Acura MDX Power Tailgate fix DIY

"Make Acura Great Again"
Season 3, Episode 5
Acura MDX Power Tailgate fix DIY
In this episode I will be fixing the power tailgate that stopped working.
Table of contents:
1:34 - Tools needed.
1:52 - Diagnostics.
3:24 - Removing the interior trim.
5:36 - Removing the driver's door wire harness.
7:38 - Installing the new driver's door wire harness.
10:09 - Reinstalling the interior trim.
You can fix a similar issue on other Acuras/Hondas or pretty much any other car using this video.
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Driver's wire harness part number:
2007-2009 models: 32757-STX-A00
US: amzn.to/2Wm3AGK
2010-2013 models: 32757-STX-A01
Here are the links to some tools I used or recommend using for this video:
Plastic trim tools:
US: amzn.to/2VBoPr3
Canada: amzn.to/2LlofcV
LED working light:
US: amzn.to/2MOZCCz
Canada: amzn.to/2Tu2Eyw
Nitrile gloves:
US: amzn.to/2BsaGSg
Canada: amzn.to/2Bsb1o6
Ссылка на русскую версию: • Электро-привод багажни...

[@nimbapilot6925]

You get a sub from me sir! Thanks for the video. I actually when and bought a new actuator for the driver side of 07 mdx but it didnt fix the problem. I have been driving with the driver window up for almost 3 years now. I really started looking into this problem when my interior lighting stated to delay turning off when I lock my doors; plus my tailgate stopped working too. When I look at the wiring harness today, about 4 of them were disconnected! This will be my next project! Thanks for the detail video.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Thanks for your feedback! I hope this solves your issue.

[@MoneyMikeG]

Thank you so much. I jus5 finished changing my wire all with your help. My mechanic wanted to charge me $250 because my trunk wouldn't open saying he had to remove my door and solder the wires back. I saved all my money by just buying this $40 wire. Thanks alot.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Yikes, $250 for fixing this! Glad you were able to do it yourself!

[@chevyman1131]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together. My 09 MDX just started, not opening the tailgate. Unfortunately, the cheapest harness out there is about $100 CAD, NOT $20 as you mentioned. Link to Amazon product no longer available. Guess this is not a cheap fix any more.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Thanks for your feedback! In that case I would remove it and resolder the wires to the connectors or give it to an electronics repair shop for that. Shouldn't be expensive.

[@muppetmorales8436]

Seems like my mdx is right on par with yours for breakage. My memory sensors were on the Fritz. 20 bucks and a little time..... No problem thumbs up 👍🏿

[@muppetmorales8436]

$34.43 Canadian and seller doesn't ship to Canada 😫 100$ for seller who ships here.......scared to see what the acura dealers sell it for.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@sandraymorales-castillo3733]

T hank u🎉

[@thejake8099]

Great detailed video as always Bogdan.. May I suggest you do a video on the headlight assembly removal/repair/replace when there's condensation on the inside? Keep up the great work man, thank you.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Thanks! I don’t have the condensation issue, but there will be a video on headlight removal and opening, as I already have the new reflectors waiting to be put in along with halo lights.

[@bobbienguyen2409]

hi every one my 14 acura MDX is lost beep sound when open lift gate ,do any one know how to fix please saw me thank you very much

[@leomartinez140]

Hi, i have a 2007 acura mdx that is having the same issue. I removed the harnass and inspected it and couldn't fund an obvious break or split wire. I'm goind yo replace it anyway but I want to know what other things may cause the windows not to work, the sun toof the tailgate lock. This happened from one day to the next and the fuses all look fine. Thanks for the info on this video. Made removal of the harness a breeze!

[@AbuBashar27]

Thank you so much as soon as I opened it seeing the wire sticking out Sauterd it back in good to go just like new

[@gemmag.5450]

Mine is problem. I can t handle but thanks

[@javierbecerra417]

enjoy all your videos comrad, any chance you can do a video on how to replace the pinch sensors at the tailgate?

[@AcuraAddicted]

Thanks! Haven’t had to do it yet.

[@davitareid1496]

Great detail!!! Thank you Bogdan

[@ykura77]

Thanks for the video. I have MDX without power tailgate. Do you think it's possible to retrofit the power tailgate? Is it pre-wired so just need a button on the door and the tailgate openers and the locking system, that's it? Thanks!

[@AcuraAddicted]

You’re welcome! You can put in the motor, wiring and the button for it to work. Unless you can source it from a junk yard, you can’t get it new.

[@British4]

Did this yesterday and it fixed my memory seating and the driver power window. Took me 40 mins.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Perfect, glad this helped!

[@British4]

@@AcuraAddicted Thank you for the videos. Appreciate them.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Thanks!

[@4mrflipscoach22]

Thanks! Tailgate and door locks were fine but rear windows went out, one at a time. Made a repair (per kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaK4dWymZbRjhc0) rather than replace the wiring harness. The space was too tight for my comfort so your excellent description of removing panels to access the in-car connectors, rubber boot and harness was super helpful. Pulled the harness, removed the pins and soldered the connections. Saved me a trip to the dealership and cost of a new harness. If it fails, I'll replace it.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Great job!

[@55anava]

Video helped me fix my problem with rear windows only making a click sound and not going down. After changing the wire I got the bonus prize. My tailgate button started working again. Found three broken wires and a frayed one in old harness. Repair part was $37 at dealership. Took me an hour.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Great, thanks a lot for your feedback! Glad it helped + BONUS, LOL :)

[@pashko90]

Thank you, i did find broken wire.

[@felipelanderos7986]

Good info buddy

[@Bnabum]

I"m at a loss :( I have an 07 MDX and I can't get the back hatch open from either the outside or manually from inside. Would this still be a possible electrical problem? I wouldn't think so since I tried manually pressing the lever on the inside. It will not budge.

[@AcuraAddicted]

If the lever doesn't work from the inside, you have a serious lock problem. This most likely means the mechanism is either broken or seized. You should still be able to remove the entire rear plastic trim panel and look into the lock mechanism itself from the back. I hope you find and resolve the issue. Something might be stuck in there?

[@Bnabum]

@@AcuraAddicted Thank you for your quick reply. Looks like I'll be spending some time in the back of my car trying to figure this out. You gave me a starting point which is most helpful.

[@davidgranata3472]

At 7min 15sec you talk about the custom wires, where does the purple wire go to and what does it control? I can’t seem to find answers anywhere, thank you

[@AcuraAddicted]

I never fully found out what it was responsible for. My assumption was for some custom lights that were installed by the previous owner. But that's not 100%. OEM piece doesn't have them.

[@davidgranata3472]

@@AcuraAddicted thanks for the reply

[@Greg18m7]

Great vid very informative thanks a lot, got a new sub from me for sure 👍

[@AcuraAddicted]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@papadank6573]

I wonder if it’s possible to add power lift gate to non lift gate models?

[@AcuraAddicted]

I’m pretty sure you can. But it’s going to be very expensive. The motor assembly itself is $600 (that includes all of the parts needed for installation). Plus I’m sure you would have to buy additional wite harnesses and the upgraded fuel door button that will also have the liftgate button. That’ll run you another $150 easy. Plus you would need a new keyfob with the liftgate third button. That’s another $100. At that price tag even I wouldn’t bother.

[@papadank6573]

Acura Addicted I think I could get all that here in Southern California for $300 give or take. I wonder though, just by plugging everything thing in will the computer recognize everything and are all the spot where the harness plug in already here? You’re the man! Do you have an Instagram?

[@AcuraAddicted]

@@papadank6573 I guess $300 is doable. Theoretically, this should work if you have a Tech model without the Entertainment package. Not sure if it would work on the base, though. I don't have an Instagram, sorry!

[@papadank6573]

Acura Addicted oh ok! Yep, tech package minus the entertainment as well! It would be nice to have the automatic tailgate! You know what? That sub I installed. Sounds a noticeable bit better. However, the speaker is clearly under powered. I’m looking into a decent 600 watt amp to power it because the little credit card sized amp built in to the box barely does the job.

[@Diggers_daughter]

Omg I wish I’d seen this b4 I had to replace the blinker relay. Thank for your video

[@cliffm8112]

Good job and

[@AcuraAddicted]

Thanks, Cliff!

[@langertown]

Thanks for the detailed breakdown of the common failure point. You saved me from tearing down and inspecting my rear tailgate, as I assumed water was getting in there and causing the behavior. I noticed when I popped open my door harness, it was full of grease. Looks like yours was too. I dont understand why

[@langertown]

One nitpick I saw in your write up, I think you have the wrong part number listed for 2010-2013 models. 32755 points to a much more complicated harness, it appears that the later models use the same part number for the door jam harness as you listed for the 2007-2009 models, 32755. You can see it here www.acurapartswarehouse.com/oem/acura~sub~cord~dr~door~32757-stx-a01.html?vin=&make=Acura&model=MDX&year=2013&submodel=&extra1=5%20Door%20TECH%20(ENTERTAINMENT)&extra2=KA%206AT&filter=()&location=electrical_exhaust_heater_fuel/wire_harness,1310721,12

[@AcuraAddicted]

That's dielectric grease which is supposed to isolate the connectors just in case moisture gets there. Tailgate issues can be caused by other things, but the easiest thing to do is to diagnose this harness first.

[@AcuraAddicted]

@@langertown Great catch! I picked up the wrong PN, differs in one digit. I updated the description to reflect the proper part now. Thanks!

[@seanfainsan4002]

I suspect the custom wire run for the door locks degraded the wiring for the Tailgate. This might not be typical for most MDX's that haven't had this harness tampered with

[@harshaare]

Hello sir my new MDX power tail gate quit on me. It doesn't open ...when it opens occasionally , it closes with real loud beep and then quits on me and then it don't open again.. really frustrating that new vehicle has issues like that.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Hello. New vehicle? Which year is it? Last second gen car was produced eight years ago.

[@edde333]

What place did you get the door sills at? I have a 09 acura mdx.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Ali express. These are no longer available. I liked them because they are identical to OEM ones, but with LED. They mount to the same mounts. You can get other LED based door sills at Ali, though. But they are all attached by a double sided tape. Also, a pair will run you about 60 bucks, so all four is about 120. Plugs into the same circuit as your footwell and door courtesy lights.

[@edde333]

@@AcuraAddicted Ok, Thank you. I just had to have all 3 cats replaced and it ran me $4200. And now my oil light is going on and off but when I check it the oil is fine. So now I don't have a clue what's going on. I don't have or use Facebook I only have Instagram so I can't follow you.

[@AcuraAddicted]

@@edde333 $4200, That's crazy, man! The two main original cats cost $600 each. The third one (which has no effect on any sensors, is $400, which makes it 1600 for all three. I can't imagine the labour cost you 25 hundred dollars? For your oil light - if it comes on and off intermittently and the level is fine, it's the likely the pressure sensor.

[@edde333]

@@AcuraAddicted That's what I was thinking. A friend of mine who is a mechanic change that and it's still doing it but I'm hearing something about when that's done you have to upgrade the computer software also or something like that.

[@Charkatak]

Hey Богдан, our family friend has 2010 MDX and tailgate opens when you press button inside the cabin or the button on the tailgate itself. When pressing(or holding) trunk button on the remote, nothing happens. Any idea?

[@AcuraAddicted]

Possibly an issue with the button or button wiring. There might be water intrusion which affects the rear fusebox.

[@joannasudyka4988]

Hi, Thanks for the video. I have a little different problem with my 2019 Acura MDX. The tailgate will not open with either the key, the button or the door, nor the tailgate button. Is there a fix for that?

[@AcuraAddicted]

You might have a lock issue, or wiring issue specifically for the tailgate.

[@johnk2861]

I have just bought a used 07 Acura MDX and had the same issue. Couldn't buy a brand new harness because its on national backorder like everything else. Got one from a used 08 model and power gate works again. One question I have is how do you open the gate from the remote? I tried pressing the button once/holding the button down/pressing twice and holding on second press but nothing.

[@AcuraAddicted]

On the OEM remote keyfob you open the tailgate by holding the power tailgate button for several seconds. Note that your car needs to be fully unlocked first in order for that to work. On a non-OEM remote keyfob you don't open the tailgate with any buttons, it just doesn't work.

[@1tufgt]

I’ve tried replacing the harness without any luck. Do you know which wire is the power tailgate wire?

[@AcuraAddicted]

No

[@501carder]

Any chance you can do a video for repairing the existing wire harness or make recommendations to help someone who can’t get a replacement wiring harness? The wiring harness for my 2013 MDX is on back order with no likelihood of being restocked anywhere and this is the exact problem I’m having with the power gate

[@AcuraAddicted]

Unfortunately, no. I am neither qualified, nor do I have equipment for this type of repair. I know these are on back order. My best advice is to get a good electrician to repair it.

[@Ehabhass]

hello i got problem with 07 Acura MDX Driver's Door Switch Fuel Power Tailgate the bulb went out can you make video for that. thanks.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Hi. Yes, I have the same issue. Bulb already purchased, just waiting for an opportunity to change it. I don’t know when it’s going present itself.

[@TheSbadalov]

Thank you for the video. Before I start replacing the harnes I wanted to make sure that it is the problem. In my case not only I can't lock/unlock/lift/close the tailgate door using either a key fob or the door button. I do see the Check Power Tailgate error. I can't even lock the doors using the keyfob, though unlocking is fine. I have to turn the key in the door to lock the doors, but the tailgate still doesn't operate, and the tailgate wont even latch. Though I can here some motion when I use the button on the tailgate when car is running (and totally dead when it is off). It all seemed to start after battery died. Not sure what caused what. Battery was recharged and car starts without any problem. What's even more strange if I dosconnect/reconnect the battery , I can hear an attempt to move the tailegt and locking, but then it goes "dead" again. Please advise.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Before replacing any part, a proper diagnostics is a key. Open the boot of the harness and inspect for any broken/loose wires first. Also, replacing the harness might not resolve all of your issues. You might have a problem with the lock itself or some other harness. You might also have water intrusion in the rear fuse panel, check that for water.

[@OlegSever-1973]

👍👋👌

[@AcuraAddicted]

Спасибо, Олег!

[@runwithcalvin2239]

The 2017 model does not have the wire connector right at the door. There's just wires covered by an extension of the rubber sleeve. I don't see any signs of wire breakage and yet my power tailgate works intermittently. Any insight from experience with a 2017 or later model?

[@AcuraAddicted]

Sorry, I don’t have any experience with third gen.

[@simbotist]

Seems like there is no reason to remove the panel above the pedals with the light on it, and especially the panel on the console?? I haven't done it yet, maybe it will be obvious then.

[@AcuraAddicted]

The panel above pedals is removed to give you enough space to operate with the connectors that are located above its level. The side panel cover removal gives you room for threading and wiggling the harness as well. I'm sure you can do it without removing both. That will save you a good minute and a half.

[@jessicaross3187]

hello i have a question please help i have a 2014 acura mdx & all the lights on my dashboard are on and tpc if you no anything please get back to me

[@AcuraAddicted]

Hi Jessica. It's not really possible to diagnose anything remotely just from this description. Does the car start at all? If so, does it drive normally? Do you hear any abnormal sounds while driving? Is there anything else that you didn't mention? Your first steps would be to narrow down the cause. And definitely get this diagnosed properly at a reputable shop. A typical inspection / diagnostics should not take more than an hour, so you should not expect to pay more than one hourly rate. Once you get it diagnosed, get back with any codes / shop recommendations and we can try and see if this makes sense and what to do next. Good luck!

[@katey1957]

Hi, replaced the wire harness today on my 08 MDX. Have the same tailgate error message as yours. Bought wire harness from acura dealership. But it did not work. Error remains and still have to close and open tail gate manually. Can you suggest any possible fix for this. Thank you.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Hi Kevin. As I advise in the video, it's always best to diagnose the issue before buying new parts to attempt and fix it. Since you already installed the new harness and it didn't help, check for the line brake elsewhere. Start with the loom that goes from the tailgate into the car on the left, also check the rear fusebox for moisture. Check the wires near the lock as well.

[@jacepp3337]

Where did you buy the harness? Could I have the link? Thank you for the useful information.

[@AcuraAddicted]

From the dealer. They are on back order now

[@jeffwood281]

This didn't make any difference in mine the tailgate power light is still on and the pass side window wont work with drivers controls

[@AcuraAddicted]

So the harness is not the problem then. As I say in this video in particular and all others in general: before replacing a part that you think might resolve the issue, you should properly diagnose it first. If you cannot do that yourself, I suggest getting a good electrician look at it and try to find the cause.

[@gilfallorina2320]

My liftgate raises but doesnt close with the button and the remote. Any idea if I just have to replace the mechanism at this point?

[@AcuraAddicted]

Might be something with the motor. The new assembly costs about $600, so unless you can find a used one from a salvage yard, doesn’t make much sense. Could be something else, like the button itself, or a sensor. Could even be the driver door harness. You need a good mechanic to determine what’s going on.

[@jeffatienza4606]

Hello gd morning, what was the extra custom wires that were disconnected for & y didnt you have to reconnect them?

[@AcuraAddicted]

Hi! I think it's the third party auto start. It's installed in a way it has to unlock the doors before it starts the car to avoid alarm going off (as you know, if you lock yourself in the car with a remote and then try to start it, the alarm will go off).

[@jordanphillips6091]

Hey I just replaced my fuse for the tail lights on my 2015 Acura mdx, however the left power gate light, not the reverse light, is out. Any clue on how to change it

[@AcuraAddicted]

Sorry, don’t know much about third gen

[@jordanphillips6091]

@@AcuraAddicted gotcha thanks for responding

[@haseebahmed1915]

So my power windows won’t roll down, the moon roof won’t open and mirrors won’t move and neither the gas cap open and I can’t even manually open my trunk. Can you please tell what can be the issue? Thanks in advance.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Start with the fuses, check the fuse map in your owner’s manual, track them down and see if they are blown. Replace if necessary. If that doesn’t solve your issue, perhaps you have an electrical connection problem. Then diagnose a bad driver’s harness as outline in my video: it is responsible for all the items you mentioned, except may be mirrors. Also there is a chance the lifgate might not be related, though. If you cannot manually open the trunk from the inside by opening the small panel in the middle and pushing the lock physically, you might have a broken lock.

[@haseebahmed1915]

@@AcuraAddicted Thanks I’ll start diagnosing. Can you please tell me if that can happen randomly with no previous occurrences? It was working fine in afternoon but in the evening everything stopped working.

[@AcuraAddicted]

@@haseebahmed1915 Absolutely! When a fuse is blown or wiring is broken, signal is lost, so it goes away immediately. It might come back in case of the wiring issue in cases when the broken wires may touch again under certain angle/circumstances and restore the circuit. But never in case of a fuse. Once a fuse is blown, the circuit is broken and can only be restored by replacing the blown fuse with a working one.

[@jaimeespinal3855]

Where the link for hands and eye?

[@AcuraAddicted]

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner of comedy gold special 2021 here!

[@laporshaeley7445]

Hello Sir, I have a 2014 Acura MDX and my tailgate will open with no problem, but it will not close. So I would have to close it manually, but it will not latch completely & I’ll have to play with it a few times before it actually latches correctly so that it can close properly. Any idea of what’s going on with it? Any information will be greatly appreciated 🙏🏽💜🙏🏽

[@AcuraAddicted]

Hello! Your lock likely needs adjustment. I don’t think it’s a major issue. Should be straightforward to fix.

[@laporshaeley7445]

@@AcuraAddicted So you don’t think it could be anything electrical? Also, how would I fix that lock issue?

[@AcuraAddicted]

I think it’s mechanical. You would have to access the lock panel through the hatch in the liftgate. It should be in your owner’s manual. Now, I haven’t adjusted locks myself, but definitely worth looking into it. Or have a mechanic look at it if you don’t feel comfortable.

[@laporshaeley7445]

@@AcuraAddicted Thank you so much 💜

[@anthonykenney212]

Is there a way to fix the wires? The harness is on back order and no date for shipment of it...

[@AcuraAddicted]

Yes, resoldering wires will work

[@anthonykenney212]

@@AcuraAddicted How do you resolder the wire into the plastic clip holder?

[@AcuraAddicted]

First, you remove a pin from the connector, then you resolder a wire to it, then you put the pin back. Hope this helps.

[@MiKa-fu2wi]

My 07 MDX power tailgate starts to close by itself, but as soon as the tailgate touches the lock latch it beeps and opens back up by itself. Any suggestions? I've already tried adjusting the lock/latch mechanism but that didn't do anything.

[@AcuraAddicted]

That’s weird. Looks like there might be an issue with the electronic lock itself. Are you able to close it manually?

[@MiKa-fu2wi]

Yes, I am able to open and close it manually without issues.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Just to clarify, when you close the liftgate manually, the system successfully locks it with the electronic lock, right? Then it could be wiring. Either the door harness I’ve replaced in my video, or some other wire. I would start with reviewing the wire harness in the door. May be you can spot loose/torn wires.

[@MiKa-fu2wi]

Yes, when I close it manually, I can hear the electronic lock engage and lock. I'll do some digging around the driver door harness this weekend. I'll get back to you if I find the issue or if I need more help lol. I really appreciate your responses btw! It's very helpful to me, and I'm sure will be helpful for other going through the comments with similar issues.

[@Fatesmedia]

My tailgate isn't opening on my 2008 the husband still won't take it in I'm just gonna do it myself any advice ?

[@AcuraAddicted]

It’s not opening at all? You might have a lock issue.

[@Fatesmedia]

@@AcuraAddicted no it's not the doors do except back door/ tailgate

[@AcuraAddicted]

Does your tailgate not open at all? Not from outside, not from the power tailgate button?

[@Fatesmedia]

No it does not :/

[@AcuraAddicted]

If it doesn’t open at all, you might hve the lock issue, not the wire harness issue. You might try to replace the wire harness and see if it resolves the issue, but there is no guarantee.

[@michealkennedy2318]

Thank you so much!! My rear windows haven’t worked since I got my MDX, but I never looked into it until my trunk and interior locks stopped working. This fixed everything!

[@AcuraAddicted]

Awesome, glad this was helpful!

[@andreaspaz6273]

Good video can you make another one with another issue I check the door harness and Is good and my tail lights doesn’t work and don’t know is in the back or not ... thanks

[@AcuraAddicted]

Thanks! Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make a video on a problem that I don’t have. As for yours, if no tail lights are working at all, I would start by checking the fuses for the rear lights. If the fuses are fine, you can check the harnesses in the tailgate by removing the plastic panels there. If you are not able to find the cause of the issue, get professional help, a descent mechanic should be able to diagnose this. Good luck!

[@andreaspaz6273]

Acura Addicted thanks but is the interior lights the two little ones by the rear door I check the harness by driver door is ok but I don’t got power to operate the rear door I check fuses everything is ok i will check the power motor.. by the way thanks for make good videos

[@andreaspaz6273]

And one day my screen display the same message about the rear door but I move a cable in the back harness and I turn off I move all cables but nothing happens I look for videos on you tube but nothing about with the same problem I have some times my memory bottoms doesn’t work too only that everything work power windows locks but thanks again for make videos

[@AcuraAddicted]

It must be the harness issue. You would have to find which one.

[@qwertyqart]

tailgate latch stuck closed on my 2011 DMX, any suggestion how to open and fix it?

[@AcuraAddicted]

Get into the back of the vehicle through doors, open the small plastic latch behind the lock and open it manually. Fixing will depend on what’s broken, of course.

[@qwertyqart]

@@AcuraAddicted I tried doing it, but it seems to be getting hooked and wouldn't open. here is the video I just recorded kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKfdgWh9jrp1jpo

[@qwertyqart]

@@AcuraAddicted would you have a suggestion what else could be wrong?

[@AcuraAddicted]

It could be the mechanism or electrical. No way to diagnose over Internet. Get someone who can do it on site.

[@qwertyqart]

@@AcuraAddicted did you had a chance to look at the video? it looks mechanical because electronics is working. vibration is because it's seems to be getting hook over something.

[@OlegSever-1973]

😁🤞