Does the power tailgate only work when the car is running (or maybe in accessory mode)? When I have something in the cargo area and I get home and want to unload it, I first turn off the car and then I push the tailgate button, but nothing ever happens. I end up having to get out of the car and manually lift the tailgate. It's not a big deal, but it seems like it would be useful to allow the power tailgate button to operate as long as I have the key fob in my pocket or perhaps for some short time after the car is turned off. I don't want to open the tailgate while the car is running. I suppose I could turn the car off and then turn on the accessory mode (if that works), but that seems clunky.

Gregg

 

We don't have an RDX, but can tell you our 07 MDX power tailgate works all the time.

 

Ours too. You have to hold the button in for a couple seconds, a quick press doesn't do it.

 

I'll try holding the button longer. Thanks for that suggestion! I admit that I probably did a very quick press the few times I tried. I appreciate the help.

Thanks,

Gregg

 

The few seconds part is likely to prevent incidental contac and accidental opening.

 

You need to unlock it first, then hit the button in the cabin. If it is locked hitting the button will not open it. Read your owners manual

 

Well, the manual says there are two options for opening the tailgate: anytime or when unlocked. So if the first option is selected, which is the default, then the power tailgate should unlock and open at the same time.

Gregg

 

Doesn't seem to make much sense. What would be the difference between anytime and unlocked? I can second the fact it needs to be unlocked.

 

My interpretation is that if "when unlocked" is selected, then two separate steps would be required: one would have to first unlock the tailgate (presumably by hitting the button that unlocks all the doors) and then one would have to press the tailgate button. If the "anytime" option is selected, then pressing the tailgate button should do both -- it unlocks the tailgate and then opens the tailgate, all in one step. I have not yet tried this, so this is just my guess as to what the instructions mean.

Gregg

 

Okay. Let's us know how you make out. As I mentioned we have an MDX and it's 6 years old now, so lots may have changed and/or be different.

 

Just to follow up, I tried again this morning and all worked fine. I have the RDX set to the "anytime" option for the tailgate, and when I pressed the button for a second or two (rather than very quickly), the tailgate went up, even though the ignition was off. So, for me, it was just a case of me not pressing the button long enough.

Thanks for the help,

Gregg

 

Sound good

 

There doesn't seem to be a difference between the 2 settings. When mine is set to "Anytime", I still have to unlock the door first. When I asked my dealer about it, he said ... "yeah, the door has to be unlocked first." When I mentioned the "Anytime" setting, he repeated ... "yeah, the door has to be unlocked first." big help


Has anyone else had better luck with this?

Thanks,
Dwayne

 

Where I've noticed the 'odd' settings...pull into Goodwill, engine running, hit dash button for liftgate=nothing. Turn engine OFF...doors unlock...button works. Was it because the engine was turned off? or because the doors unlocked? Life is full of mysteries.

I very seldom use the dash button to lift the gate, given the scars left from overhead doors, etc. I've not given it too much thought.

Anybody know how to touch up the 'crest' of the depression that is designed for the license plate? Doesn't seem to have any paint left in a few spots...right on the 'seam'...dang! Who knew I needed clear protection for that area I'm afraid our new townhouse doors won't be any better...still have to be very careful!

 

locking and unlocking doors/tailgate is probably most frustrating experience with my RDX (next to acura link not working with T mobile)....very incosistent ... sometimes work as expected and then from time to time, I am scratching my head ....

 

i was a bit confused at first at this also, since my tailgate was set to anytime also.
The Keyfob will open "anytime" but regardless of the setting if the doorlocks aren't unlocked you can hold the interior button for 13940234234 hours and nothing.

The unlock was what was messing me up

 

Hey Rick,

Its because the doors were unlocked. I've dropped Lisa off and had the engine running while she grabbed something from the trunk and I hit the hatch button inside.

 

I think that's what I thought
Poor little liftgate is scarred for life and the tiny townhouse doors are a broken mirror waiting to happen!
Summer arrived just after you left...August has averaged close to 100 for highs each day.