Experiencing issues with your Chevrolet Equinox rear hatch not opening can be frustrating, especially when you rely on your key fob for easy access. Many Equinox owners have encountered situations where the power liftgate refuses to budge, leaving them wondering how to access the cargo area. If your Equinox hatch won’t open using the key fob or the interior button, you’re not alone, and understanding potential causes and solutions is key.
One Equinox owner reported a perplexing situation with their 2013 model. Initially, the power hatch worked perfectly, but suddenly, it became unresponsive. Neither the key fob remote button nor the overhead button inside the vehicle would activate the liftgate. This owner’s experience highlights a common problem: seemingly random failures of the Equinox power liftgate system.
Upon taking their Equinox to the dealership, the issue was diagnosed as a faulty rear hatch control module. Technicians initially suspected the hatch release mechanism itself, but after replacement, the problem persisted. Further investigation and consultation with GM technical support revealed that the rear hatch on these vehicles operates via a dedicated control module. Replacing this module and flashing it with the correct software ultimately resolved the problem for this owner. The dealership noted that there was no apparent reason for the module failure, such as a blown fuse or any signs of wear and tear, making the issue somewhat unpredictable.
While a faulty control module can be the culprit, it’s also worth considering other potential issues. Dealership service departments have mentioned relays within the liftgate system as possible points of failure. Checking the relay related to your liftgate could be a troubleshooting step, although this might require professional diagnosis.
It’s also important to consider the power source – your key fob itself. Although less likely to be the primary cause of a complete hatch failure, a weak or dead key fob battery can sometimes cause intermittent or unreliable operation of the remote features, including the liftgate. While the described issue in the original post seems beyond a simple key fob battery problem, ensuring your key fob is functioning correctly is a basic step in troubleshooting any remote-operated vehicle function. You can typically open your Equinox key fob by locating a small release button or notch, often requiring a small flathead screwdriver or your car key to gently pry it open and access the battery compartment. Replacing the battery is a straightforward process and can rule out a simple key fob issue.
Unfortunately, as the Equinox owner discovered, there is no external keyhole for manual hatch operation on some models. GM’s design philosophy, as explained by the service representative, assumes that rear access is always possible through the rear passenger doors and the interior of the vehicle. However, this design can be inconvenient when carrying large or bulky items that are loaded directly into the hatch area and cannot be easily maneuvered through the passenger cabin.
In situations where the power liftgate is completely unresponsive and you need to access the cargo area, you may need to resort to accessing it from inside the vehicle. While not ideal, especially with a loaded cargo area, you can typically fold down the rear seats and access the hatch from the inside to manually release it from the interior. This might involve locating an internal release lever or mechanism, which can vary depending on the specific Equinox model year. Consulting your owner’s manual for specific instructions on manual interior hatch release is recommended.
If you’re experiencing a persistent issue with your Equinox hatch not opening, especially if it’s related to the key fob or power liftgate system, it’s best to consult with a certified Chevrolet dealership or a qualified automotive technician. They can properly diagnose the root cause, whether it’s a control module, relay, or another electrical component, and perform the necessary repairs to restore the functionality of your Equinox rear hatch.
