Disconnect Center Stack Tailgate Button

Mayo · July 16

On 7/14/2024 at 7:18 PM, redwngr said:

My tailgate had been open a couple of times.

I didn't think I'd hit the button, but of course I might have.

It didn't seem to ever be related to weather /water intrusion at the tailgate switch.

I did, and still do, keep crap in the spot under the switches (and I'm still pissed about loosing the console space to the shifter). Always seems to be something that gets put in the space each time I get in the truck.

(on this one, the bed cover prevents the tailgate from immediately dropping, even it is unlatched -- so unlatched while parked it might probably won't drop until jiggled while driving)

Anyway, a few months ago, the truck got the switch on the tailgate replaced under the recall

It hasn't happened since.

Coincidence? I don't know.

Were there two problems?

I'm wondering if they have also changed the programming to require a slightly longer press or the tailgate release button for the latch to release. Would reduce the probability of accidental button push activating the release.

Extra 'fob button push time requirement' corrected a similar issue with the fob and trunk release on the early builds of the most recent generation of impala.

They did update the software, it now takes a couple seconds press to open. Tailgate

MrLeadFoot · July 16

2 hours ago, Mayo said:

They did update the software, it now takes a couple seconds press to open. Tailgate

When was this firmware update supposed to have taken place? I ask because I haven't heard of any updates to the taligate console switch, and I'd like to know more about this change. It doesn't say in your profile, but what model truck do you have? Was the update only for your year, make and model?

Thank you.

Edited July 16 by MrLeadFoot

redwngr · July 16

I would bet it's done at the same time as the buttons on the tailgate get changed under the recall.

MrLeadFoot · July 17

1 hour ago, redwngr said:

I would bet it's done at the same time as the buttons on the tailgate get changed under the recall.

What recall is this? How come I don't know about it?

Edit: Just found it and read it. It says they will replace the exterior switch and reprogram BCM to 1.5 seconds for "IP" switch. Does the "IP" stand for Instrument Panel switch?

I went to experience.gm.com, entered my VIN in to search for recalls, but nothing came up, even though my VIN matches what's on the TSB. Has this recall been implemented yet?

Edited July 17 by MrLeadFoot

redwngr · July 17

Yes, IP is often used to indicate Instrument Panel.

Tailgate buttons were 2 recalls.

First was to disable the buttons on tailgate so moisture couldn't activate the switch.

Second one was to actually do the replacement once switches were available.

I think the first was early this year, and the second late spring.

I only had if fall open a few times, but never since the buttons on tailgate were changed.

Edited July 17 by redwngr

JimOinGigHarbor · July 26

I am having the same issue with the tailgate opening accidentally. I had bicycles in the back and damaged my tailgate on one of the bicycle steps because it opened.

GMC needs to fix this, software update enabling in settings to disable/lock the interior tailgate button on the cluster.

Chevrolet1 · August 14

On 1/15/2024 at 6:52 PM, MrLeadFoot said:

Sorry I didn't see this until just now, but better late than never.

I can see that people with your model have no issue bumping the button. No wionder @newdudethought it was a "me" problem. It would be really hard for you guys to bump the button on your models.

In my model the center stack is in an entirely different location, and the buttons all seemingly "float" right above a very useful temporary storage area, in which items are placed and removed often. Having to go over the shifter then down under the button stack is the issue.

Correct, and I was wondering when someone would catch this. The Denali and AT4 models are the ones with the dash where this row of buttons is just above a storage area located in front of the console shifter.

On my SLT and even with having a center console, the HVAC controls are below this row of buttons (which include the one to open the tailgate). Hence, no risk of bumping these buttons when reaching into this console storage area. See pic below (could not find the pic with console).

Edited August 14 by Chevrolet1

MrLeadFoot · August 14

On 7/25/2024 at 9:50 PM, JimOinGigHarbor said:

I am having the same issue with the tailgate opening accidentally. I had bicycles in the back and damaged my tailgate on one of the bicycle steps because it opened.

GMC needs to fix this, software update enabling in settings to disable/lock the interior tailgate button on the cluster.

There is the recall spoken about above in this thread, wherein the BCM gets programmed to lengthen the button push, so that a mere bump won't drop the tailgate. Here is a summery of this two-part recall. For details, see the attached Technical Service Bulletin at the bottom of this post.

Two parts to the recall:

1) Replace hardware

2) Reprogram switch to 1.5 second delay

I contacted GM and they said my truck doesn't qualify for the recall even though the TSB clearly identifies my VIN as one that should have the recall. It's possible that mine does not need replacement of the hardware that causes the tailgate to drop on it's own, but I definitely need the seond part of the recall. I think GM is being very selective (cheapskates), and if your particular truck does not need the hardware replaced, they are disqualifying you from the recall atogether, even though the second part of the recall should be applied to ALL trucks that have the type of Instrument Panel switch that I have.

I agree with you. The time they spent lengthening the button push timeout would've been better spent updating the software to allow people to disable the button in Settings. Wouldn't be hard to do.

That said, #2 above is better than the way it is now, so I contacted my local dealer and they are currently trying to get approval from GM to allow me to get the button reprogrammed.

Tailgate Recall TSB.pdf