensor control unit then transmits an automatic power liftgate operation request signal to BCM via serial communication.
  • When BCM receives an automatic power liftgate operation request signal from hands free sensor control unit, the BCM transmits a key ID verification request signal to Keyless operation key unit via CAN communication.
  • When Keyless operation key unit receives key ID verification request signal, Keyless operation key unit activates outside key antenna (rear bumper) and checks that Keyless operation key is near rear bumper.
  • When Keyless operation key is within the outside key antenna (rear bumper) detection area, Keyless operation key receives the request signal and transmits the key ID signal to Keyless operation key unit via remote keyless entry receiver.
  • Keyless operation key unit receives a key ID signal and verifies it with the registered key ID.
  • When the key IDs match, Keyless operation key unit transmits the key ID verification completed signal to automatic power liftgate control unit via CAN communication.
  • When automatic power liftgate control unit receives key ID verification completed signal from Keyless operation key unit, the automatic power liftgate control unit operates automatic close function to close power liftgate automatically until power liftgate is in the ajar state (latch and striker are engaged).
  • When automatic power liftgate control unit detects power liftgate ajar state, the unit operates power liftgate auto closure function to close power liftgate completely.
 
 
AUTOMATIC OPEN/CLOSE TEMPORARY STOP FUNCTION
Automatic open/close temporary stop function temporarily stops the open/close operation by operating power liftgate opener switch, automatic power liftgate lock and close switch, automatic power liftgate close switch, automatic power liftgate switch, Keyless operation key or hands free sensor during automatic open/close operation.
 
 
Each Switch, Keyless operation key or Hands Free Sensor Operation
  • Automatic open/close operation stops when power liftgate opener switch, automatic power liftgate lock and close switch, automatic power liftgate close switch, automatic power liftgate switch, Keyless operation key or hands free sensor is operated during automatic open/close operation.
  • If the power liftgate opener switch, automatic power liftgate lock and close switch, automatic power liftgate close switch, automatic power liftgate switch, Keyless operation key, or hands free sensor is operated during the operation of automatic open/close temporary stop function (power liftgate operation is stopped), the power liftgate direction of operation changes automatically. As a result, the power liftgate operates in the direction opposite to the direction of operation before operation stop.
 
 
Power liftgate OPEN POSITION SETTING FUNCTION
Power liftgate open position setting function is a function that enables users to set the full opening stop position of automatic open operation when power liftgate may contact an obstacle if fully opened by the automatic open operation.
caution
  • It is not possible to set the position farther than the initial setting fully open position in the open direction.
  • The position of power liftgate cannot be set to approximately 30% or less than full open position. (Opening angle cannot be set to approximately 28° or less.)
  • If a vehicle is parked on a steep slope after setting the fully open position of power liftgate to half open or less, the door may open to near the half open position instead of stopping at the set position.
  • When more than one user uses the vehicle, the power liftgate fully open position setting function may be changed. Be careful when operating automatic open operation for the first time.
 
 
Setting Procedure
By performing the following operations, stop position of the power liftgate open position setting function can be set.
  1. Set the shift position to P range.
  2. Fully close the power liftgate. (When power liftgate is already fully closed, this operation is not necessary.)
  3. After turning OFF the power power liftgate setting, release the latch by power liftgate opener switch operation.
  4. Manually move the power liftgate to the desired stop position.
  5. While maintaining the power liftgate position, press and hold the automatic power liftgate close switch for 3 seconds or more. When the setting is successfully completed, automatic power liftgate warning buzzer sounds (pattern C).
 
 
Reset Procedure
By performing the following operation, the setting of the power liftgate open position setting function can be canceled.
  1. Set the shift position to P range.
  2. Open the power liftgate to the fully open position.
  3. Manually move the power liftgate to the upper limit position in the opening direction.
  4. Press and hold the automatic power liftgate close switch for 3 seconds or more. When the setting is successfully completed, automatic power liftgate warning buzzer sounds (pattern C).
 
 
Power liftgate OPEN/CLOSE FUNCTION
Automatic power liftgate open/close function operates auto open/close of power liftgate according to operation of automatic power liftgate switch, automatic power liftgate close switch, power liftgate opener switch, hands free sensor, and Keyless operation key.
When push the automatic power liftgate lock and close switch while carrying the Keyless operation key, the power liftgate will close, and when fully closed, all doors can be locked.
 
 
Operation Condition
When all of the following conditions are satisfied.
  • Shift position: P position
  • Vehicle speed: 0 km/h
  • Power supply (automatic power power liftgate control unit): Approx. 11 V or more
  • Keyless operation key is with in outside key antenna (rear bumper) detection area. (when automatic power liftgate lock and lock and close switch operated)
  • All doors are in unlock status (when automatic power liftgate switch operated)
 
 
Automatic Open/close Operation When Each Switch is Operated
The automatic open/close operation when each switch is operated differs according to the stop position or operating status of power liftgate. Refer to the following.
note
  • When the power liftgate position is in the range of [between "just before fully closed" and the position approximately less than 150 mm (5.91 in) from "just before fully closed"], the power liftgate does not operate even if any of switches are operated. But this is not malfunction.
  • To operate the power liftgate by switches, manually close the power liftgate to "Fully closed" position or manually open the power liftgate approximately more than 150 mm (5.91 in) from the position of "Just before fully closed". And then operate any of switches.
Automatic power liftgate switch
ConditionAutomatic power liftgate switchPower liftgate operation
Power liftgate positionPower liftgate conditionPower power liftgate setting
Full openStopONLong press (0.5 sec)Perform the automatic close function
OFFNon-operation
Fully open to just before fully openStopONLong press (0.5 sec)Perform the automatic close function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
MiddleStopONLong press (0.5 sec)
  • Automatic close operation (Operation before stop: when opening automatically)
  • Automatic open operation (Operation before stop: when closing automatically)
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Just before fully closed to fully closedStopONLong press (0.5 sec)Perform the automatic open function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Full closedStopONLong press (0.5 sec)Perform the automatic open function
OFFNon-operation
Keyless operation key (long press)
ConditionKeyless operation keyPower liftgate operation
Power liftgate positionPower liftgate conditionPower power liftgate setting
Full openStopONLong press (0.5 sec)Perform the automatic close function
OFFNon-operation
Fully open to just before fully openStopONLong press (0.5 sec)Perform the automatic close function
StopOFFPerform the automatic close function
MiddleStopONLong press (0.5 sec)
  • Automatic close operation (Operation before stop: when opening automatically)
  • Automatic open operation (Operation before stop: when closing automatically)
StopOFFNon-operation
Just before fully closed to fully closedStopONLong press (0.5 sec)Perform the automatic open function
StopOFFNon-operation
Full closedStopONLong press (0.5 sec)Perform the automatic open function
OFFNon-operation
Keyless operation key (short press)
ConditionKeyless operation keyPower liftgate operation
Power liftgate positionPower liftgate conditionPower power liftgate setting
Full openStopONShort press (0.1 sec)Non-operation
OFF
Fully open to just before fully openStopONShort press (0.1 sec)Non-operation
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
MiddleStopONShort press (0.1 sec)Non-operation
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Just before fully closed to fully closedStopONShort press (0.1 sec)Non-operation
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Full closedStopONShort press (0.1 sec)Non-operation
OFF
Automatic power liftgate lock and close switch
ConditionAutomatic power liftgate lock and close switchPower liftgate operation
Power liftgate positionPower liftgate conditionPower power liftgate setting
Full openStopONPressPerform the automatic close function
OFFNon-operation
Fully open to just before fully openStopONPressPerform the automatic close function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
MiddleStopONPressPerform the automatic close function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Just before fully closed to fully closedStopONPressNon-operation
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Automatic power liftgate close switch
ConditionAutomatic power liftgate close switchPower liftgate operation
Power liftgate positionPower liftgate conditionPower power liftgate setting
Full openStopONPressPerform the automatic close function
OFFNon-operation
Fully open to just before fully openStopONPressPerform the automatic close function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
MiddleStopONPress
  • Automatic close operation (Operation before stop: when opening automatically)
  • Automatic open operation (Operation before stop: when closing automatically)
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Just before fully closed to fully closedStopONPressPerform the automatic open function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Power liftgate opener switch
ConditionPower liftgate opener switchPower liftgate operation
Power liftgate positionPower liftgate conditionPower power liftgate setting
Full openStopONPressPerform the automatic close function
OFFNon-operation
Fully open to just before fully openStopONPressPerform the automatic close function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
MiddleStopONPress
  • Automatic close operation (Operation before stop: when opening automatically)
  • Automatic open operation (Operation before stop: when closing automatically)
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Just before fully closed to fully closedStopONPressPerform the automatic open function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Full closedStopONPressPerform the automatic open function
OFFPerform the power liftgate auto closure open operation
Hands free function (hands free sensor operation)
ConditionHands free sensorPower liftgate operation
Power liftgate positionPower liftgate conditionPower power liftgate setting
Full openStopONONPerform the automatic close function
OFFNon-operation
Fully open to just before fully openStopONONPerform the automatic close function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
MiddleStopONON
  • Automatic close operation (Operation before stop: when opening automatically)
  • Automatic open operation (Operation before stop: when closing automatically)
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Just before fully closed to fully closedStopONONPerform the automatic open function
Automatic open function operatingStop of the auto operation
Automatic close function operatingStop of the auto operation
StopOFFNon-operation
Full closedStopONONPerform the automatic open function
OFFNon-operation
noteKeyless operation key must be carried for starting the automatic open/close function by hands free sensor operation (hands free function) with the power liftgate stopped.
 
 
Timing Chart (Full Closed to Fully Open Operation): Case 1
TimingOperation
Buzzer operate (A pattern) and, power liftgate closure motor starts the open operation.
Open SW turns ON, and power liftgate latch release operation completes.
Half latch SW turns ON, and then power liftgate closure motor performs reverse operation and returns to the neutral position.
When close SW turns OFF, power liftgate closure motor reverse operation stops, and then completes returning to the neutral position.
 
 
Timing Chart (Full Closed to Fully Open Operation): Case 2
TimingOperation
Buzzer operate (A pattern) and, power liftgate closure motor starts the open operation.
Half latch SW turns ON, and power liftgate latch release operation completes.
Open SW turns ON, and then power liftgate closure motor performs reverse operation and returns to the neutral position.
When close SW turns OFF, power liftgate closure motor reverse operation stops, and then completes returning to the neutral position.
 
 
Timing Chart (Fully Open to Fully Closed Operation)
TimingOperation
Buzzer operate (A pattern) and, spindle motor starts the close operation.
 
 
CONTROL IF NOT WITHIN THE OPERATION CONDITIONS DURING THE OPERATION
If the power liftgate is not within the operation conditions during the operation, the automatic power liftgate control unit performs the control as follows.
Item
(Condition)
Power liftgate operation status
Power power liftgate setting: ON→OFFOperation stops
Operation condition release during the operation start announcementAutomatic power liftgate function is not operating
Shift position: P position→other than P position
  • Open operation: Operation stops
  • Close operation: Operation continues (once power liftgate fully closed state is detected, automatic operation does not become available again until the shift position is shifted to P range)
Vehicle speed
(0 km/h → More than 3 km/h)
Automatic open function operatingOperation stop [Power liftgate fully closed or buzzer sounds until the vehicle stops (pattern B)]
Automatic close function operatingThe operation is continued [buzzer sounds (pattern B) until power liftgate fully closed]
Malfunction detected
(Power supply circuit, half latch switch, and power liftgate condition)
Operation stops
Touch sensor circuit
(Normal → Open)
Open operationOperation stops
Close operationOperation stops
Closure (close) operationClosure closing operation, or warning buzzer operates (B pattern)
Closure [open (return the latch to the neutral position)]Operation continues
 
 
WARNING FUNCTION
The warning function is as follows and gives the user warning information using automatic power liftgate warning buzzer.
Automatic power liftgate warning buzzer
PatternDescriptionTime
A
Operation start announcement0.75 sec
BPi------••••••The conditions are not satisfied in the fully open position or during the operation, and then the operation continuesPower liftgate fully closed or vehicle is stopped
C
  • Calibration of automatic power liftgate position information is complete
  • Power liftgate open position setting procedure is complete
2.5 sec
D
Anti-pinch operation start announcement0.2 sec
 
 
Power liftgate AUTO CLOSURE FUNCTION
 
 
Open Function
When power liftgate opener switch is pressed and power power liftgate setting in the OFF position, BCM transmits the power liftgate open request signal to automatic power liftgate control unit via CAN communication, and automatic power liftgate control unit opens power liftgate lock assembly.
 
 
Timing Chart (Open function): Case 1
 
 
Timing Chart (Open function): Case 2
 
 
Closure Function
When the power liftgate is closed to the half-latch position, the motor drives to rotate the latch lever and pulls it in from half latched to fully latched and automatically closes the door. Then, the closure motor reverses to the neutral position.
 
 
Timing Chart (Closure Function)
 
 
ANTI-PINCH FUNCTION
  • When pinching of foreign material is detected during the operation of automatic open/close function, the power liftgate is operated in the reverse direction.
  • The detection methods are the following two types.
  1. Overload detection (detection by encoder)
    • When a drop in the operating speed is detected during the operation of the automatic open/close function, this is judged as pinching, and reverse operation operates.
    • If an overload by pinching or contact with foreign material is detected, reverse operation operates again. At this time, when the second overload is detected, automatic operation stops.
  2. Pinching detection (detection by power liftgate touch sensor)
    If the side part of the door pinches foreign material during the operation of automatic close function, the touch sensor detects this, and the door operates in the reverse direction. If a reverse operation is performed during driving, power liftgate shifts to closing operation again. At this time, if the touch sensor detects foreign material in the closing direction for a second time, automatic operation stops.
  • Automatic operation is stopped when one of the following conditions is detected after the first overload or pinching is detected.
    • Automatic power liftgate switch: ON
    • Keyless operation key power liftgate open button: ON
    • Automatic power liftgate close switch: ON
    • Automatic power liftgate lock and close switch: ON
    • Power liftgate opener switch: ON
    • Hands free sensor: ON
    • Overload detection or pinching detection: second time
 
 
Operation Condition
Detection methodEncoder pulseTouch sensor
Operation when any trapped foreign material is detectedStop the vehicleBuzzer sounds (pattern D) and reverse operationBuzzer sounds (pattern D) and the power liftgate stops in the fully-open position after reverse operation when automatic close function operating
Running the vehicleNo reverse operation (buzzer sounds, pattern B)Stop of the automatic close function
Number of allowable reverse operationsPerform the automatic open/close temporary stop function after 2 reverse operations regardless of the operation direction