2021-2023 Nissan Rogue / Pathfinder Automatic Back Door Inoperative

Owners of 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue and 2022-2023 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles may experience an inoperative automatic (power) back door. This issue, which can prevent the door from opening, closing, or latching properly, is detailed in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) NTB21-081C. The TSB provides guidance for technicians to diagnose and resolve various conditions that can lead to an inoperative automatic back door.

Symptoms

If your 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue automatic back door is not functioning correctly, you might observe several symptoms:

• The automatic (power) back door will not open, close, or latch.
• The back door may become unavailable for a brief period due to thermal protection if it has been cycled (opened and closed) repeatedly (9 times for Rogue, 3 times for Pathfinder).
• When attempting to open the automatic back door, you might hear three (3) beeps, and the hatch only releases or "pops open" partially without the power spindles activating. This condition is referred to as "manual mode."

Fault Codes / DTCs

Technicians may encounter specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to an inoperative automatic back door:

Note that "manual mode" may not generate DTCs, as it often indicates a mechanical issue with the hatch latch rather than an electronic fault.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

Proper diagnosis of an inoperative automatic back door involves several checks:

• Vehicle Settings: Confirm that the "Power Back Door" setting is set to "ON" within the Vehicle Settings menu in the Vehicle Information Display. This setting can be accessed and changed using the scroll dial and buttons on the steering wheel.
• Manual Release: If the back door lock will not release due to a malfunction or battery discharge, the latch can be manually released from inside the vehicle using an opener lever located on the metal portion of the latch.
• Software Version: Ensure the CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) diagnostic software is updated to the required versions:
  • For 2022 applied vehicles: C-III plus version 222.2 or later.
  • For 2023 applied vehicles (prior to October 4, 2022): C-III plus version 222.3 and installation of the data patch.
  • For 2023 applied vehicles (on or after October 4, 2022): C-III plus version 223.1 or later.
• Diagnostic Display Issues: Using an older version of C-III plus may result in the Power Back Door (PBD) system being missing from CAN Diag, and AUTO BACK DOOR system DTCs only being visible through Diagnosis (One System).
• Thermal Protection: Repeatedly cycling the automatic back door can trigger thermal protection for the spindle motors, making the open function temporarily unavailable and storing DTCs B2436-98 and B2437-98. Normal function typically resumes after approximately 2 minutes.