How do I ensure that DEFFNER actuators work properly?
After installation of the DEFFNER actuators, you may find that the tailgate still malfunctions.
The reason is that the control module was not calibrated after the installation of the actuators.
Sometimes the tailgate still rises halfway after installation. Sometimes it falls spontaneously after partially opening. The cause is a lack of calibration.
This is especially the case when the user has been driving with defective actuators for a long time, the actuators have disintegrated, rusted, the harness has been damaged, etc.
How to do a calibration?
First of all, all errors stored in the memory of the tailgate control module must be cleared. Any VOLVO diagnostic interface can be used for this. As the tailgate is one of the comfort modules, you will not see the error on the display or in the car computer. It is only visible when the appropriate diagnostic cable (e.g. VIDA) is connected.
If errors are stored in the control module, calibration will not be possible. A similar procedure is followed when replacing side windows. Before calibrating the lift height of electrically operated windows, you must delete the errors, otherwise calibration is not possible.
Once the errors have been corrected, the calibration process can proceed.
The tailgate lift height can be programmed by the user.
1. To do this, open the boot lid.
2. Just after releasing the lock, hold the tailgate so that the actuators do not start to lift the tailgate. If you don't have time, don't forcefully stop them!
3. Raise the tailgate manually to a height that suits you. Adjust it so that you can reach the close button and not hit your head on the tailgate, while not too high to reduce the risk of hitting the tailgate in the garage, for example.
4. Press and hold down for 5-10 sec the tailgate closure button (the one on the right, located in the tailgate upholstery).
5. Close the tailgate as standard.
6. From the next time, the tailgate should open and close correctly, to the height you have just set.
How do you make sure you don't have any errors stored in the tailgate control module memory? (and you don't have a diagnostic interface to check the errors on the computer)
If you are not sure whether the tailgate height calibration procedure is active, lift the tailgate and try to temporarily program it to 30-50% of the height (using the procedure described above). If the module does not remember the height and continues to raise the tailgate to the maximum height, this means that there are undeleted errors in the memory. These must be erased with the diagnostic interface in order for the calibration procedure to be possible.
Remember that the actuators have a built-in safety module. Multiple, continuous opening and closing of the tailgate (>10 times) will temporarily disable the actuators. Have no fear. This is standard safety procedure to protect against motor overheating.
You can purchase DEFFNER electric actuators dedicated to the Volvo XC60 from our online shop at this address.