Liftgate Softclose Actuator (SCA) Failure

[Motorhead]

Is there a third location for relays?

I've pulled every one from the box against the firewall under the bonnet, and the three from the trunk. even with no relays installed, I can still hear a relay clicking when I push the button. Sounds like it's coming from between the relay box and the fuse box in the glove compartment.

Again, thanks for the help.

[SlickGT1]

It really shouldn't even function without the relay at all. Let alone clicking. I'm not even sure where there are more relays. They seem to be everywhere. Like I can't find the relay for the air suspension or the fuses. I pull them all, and everything still works.

[g300d]

Motorhead, IIRC the relay is in the boot and the fuses are in the glove box.

Quicksilver7 posted a diagram with the relay details, you will have to search for it though, I came across it long ago when I was troubleshooting my own truck and I dont remember which thread he posted it in. Sorry.

[SlickGT1]

Correct, my soft close relay was deff in the right hand side of the boot above the fuses.

[Motorhead]

Fellas, I appreciate your help, I really do. However on the earlier e53s the relay for the SCA is not in the trunk. I have seen pics of the glove box fuse assembly, and it has 3 relays on the top. There is also a power distribution board behind this fuse box, which also holds another 4 relays. I'll be pulling apart the dash today to get to these 7 relays.
Why they didn't install a cable operated handle in the hatch is anyone's guess, but it's got to be one of the dumber automotive design choices.

[g300d]

As I recall the soft close system was introduced with the 2004 facelift and my own truck is mid 04, so its an early one.

I do hope you find what you are looking for, I know the feeling from troubleshooting my own system. Very frustrating!

[Motorhead]

Okay, I've traced the relay clicking sound to what I believe is the GM3 module behind the glovebox. Does anyone know if I can unplug the three connectors to this, wait five or ten minutes and reconnect to "unstick" the relay inside?

I can feel the clicking thru the centre connector.

Last thing I want to do is unplug it and immobilise the car or some such.

I've read horror stories about failed GM3 modules, but the fact that I can hear the relay clicking still gives me hope.

Thanks again.

[g300d]

I dont think pulling those plugs will kill your X, but dont quote me on that lol!

I would maybe disconnect the negative terminal for a bit, I do that often when trying to reset stuff and it hasnt done any damage yet.

Hope it isnt GM failure, good luck!

[SlickGT1]

Thats a great idea. Pull both cables off the battery. And touch them to each other, while not on battery.

[Motorhead]

Okay, so I disconnected the battery and let it sit for an hour.

Once reconnected, nothing happened. Hatch lock still out of action.

Either there is something I'm missing, or I'm up for a new GM3.