I created an account just for this. BTW, I’ve been following this forum for a while – you guys have helped me a lot.
Okay, I have a strange ongoing problem with my second hand 2019 subaru climbing tour (canadian tour). I have read many hatching issues here on this forum but none exactly like mine. My local dealership tried several things (out of warranty, out of pocket) and even asked Subaru Canada for help and so far nothing has fixed it. I’m writing to you guys in the hope that someone somewhere has had the same issue and solved it somehow.
The issue is as follows:
- tailgate suddenly stops opening when you press any button. FOB, dash, gate button.
- when i press the tailgate button with the fob within range i hear the doors open but otherwise no other response at all.
- holding the port button for a long time also does nothing.
- at that point there is absolutely no way to physically open the door other than opening the access point inside the trunk. reclosing the port in that state does not reset or fix the problem.
- I usually fix this by pulling and reinstalling fuse #14. The dealership also fixed it by disconnecting the battery. (reset host computer)
- I notice the issue always happens right after a good rain storm. Basically a lot of wind and water, or heavy snow that melts during the day – I don’t have a garage. The first time I open the gate after that it works but there is an impressive amount of water coming out of the two drain holes tall opening and then usually on the same day shortly after it stops working as stated above. I showed the seller a video of the water coming out of the drain when opening. in their opinion that the behavior is normal. in their defense, the gate opening may not be related to the gate drain or water stuck inside the gate at all. However, there is undoubtedly a link between wet weather conditions and the gate stopping opening.
- on the other hand, I tried to reproduce the problem manually and never could. Washing the car for example does not cause it. it would have helped a lot to be able to reproduce the problem at will – then I wouldn’t have to wait for the problem to reproduce to confirm whether the last attempt fixed it or not.
The dealership first tried to fix this by replacing the tailgate module. They said this fixed similar issues with the forester. he didn’t. They opened the plastic door trim and found nothing unusual. Then they seek help from Subaru Canada. They thought it was very strange that the main module does not reset when the gate is closed. so they replaced the main module. that was 2 weeks ago, roughly a year after purchase. and the issue happened again this weekend.
So anyone having similar problems? am i the only one
At the moment my best guess is that there is an open/bad wire somewhere, moisture somehow inhibiting the main module, which doesn’t resolve itself.
As such I think I have the following choices.
1 – further feed the money sink hole and look for a garage – maybe not the dealer –
a. find the bad wiring and fix it.
b. find where the water is coming in and plug it.
2 – DIY a switch button instead of fuse #14 so at least I don’t have to bend over to pull it. I can already imagine myself explaining to the next owner why there is a strange button next to the fuse box.
3 – get a new car
4 – absorb it
and to be honest, none of these options are particularly appealing…
any help is appreciated here, thanks in advance.
