Ground Issue

[YoungMoneyVII]

Im having a ground problem with my parts truck. I took the motor out im trying to drop the back electronic window but its not getting power. Im thinking the ground that bolts to the manifold might be responsible because something isnt getting power off the block. I put it to the chassis instead. Can someone help me figure why this is happening and perhaps tell me a way to jump the ground. I have the positives on the alternator connected with a bolt. No alternator. I have the engine ground to the firewall. Im getting outside lights and interior lights. No cluster power either.

 

[dyeager535]

I think I'd start with making sure when the switch is in the "down" position the tailgate motor is getting 12V.

I can't recall how the tailgate motor is grounded, but I'm pretty sure there is a frame ground and a ground to the tailgate, which means if either the body or frame is connected to the battery - terminal somehow, it should work.

The starter battery lug provides the voltage to the fuse panel via the fusible links/power feeds/junction block, so if those aren't in order, you won't be getting power everywhere anyway...and if you have interior lights, your body ground isn't the problem. If your cluster doesn't have power, it sounds more like a power issue, at least for the interior stuff.

Or, you could just pop the tailgate cover off, disconnect the cable and drive it with a drill.

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

I can't recall either, some reason I believe it's both as well. I remember when I took my rear bumper off a while back there was a ground to one of the three bolts on the driver side frame rail. But that could have been anything.

But ya, check for power first, go from there. Also if you have the safty switch, that could be an issue. The driver's side tailgate latch needs to be fully clicked in if it's open, or the tailgate closed, to trigger the switch to allow it to run.

You can also run it from a spare battery if you jump the motor, and also use a drill on the regulator to spin the window up/down, to see if it's just binding.

 

[YoungMoneyVII]

I just want to get the window down so I can steal the tailgate off the parts truck. What kind of bit should I use to not damage anything? I removed the starter on both my trucks and everything still worked fine.

 

[diesel4me]

On my Suburban I can unplug the tailgate power & ground wire underneath near the bumper,and I jumped the two wires to open the window and put some stuff in the back--I used cotter pins in the plug and jumper wires to do it..
I think that would be easier than trying to figure out the wiring up front..

 

[dyeager535]

If you mean on the drill, no bit. You simply chuck the end of the cable in the drill, and turn it whichever direction lowers it. I've even done it with vise grips, just takes longer.

It's nothing but a short speedometer cable...braided steel cable with a swaged on square drive piece at either end.

 

[YoungMoneyVII]

thanks for the responses and help guys great ideas

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

I've even done it with vise grips, just takes longer.

You sir, are insane.

 

[dyeager535]

Well when you are out in the woods, the tailgate quits, and you have to get stuff out the back, you do what you have to!

Really only have to drop it far enough that the glass clears the window channel, then be careful opening it. But it took some time. At least it finally quit completely and I could pinpoint the problem later.

 

[Rugger187]

I would disconnect the ground inside the tailgate and run it to the frame. Solves a lot of issues.