Buick Enclave: Liftgate
Manual Liftgate Operation
WARNING
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch open, or if objects pass through the seal between the body and the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
► Close all windows.
► Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
► Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that brings in outside air only, and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control Systems” in the Index.
► If the vehicle is equipped with a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function.
► For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust.
To unlock the liftgate, use the power door lock switch or press the door unlock button on the RKE transmitter twice. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation.
To open the liftgate, press the touchpad located under the liftgate handle.
The Buick Enclave must be in P (Park) before the liftgate can be opened. To close the liftgate manually, use the pull cup or pull strap to guide it downward.
The liftgate will not open if the battery is disconnected or if voltage is too low. Normal liftgate operation should return after the battery is reconnected and properly charged.
If the battery is connected and has adequate voltage, but the liftgate still does not operate, the vehicle should be inspected by a dealer.
Power Liftgate Operation
The vehicle may be equipped with a power liftgate. The transmission must be in P (Park) before this feature can be used.
When the power liftgate operates, the taillamps flash and a chime sounds to alert nearby people that the liftgate is moving.
WARNING
You or others could be injured if caught in the path of the power liftgate. Make sure no one is near the liftgate as it opens or closes.
Notice: If the liftgate is opened without checking for overhead obstructions, such as a garage door, the liftgate or liftgate glass could be damaged.
Always make sure the area above and behind the liftgate is clear before opening it.
The power liftgate can be opened and closed in the following ways:
► Press and hold the power liftgate button on the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation for more information.

► Press the liftgate button on the center console.
► Press the touchpad on the outside liftgate handle.
Pressing a button or the touchpad a second time while the liftgate is moving will reverse its direction.
Power Liftgate Button near Liftgate Latch
The liftgate can also be closed by pressing the power liftgate button located next to the liftgate latch. Pressing the button again during operation will reverse the movement.
The power liftgate may be temporarily disabled during extreme temperatures or when the battery charge is low. If this occurs, the liftgate can still be operated manually.
If the transmission is shifted out of P (Park) while the liftgate is already moving, the power cycle will continue until it is complete.
If the transmission is shifted out of P (Park) and the Buick Enclave begins to accelerate before the power liftgate has fully latched, the liftgate may reverse and return to the open position. Cargo could fall out of the vehicle. Always confirm that the liftgate is closed and latched before driving away.
If the liftgate is opened by power operation and the liftgate support struts have lost pressure, the lamps will flash and a chime will sound. The liftgate may remain open briefly and then slowly close. If this happens, see your dealer for service before using the liftgate again.
Obstacle Detection Features
► A warning chime will sound and the liftgate will automatically reverse to the fully open or fully closed position if it meets an obstruction during a power open or close cycle. After the obstruction is removed, power liftgate operation can be used again.
If the liftgate encounters additional obstacles during the same power cycle, the power function deactivates and the liftgate must be opened or closed manually. The message LIFTGATE OPEN appears to indicate that the liftgate is not fully closed. See Driver Information Center (DIC) for more information.
After removing any obstruction, manually move the liftgate to the fully open position or close it until it is fully latched.
The liftgate should then return to normal power operation.
The vehicle has pinch sensors located along the side edges of the liftgate. If an object is caught between the liftgate and the body and presses against one of these sensors, the liftgate reverses direction and opens fully. It will remain open until activated again or closed manually. Do not force the liftgate open or closed during a power cycle.
Manual Operation of Power Liftgate

To change the liftgate to manual operation, press the switch on the center console to the OFF position.
► A POWER LIFTGATE OFF message displays to indicate that the liftgate is now in manual operation mode.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) for more information.
With the power liftgate disabled and all doors unlocked, the liftgate can be opened and closed manually.
To open the liftgate, press the touchpad on the outside liftgate handle and lift the gate upward. To close it, use the pull cup to lower the liftgate until it closes. The latch will power-close the final portion. Always close the liftgate before driving.
If the RKE button or the power close button on the liftgate is pressed while power operation is disabled, the lights will flash three times, but the liftgate will not move.
Driving with the liftgate open is not recommended.
If driving with the liftgate open cannot be avoided, the liftgate should be set to manual operation by pressing the OFF switch on the center console.
For regular Buick Enclave use, keeping the liftgate area clean, checking for overhead clearance, and allowing the power system to complete its cycle helps prevent unnecessary wear and avoids accidental damage.