Tailgate issue

[Black-Forest]

Hello all. I have been unable to get my tailgate to open by the switch/handle located above the license plate on our 07’. It will open with the remote and switch on the dash. I also have the license plate light warning on the dash despite them working makes me think the 2 are connected somehow. I did check the wiring from the tailgate to the body and found none broken. Are the tailgate switches known to be faulty component or should I be looking else where? Thanks for any direction.

[Black-Forest]

I neglected to mention I do not have the power tailgate. Any ideas?

[josiahg52]

Well, that you have two seemingly unrelated but co-located faults, I'd suspect the binnacle going to the rear lid. I believe it's covered in a ribbed or corrugated rubber tube. It may have been voided allowing the wires to be chafed or perhaps water entered it and hss caused corrosion. I would also look closely at the seals for the inside taillights to see if water has passed them.

[Black-Forest]

I did pull back and inspect the wiring harness from the gate to the body and all looked good. Yes the taillights were separated and leaking I have a pair coming. I did replace the licence plate bulbs and inspect the housings and they showed no outward signs of corrosion. Going to see if I can pull the inside panel when the taillights show up. Is there a link available on how to properly remove the inside panel? Thanks for the reply.

[Black-Forest]

I received the replacement switch for the upper tailgate today and installed it. Unfortunately no luck.. After install I waited for the modules to enter sleep mode and while looking at the ignition switch I pressed the tailgate button I just installed and the modules did not wakeup. This tells me the switch is not seen by any modules. I also noticed as this E70 is new to us the Alarm settings in Idrive will not set. Things like lights flash when arming, Notification noises and ultimately the light user the rearview won't flash. Anyone happen to know where the alarm module is located? Wondering if it potentially could have gotten wet with my sunroof drain issues. I don't get any codes in the BCM or DME for that matter. Wonder if the alarm won't set due to the tailgate issues. Comfort access and locks work as they should. Thanks all.