2012 Ex-L tailgate problem - Honda Pilot

Suvi · 10-04-2011, 04:19 PM

Hello fellow Piloteers. I have been having issues with my power tailgate. There are 3 ways to open the power tailgate:

1. remote transmitter
2. button at driver side door panel
3. at the back gate handle where you need to press a button.

when I got the car 449 miles ago, everything was working fine. but now for some reason. only the remote transmitter can open the tailgate. However to close it all three options still work, in addition the tailgate glass would also not open.

I would appreciate the help, if anyone has had any similar issues.

macphanatic · 10-04-2011, 05:12 PM

Why wouldn't you take it to the dealer and have this issue addressed under warranty?

CHoorel · 10-04-2011, 06:51 PM

I second that.

bdac2k · 10-05-2011, 08:47 AM

Make sure all the doors are unlocked prior to pressing the unlock buttons.

jjgoff2012 · 10-05-2011, 09:55 AM

Yes...if the doors aren't unlocked only the remote transmitter will work. I figured this out myself.

theirishscion · 10-05-2011, 11:23 AM

If the glass hatch won't open, the car's brain must think the tailgate isn't completely closed. I'm guessing this is just a calibration issue with the striker switch, or perhaps a faulty active latch. The switch on the glass hatch could be acting up as well, but I'd imagine that would prevent even the key fob working.

When you pull the button on the tailgate, does it unlatch the tailgate but not open it? If so, it's behaving correctly. The button on the handle just unlatches. The close button on the bottom side of the inside of the tailgate activates the motor to pull it back down.

At any rate, as the previous two posters said, short of trying to operate it when the car is locked (or thinks it's locked, possibly, but that's a stretch), there's really nothing you could be doing wrong to prevent it working.

mmm666 · 10-05-2011, 10:19 PM

wow. I just discovered there is a button on the tailgate... now I can press the button on the tailgate and open it.. more easier.

I have been using remote to open the tailgate for 2 years.

any new discovery about the pilot??

SilWho · 10-05-2011, 11:43 PM

Along with making sure all doors are unlocked, for the transmitter and the button on the driver's door to work the gear must be in the "park" position.

. I don't believe the glass hatch will open remotely and you must click on the button located on the right side of the H chrome molding on the hatch ( if case you're trying to open it with the hatch buttons!)

10-04-2011, 04:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Suvi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: bay area Posts: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	2012 Ex-L tailgate problem Hello fellow Piloteers. I have been having issues with my power tailgate. There are 3 ways to open the power tailgate: 1. remote transmitter 2. button at driver side door panel 3. at the back gate handle where you need to press a button. when I got the car 449 miles ago, everything was working fine. but now for some reason. only the remote transmitter can open the tailgate. However to close it all three options still work, in addition the tailgate glass would also not open. I would appreciate the help, if anyone has had any similar issues.

10-04-2011, 05:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
macphanatic Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ply. Meeting Posts: 629 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Why wouldn't you take it to the dealer and have this issue addressed under warranty? __________________ 2007 Pilot EX-L AWD Nav Nimbus Grey, Weathertech Window Deflectors, Cargo Cover, WWong's pads, Blitzsafe Aux Input & Sirius Starbase, Splash Guards, Subframe Braces, DEI 452T auto door lock mod, Fumoto drain valve, Parrot 3200 Bluetooth, Polk db651s & db651, Michelin LTX M/S2 1999 F-250SD XLT SC 4x4 Black & Silver, Stainless Running Boards, Weathertech Window Deflectors, Sirius

10-05-2011, 08:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
bdac2k Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Germantown, MD Posts: 164 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Make sure all the doors are unlocked prior to pressing the unlock buttons. __________________ 09' Pilot Touring 4wd - Sterling gray/gray - 35%/20% tint (front/sunroof) - OEM remote starter - Full size spare - Premium running boards - OEM fender trim - OEM crossbars - HID headlights and foglights - debadged - LED puddle lights 01' Audi S4 - Imola Yellow - Stg II

10-05-2011, 11:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
theirishscion Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 733 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If the glass hatch won't open, the car's brain must think the tailgate isn't completely closed. I'm guessing this is just a calibration issue with the striker switch, or perhaps a faulty active latch. The switch on the glass hatch could be acting up as well, but I'd imagine that would prevent even the key fob working. When you pull the button on the tailgate, does it unlatch the tailgate but not open it? If so, it's behaving correctly. The button on the handle just unlatches. The close button on the bottom side of the inside of the tailgate activates the motor to pull it back down. At any rate, as the previous two posters said, short of trying to operate it when the car is locked (or thinks it's locked, possibly, but that's a stretch), there's really nothing you could be doing wrong to prevent it working. __________________ 2011 Touring 4x4 RES, Dark Cherry Pearl & Beige "The HDMI Wagon"

10-05-2011, 10:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
mmm666 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 256 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	wow. I just discovered there is a button on the tailgate... now I can press the button on the tailgate and open it.. more easier. I have been using remote to open the tailgate for 2 years. any new discovery about the pilot?? __________________ 2010 Pilot Ex-L AWD. Taff White. weathertech digiFit. llumar ATR CH 35% / 5 % tinted windows. 16,000 miles. 2006 Toyota Camry V6. 256,000 Miles.

10-04-2011, 06:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
CHoorel Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 56 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I second that.

10-05-2011, 09:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
jjgoff2012 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hurricane, WV Posts: 51 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yes...if the doors aren't unlocked only the remote transmitter will work. I figured this out myself.

10-05-2011, 11:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
SilWho Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 52 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Tail gate Along with making sure all doors are unlocked, for the transmitter and the button on the driver's door to work the gear must be in the "park" position. . I don't believe the glass hatch will open remotely and you must click on the button located on the right side of the H chrome molding on the hatch ( if case you're trying to open it with the hatch buttons!) __________________ 2009 Pilot Touring with DVD RES – 2WD Silver – Gray Leather – Wheel Locks - Premium RBoards - Door Visors Last edited by SilWho; 10-05-2011 at 11:48 PM.

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