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2014 durango. Does a new rear tailgate power drive assembly require resetting/learning?

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Stang99svt

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
2014 Dodge Durango Citadel.
Our rear tailgate was falling down. Unable to stay up. But still opened and retracted.

Changed out the tailgate assist strut. (passenger side) as well driver side power unit. Unfortunately it will open but immediately sinks and smacks my wife on the head.
I read a few posts on facebook identifying you may have to put the vehicle into a "learning mode"or something to that extent.

I have obd jscan and mx+. I found a section for tailgate in the tool but couldn't find any "learning" or reset function.

Any advisement?
 
#2 ·
It sounds like you got a bum assist strut. If it's the power strut that is truly weak then you ruined it by not replacing the assist strut sooner.
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
yes bought both units the same time because, yes, I read the strut on the passenger side was key. I actually bought the struts off amazon and came with 2. tried both. power motor I got from the dealership.

SO to validate, no programming of any sort is required?
 
#5 · (Edited)
See what Chase300 comes back with, but when I look at this manual link, it only mentions to test strut for proper operation after the power liftgate support (motorized one) is replaced.

McDowell County Public Library - Chilton Auto Repair

mcdowellpubliclibrary.org mcdowellpubliclibrary.org

But.... I'd say right here is your problem:
Stang99svt said:
I actually bought the struts off amazon and came with 2. tried both.
Click to expand...
There are a TON of inaccurately linked and incorrect aftermarket parts on Amazon! If it came with two liftgate support rods (gas prop struts), dead ringer they are not the right parts. Either they don't have enough pressure, aren't the right length, or both. As both Tin Foil Hat and Chase300 pointed out, bum/wrong assist strut.

At the minimum, find out what liftgate support rod part number is allotted for your VIN, and order it from the dealer or online OEM parts source. Just a glance, it looks like there are two different passenger side support rod part numbers, likely one for with the power liftgate, and a different one for without. That's why checking to see which is matched to your VIN.
 
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#6 ·
I put a pair of Rock Auto struts on my Grand Caravan a few years ago when my mom owned it. They were so stiff I wasn't sure she would even be able to close the gate. I told her to use the side doors for whatever she needed to load. They are still stiff today but a bit better with age.
 
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
norge said:
See what Chase300 comes back with, but when I look at this manual link, it only mentions to test strut for proper operation after the power liftgate support (motorized one) is replaced.

McDowell County Public Library - Chilton Auto Repair

mcdowellpubliclibrary.org mcdowellpubliclibrary.org

But.... I'd say right here is your problem:

There are a TON of inaccurately linked and incorrect aftermarket parts on Amazon! If it came with two liftgate support rods (gas prop struts), dead ringer they are not the right parts. Either they don't have enough pressure, aren't the right length, or both. As both Tin Foil Hat and Chase300 pointed out, bum/wrong assist strut.

At the minimum, find out what liftgate support rod part number is allotted for your VIN, and order it from the dealer or online OEM parts source. Just a glance, it looks like there are two different passenger side support rod part numbers, likely one for with the power liftgate, and a different one for without. That's why checking to see which is matched to your VIN.
Click to expand...
Yes I don't disagree with your statements on amazon auto parts and inaccuracy's . I'm just attempting to narrow down the problem between the motorized strut, potential programming (if required or not), and potential new defective items and wrong items. I would say if the programming is not a factor then yes the amazon pass strut replacement is more than probable the wrong item.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Chase300 said:
Apparently there is a power liftgate module that would need a relearn process if you replace the motor lift. You have to do that with a scantool.
Click to expand...
Thats what my review found as well. information tad minimal. though I have not reviewed the links supplied above yet.
But as stated above as well I didn't see a function in obj scan tool under tailgate.

So yes I'm wondering IF its a programming issue or a wrong part. But I went ahead an ordered a over priced OEM pass side unit.

If anyone reading may have information on a mobile app scan tool that can facilitate the programming that would be exceptional.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Came across this thread with info from Duh-rango: https://www.dodgedurango.net/threads/power-liftgate-reboot-relearn.82143/

It describes the relearn. It mentions it's to learn and adapt to the many variables (travel limits, resistance to travel, etc.). As yours sounds like it's opening all the way to a travel limit and dropping, I assume after the motor stops operating, I would suspect it's more likely the assist strut isn't the correct one as that's how it acts if they are bad. One of the two part numbers has a JRC sales code linked, which appears to be the Power Liftgate code, though that's something I always verify because some of the online sources aren't listed correctly with the correct sales code link.

EDIT: Part of that suspect that it's a bad assist star is because of the number of members who have replaced the power liftgate strut without have it relearn. Seems that most who have had to do the relearn is because it would unlatch and immediately relatch without opening, or refuse to move from the open position. I mistakenly thought the relearn for the unlatch and relatch issue was only for the latching/locking mechanism, it appears to be that and the lift motor.
 
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Discussion starter · #11 ·
AND YES.....
It was the passenger side strut. I purchased a OEM unit and obviously it was different. It does sink an inch when it gets to the top. BUT compared to it falling down on your head that a significant improvement.
 
#12 ·
It shouldn't sink an inch at all but rather it should stay all the way up. Your power strut may be at fault.
 
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Vice-White
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