[Llehmann]

Just trying to find a replacement for my 2016 Nissan Rogue Power Tailgate Struts. The tailgate opens all the way but then falls down about a foot.

Looking at the OEM replacement part: 90561-4CL2A.

Does anybody know what the difference is between the part numbers for 90651-???? eg) 90561-4CL3A, 90561-5AA1A, 90561-4BA4A,etc

Will any of the 90561 parts fit?

 

[VStar650CL]

For a power hatch, looks like any version -4BA1A, -4BA3A or -4BA4A (the latest) will work. However, those aren't gas struts, they're spindle motors. If they lift the gate to the top and then drop down, then it doesn't sound like you have bad ones. Chances are you have a mis-calibrated ABD Controller or a bad sensor. Get the DTC's (codes) in your ABD read by the dealer, or someone with a high-end scanner like a SnapOn Solus that's capable of talking to it. Btw, if you simply replace the spindles, the hatch won't work at all until it's reset and calibrated. Same deal, requires a scanner.

 

[Llehmann]

I have an OBD2 scanner that plugs into the car but I haven't found the right program yet to read the codes for the tailgate. Programs like Torque, OBD Mary, MotoData OBD don't seem to have any information about the spindle motors.

Yes, the gate does lift all the way to the top... then it fails to hold it there. So, trying to figure out why? I have held the OPEN/CLOSE button on the tailgate for 5 seconds that will program the lift height into the car. I have to let the gate lower about a foot to make it set the height that will open and hold. But it's to low as it hits my head at that height. Anything higher and it fails to keep the tailgate at that height?!?!?

Not sure what sensor or controller is failing to keep the spindle (power struts OEM - 90561-4CL2A) at the full height. It does work and open to the full height... just fails to stay there!

See video here: 2016 Nissan X-Trail Power Tailgate Strut Video

 

[Llehmann]

Trying to figure out how to use my ODB reader to see the error codes for the struts? Can't seem to find the PID information for that? I can add a custom PID to my reader... but need all the PID information to put in manually?

 

[VStar650CL]

If it's a regular or mid-range OBD scanner it won't see the ABD. Only high-end stuff like a Solus or equivalent is going to detect the system. Your guess is as good as mine for the specific CAN addy.

 

[Llehmann]

Is it possible that its the rear control module that is failing?
I have tried to "set" the height of the door and it won't hold it high enough to walk under.

Since you say the spindles/struts might be ok since they work and lift the gate. What is responsible for keeping the tailgate up and not allowing the spindles to unwind?

 

[Llehmann]

Has anyone tried this and made it work? I just went thru the steps and didn't work for me?


How to read the engine codes without a Nissan CONSULT or scan tool. (Set ECM in Diagnostic Test Mode II)

• 1 Confirm that accelerator pedal is fully released, turn ignition switch ON and wait 3 seconds.
• 2 Repeat the following procedure quickly five times within 5 seconds.
  • a Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
  • b Fully release the accelerator pedal.
• 3 Wait 7 seconds, fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it for approx. 10 seconds until the MIL starts blinking.
• 4 Fully release the accelerator pedal.
• 5 ECM has entered to Diagnostic Test Mode II (Self-diagnostic results).

 

[VStar650CL]

Is it possible that its the rear control module that is failing?
I have tried to "set" the height of the door and it won't hold it high enough to walk under.

Since you say the spindles/struts might be ok since they work and lift the gate. What is responsible for keeping the tailgate up and not allowing the spindles to unwind?

That's what the ABD is, the controller. Chances are it isn't faulty, most likely it's mis-calibrated or has a bad sensor. Only the codes from it will tell you.

 

[Llehmann]

I google and google this shit out of this topic and look for parts and try and understand what they do!

Looking for "2016 rogue ABD controller" nothing.WTF

And trying to find out what sensors are where, etc, get an understanding of what's happening. I really want to figure out what part is failing and why/how it works. Is it possible to take the spindle struts apart to fix them? Is it possible I just have a blown fuse that needs to be replaced.

NOTE: I actually have a 2016 X-Trail... but there's little to no information on that model at all because its sold in Mexico and UK. So I use the Rogue which is basically the same car to find information on it.

NOTE: There's actually a recall on this very problem but I'll be dammed if I can find someone to verify if I qualify. Here in Mexico Nissan will roll the dice because the people are used to be taken advantage of.
2014-2016 Nissan Rogue Recalled for Faulty Tailgate Struts » AutoGuide.com News

 

[VStar650CL]

The recall was on the gas struts for manual hatches. They were actually dangerous to remove because the piston could detach from the cylinder, we had a special tool to release the gas before taking anything loose. But your car has an Auto hatch, so the recall doesn't apply.

As far as the ABD brain, the parts catalog probably calls it something like, "CONTROLLER - BACK DOOR, AUTO". Nissan frankly makes us nuts with that, part names in our service manuals rarely correspond to the names in the parts catalog. It keeps our parts guys busy emailing DPC, that's for sure. But you need to understand something: Even if you replace the part (which probably isn't faulty), there is no way whatsoever to configure or calibrate the ABD without a scanner that can talk to it. You positively must get it scanned, throwing parts at it is a guaranteed fool's errand. Please take my word for this -- Nissan/ASE master tech, electrical specialist, 40+ years. I know what I'm talking about.

 

[Llehmann]

Thanks for all the advice and tips.

I will go get it scanned. But you have to remember that I am here in Mexico. And I don't think they know what a "master tech" or "electrical specialist" is!

I'm now off warranty. But before that I would always have to check and double check the work after every oil change. Sometimes they would do it... sometimes not. And when they finally admit that they didn't...I get this as an their answer. We have a large window into our service bay where you can manage the work. Seriously. For a while I would let the air out in one tire to see if they actually checked it.

So... that's why I'm here and doing all the work and research before I go there. Cause I'd be surprised if the guy who finds the scanner knows where it goes and how to read it. No kidding. I will be looking over their shoulder.

Thanks again

 

[VStar650CL]

You're most welcome. There's never anything wrong with understanding the situation, that's for sure. If it turns out you know more about your ABD than they do, you can tap shoulders as necessary.

 

[Llehmann]

If I want to change the spindle struts over to a regular gas strut... Which ones will fit?

Will I still need to attach them to a commerical OBD scanner to get the back door release hatch lock to work opening the liftgate? Ir can I just install the gas struts and use the liftgate manual to open and close?

 

[VStar650CL]

I'm not sure on either count. I believe the mounting holes for both strut types are the same, but I'm pretty sure the attachment brackets are different so you'd need those along with the gas struts. Without spindle readings the ABD may throw codes that will make it stop working the lock, if so you might need to convert the whole setup to a non-auto. That would be a big job, at least reconfiguring the BCM and possibly replacing it, plus some re-wiring around the ABD. I'd experiment first by disconnecting the spindle motors to see if the rear latch still works normally.

 

[Llehmann]

If one was to go out and purchase a pro OBD scanner... how do I know which one will work and pickup all the codes? Its funny my consumer level OBDII scanner only picks up the "main ones". Why is that... or is it that a the pro reader attaches to the other port and that receives all the codes from the car?

Advice or tips on what OBD scanner to buy? What am I looking for?

 

[VStar650CL]

CAN addressing is simple but messaging for DTC's isn't. CAN messages that aren't "emissions related" don't need to be OBD-compliant, and many optional systems like your hatch have DTC's that are specific to the manufacturer. The extreme example is an EV like the Nissan Leaf, most of them speak their own CAN dialect because an all-electric drivetrain is completely exempt from OBD. An OBD scanner connected to them will basically say, "Duh?" I can't advise you much on which aftermarket scanners will work because I use Nissan's C3+ scanner at the shop. We also have a Solus and I know that will read it, but that's all I can tell you. Your best bet may be to contact the individual scanner manufacturers and ask specifically about which models will read your ABD Controller.

 

[Llehmann]

Called Nissan and made an appointment for 8:30am this morning. They checked me in on time and I showed the service guy the problem with the rear tailgate falling down. He tried to set the height by holding the button down while the liftgate was at the top and tried it again. It fell if course. So he says I need new power spindle struts because the function isn't working to set the height. Arrrrg. I pull the gate to the half way point and hold the button to get my 2 beeps and set the height. Close and open the liftgate and it stops perfectly in the spot I set.

Told him I would like a diagnostic report and please show me the codes that the reader pulls out. Perfect. Says it will be ready for 4pm.

I return at 4:30pm and my X-Trail is parked right in front of service. Ask the service guy what they found only to hear they haven't looked at it yet. Again... Arrrrrg.

Ask him what the point was of making an 8:30am appointment? No answer. Smiles and says if I want to leave it overnight he will call me in the morning when they are able to have a look at it.

Classic Mexico!

Ps: Nissan Mexico has always had the worst service I've ever seen. I was kinda happy when my warranty was over so I wouldn't have to use them anymore, but apparently I still do.
Let's see what happens tomorrow.

 

[VStar650CL]

That is some very poor service. I feel you, son.

 

[rogoman]

I google and google this shit out of this topic and look for parts and try and understand what they do!

Looking for "2016 rogue ABD controller" nothing.WTF

And trying to find out what sensors are where, etc, get an understanding of what's happening. I really want to figure out what part is failing and why/how it works. Is it possible to take the spindle struts apart to fix them? Is it possible I just have a blown fuse that needs to be replaced.

NOTE: I actually have a 2016 X-Trail... but there's little to no information on that model at all because its sold in Mexico and UK. So I use the Rogue which is basically the same car to find information on it.

Once you're able to obtain any DTCs from the ABD controller, download a copy of the FSM for a 2014 Rogue from Nissan Rogue Service Repair Manuals. The 2014 FSM data is very similar to the 2016 Rogue. The section to read is the DLK.PDF; It contains all the DTCs their diagnostic procedures. Hopefully this will help.

 

[Llehmann]

Returned the day after my initial appointment at 4pm, that would be 2 full work days at Nissan Mexico. Not surprised to find out that they didn't do the work yet. But was surprised as to the reason! They do continue to amaze me. Apparently the service rep that checked me in yesterday was sick today. So none if his work was done. Seriously. At that point, my wife, as me to leave as I started going office to office at the Nissan dealership asking for a service manager. Well, I say I was asking.

Eventually, I was told that the mechanics were now done lunch and one was coming out to run the diagnostic on the car. Plugged in his reader and said there were no error codes in the system. Took about 5 minutes to run the scan. All tho I was wondering if the tailgate would need to be working at the time of the test to show an error? Asked to see the actual data on the rear struts, sensors or control unit but the tech only knew how to run the scan and either see, or not see, an error in the system.

He said there is no error because the spindle struts are mechanical and they won't report an error when they fail.

Again, my wife said I should leave as my patience was running low. I told her that I would leave is she promised not to pay them for the 5 minute scan that took 3 visits to the dealership to get.

Still hot under the collar with built up frustration. Getting no answers or decent service... and agreeing to leave before I said something or did something I shouldn't.... I jumped on my XR125 moto and left a beautiful black donut with my tires on the tile driveway in front of service.

Maybe not the best thing to do or way to react... but it did make me feel better.

PS: Don't worry to much about cleaning up the black donut mark ... there are plenty of workers around constantly cleaning the dealership here. Pretty sure if they do a good enough job, they are promoted to the service desk rep and then to mechanic.