2009 Touring - Rear Hatch Door Opens on its own

[mobro]

When either key starts the Pilot - the rear tailgate opens to the "first catch" position. You can't pull it the rest of the way open. But you have to shut it while it is running. Getting to be a real pain in the rear getting out and shutting it every time we start the vehicle.

Anyone else had this? Any ideas on how to fix? My 2009 has 79,000 miles on it so long past warranty.

[1YESfan]

Driven with all the windows down and the hatch open I would bet gas milage has improved at highway speed. ;-)

That sounds really strange!

[mobro]

ha! And when you get home from the market there is less to carry into the house!

[rocky]

Start by lubing the latch with a dry lubricant like silicon. Apply generously

If that provokes no improvement, look for a panel on the inside of the tailgate opposite the latch. Remove and see if there is any potential for adjusting the latch.

[drdelb]

Had the same problem with my 09 ex
There was a tech bulletin out on this problem. Water was getting under rubber piece at handle . Check with Honda dealer might fix no charge.

[mobro]

Good memory drdelb! Found the TSB 09-044 (attached)

Edit: PDF too large to attach per forum rules

Tailgate Latch Intermittently Becomes Half-Latched or Does Not Work

SYMPTOM
The tailgate latch intermittently becomes half-latched, cycles from latched to half-latched, or does not work at all.

PROBABLE CAUSE
There is water in the tailgate handle switch.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the tailgate handle switch assembly.

[SilWho]

Very annoying! I had the exact same problem last year and it was the hatch motor. the motor was replaced under warranty but it took a minute to get it to do it in front of them.

Once they replaced the motor, the mechanic left little dings on the inside bottom part of the hatch (on the metal part). It almost looked as if they removed the moulding with the back of a hammer (). They have taken responsibility and will repair the dings on the hatch but I just haven't been able to schedule it for repair because of work! Hopefully I will have some time soon!

Good Luck!

[mobro]

Update - they replaced the switch. Out of warranty with 79k miles, but I asked for and received 75% good will. So < $40 for me. And the door hasn't opened on its own again in the week since the repair.

[moda_way]

Had this fix done quite a while ago and it is still functioning as intended. Now if they could just put a good fix in for front wheel bearings, I'd be elated.