Key FOB in pocket and press the actual button in rear hatch to open it and it simply beeps and will not start the hatch open and lifting. Thoughts?

 

I think that the solenoid for the latch is not releasing or is jammed by something.

Here is all the information from the Acura factory service manual on the power tailgate, it includes description and operation, troubleshooting, wiring and testing.

Hope this helps you.

 

Which button are you talking about? The rubber button off to the side only locks/unlocks the car, you have to manually open and pull the hatch up to open it. Pulling on the latch will also unlock the car (depending on how you have it set) but you still have to manually pull it open. It only power opens when you use the inside button or the fob button. At least that how ours works.

 

I can open the lift gate using the keyfob and interior switch on the dash. However, pressing the actual rubber tailgate release button I should be able to do this below:

(from the manual)
Power Tailgate Button (exterior)

Automatic operation -
Press the tailgate release button. You will hear one beep, and the tailgate opens automatically.

Manual operation -

If there is not enough clearance for the tailgate to fully open, press and hold the tailgate release button until you hear two beeps. The tailgate unlatches, and you can open it manually.

I press or press hold the button and just hear a beep and it does this below:

Pressing the tailgate release button is doing the following:

Unlocking/Locking the Tailgate
To unlock: Press and hold the tailgate release button under the tailgate handle to unlock the tailgate and all doors. The vehicle can be on or off.
To lock: Press the tailgate lock button to lock the tailgate and all doors. If the remote transmitter is inside the vehicle, the tailgate and doors will not lock

Maybe I'm dense but how does this button do both of these functions above?

 

There are two switches on the tailgate. The one under the Acura logo opens the trunk if you press it quickly. If you hold it, it will go into manual mode and the power lift gate turns off. To lock or unlock car, there is another switch to the right that locks and unlocks all doors.

 

Oh good grief I'm a total bone head. There are two separate switches. The one on the right side of the hatch is for locking. The one in the CENTER is for opening the lift gate. Here I am pushing the lock button the whole time and it is doing its job...locking and unlocking the car. Duh.