Honda Pilot: Power Tailgate System Description - Control/Function

Basic Operation

OPEN: The power tailgate can be opened by operating the driver's power tailgate switch, tailgate outer handle switch*, or the keyless transmitter under the following conditions:

• Tailgate is fully closed.
• All door's lock knob switches are in UNLOCKED*.
• The tailgate button is pressed and held for 1 second.
• Shift lever is in P position.
• The vehicle speed is less than 1 mph (2 km/h).
• Closer unit detects the neutral position.
• Battery voltage (VBU) is more than 11 V.
• System is not in fail-safe mode.
• Vehicle ignition OFF mode (keyless operation only).

*: The conditions may vary depending on the customized settings.

CLOSE: The power tailgate can be closed by operating the driver's power tailgate switch, the power tailgate inside switch, or the keyless transmitter under the following conditions:

• Tailgate is fully open.
• Pinch sensor detects no obstruction.
• Closer unit detects the neutral position.
• Battery voltage (VBU) is more than 11 V.
• System is not in fail-safe mode.
• Vehicle ignition OFF mode (keyless operation only).

Closer Retraction Operation

When the operation switch is operated again while the closer motor is operating, the closer motor stops its operation.

Pinching Detection Control

When something is pinched (hit) during the open/close operation of the power tailgate, pinching is detected and the motor of the drive unit is stopped to reverse the rotation. There are two types of detection methods, the direct detection method and the indirect detection method.

1. Direct Detection Method (Pinch Sensor Detection)

In this method, the change in the internal resistance due to oppression of the pinch sensor during the auto close operation is detected to determine the existence of pinching.

2. Indirect Detection Method

• Pulse detection (Overload detection)
  In this method, the change in the pulse width output from the pulse sensor during the auto open/close operation is detected to determine the existence of pinching.
• Current detection
  In this method, the change in the load calculated value from the power tailgate motor current during the auto open/close operation is detected to determine the existence of pinching.

Power Tailgate Open/Close Speed Control

The power tailgate open/close speeds are detected from the pulse signals of the pulse sensor and, based on the open/close position of the tailgate, the speed control is carried out to follow the preset target speed.

Beeper Sound Function

The beeper sound function activates the beeper sound when the operation is stopped, pinching is detected, the close operation is performed while the vehicle speed is detected, the auto operation is carried out while the door fall prevention function, etc. There are some beeper sound patterns as shown below.

Warning sound (1)

• When the tailgate starts to open automatically (excluding when operate the tailgate outer handle switch)
• When the tailgate starts to close automatically

Warning sound (2)

• When the tailgate starts to open automatically with operate the tailgate outer handle switch*

*: The conditions may vary depending on the customized settings.

Warning sound (3)

• When the tailgate open manually with operate the tailgate outer handle switch*

*: The conditions may vary depending on the customized settings.

Warning sound (4)

• When the reverse operation is started after the tailgate has detected any obstruction
• When the reverse operation is started by switch operation
• When the pinch sensor on mode is detected while the tailgate is closing automatically
• When the vehicle speed exceeds 2 km/h while the tailgate is opening automatically
• When the fail-safe mode is detected while the tailgate is operating automatically
• When the operating time is over

Warning sound (5)

• When the vehicle speed exceeds 2 km/h while the tailgate is closing automatically

Warning sound (6)

• When the tailgate fall-down detection function is activated
• When the thermal protection mode is detect while the tailgate is opening automatically

Warning sound (7)

• When the tailgate is not fully-latched, and the following condition is met: The shift lever is in any position other than P or N, the brake pedal position switch and parking brake switch are OFF, and the vehicle speed exceeds 2 km/h

Door Fall Prevention Function

This function prevents the tailgate from suddenly falling down because of an accumulation of snow, or other causes. If the pulser in the drive unit detects abnormal pulses, the tailgate starts to open. If this operation is activated twice, the tailgate will close automatically. If the obstruction detection function detects any obstruction several times during this fall-down detection function, the tailgate stops moving.

Power Tailgate System Description - Overview

The power tailgate can be opened and closed automatically from the driver's power tailgate switch (located on the driver's door panel), or by using the keyless remote.

Power Tailgate System Description - ComponentsPower Windows System Description - Components