Experiencing intermittent problems with your 2002 GMC Envoy’s tailgate can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it impacts your key fob functionality. For years, owners of the 2002 GMC Envoy have reported issues where the entire tailgate system seems to go dead, and this problem often extends to the remote key fob features.
When this tailgate issue arises, several symptoms become immediately apparent. Firstly, the rear wiper and rear defroster cease to function. Secondly, neither the tailgate nor the hatch glass will open, and there’s no manual key override available at the rear. Furthermore, a less obvious but still annoying symptom is the loss of the “retained accessory power” (RAP) feature, which normally keeps the radio playing after the ignition is turned off until a door is opened. Perhaps most irritatingly, the key fob remote lock and unlock functions become unreliable or stop working altogether.
Initial attempts to diagnose and fix this problem can be costly. Some owners have been quoted upwards of $400 to replace the entire wiring harness, a repair many are hesitant to undertake, especially given the on-and-off nature of the fault. Temporary fixes might offer brief respite, but the problem often returns, highlighting a potentially deeper underlying issue.
In some instances, this problem can even lead to vehicle lockout. If the driver’s side door lock is the only key slot on the exterior and it malfunctions in conjunction with the key fob issue, gaining entry can become a real challenge. However, some resourceful owners have discovered unconventional solutions. One reported method involves applying pressure to the upper edge of the hatch while simultaneously pressing the key fob unlock button. Surprisingly, this method has been known to temporarily restore functionality and allow access to the vehicle.
Further investigation into these tailgate and key fob issues has sometimes pointed to failures in seemingly unrelated components. For example, the connector between the door lock rod and the lock mechanism has been identified as a point of failure. The use of less-than-durable plastic in these components by General Motors has been a point of contention for some owners, leading to questions about material choices in critical vehicle systems.
While anecdotal evidence and shared experiences within the GMC Envoy community shed light on these common problems, a definitive solution, such as the specific part number for the problematic wiring harness, often remains elusive. Identifying this part would empower owners to pursue more targeted repairs and potentially resolve these frustrating 2002 GMC Envoy tailgate and key fob issues once and for all.
