Thanks everyone for helping solve this problem.

nynd- the liftgate works as it should with the interior button and exterior "handle" by the license plate. Closes and opens correctly, except when using fob.

rh71- car has the option and have seen the height scale on the info. screen.

How about this thought? Could the key battery need to be charged ? (which I understand is what happens when you insert key into ignition, right?) A symbol on the dash flashed what appeared to be a key and a charging symbol.
Kind of makes sense as the car has been on a lot for 3 months. Will see if it changes after using key for awhile.

you have comfort access? if you do, key won't charge in ignition. only non ca cars do that.

Yes, have comfort access.

ok so it won't charge then. you would need a new battery to check if in fact that's the problem.

^ good info - the dash did warn you the battery in the remote is indeed low so give new batteries a try. But if it's activating the alarm on a longer press, I don't think that's the issue.

OK, a few things..

1. I just started getting the battery warning. Everything works (so far).
2. I did not know that CA will not charge it when I insert it. I was told it would.

(hence my surprise at getting the battery warning)
(but yeah, the manual doesn't lie - ok, no problem)

3. The timing on opening the tailgate is very tricky. And frustrating.
So, too, is the PANIC feature. I've held it slightly longer and the alarm goes off.

If it helps, you're not alone - mine does work, but it's very very picky and since I use this all the time it's really kind of irritating. If people are watching, I probably look like a fool trying to make the thing magically open.

I got the low battery sign and replaced both keyfob batteries. (flat round "2032" duracell). The auto-liftgate is more responsive and I can use the fob to lock/unlock from a greater distance. Definitely worth the $4.77 I spent.

joe 2008 4.8