is it possible to install power tailgate on 07 base

[xlr8]

I know that the power tailgate is or comes in higher trim. But is it possible to install it on a base model? anyone done this?

[Needsdecaf]

Originally posted by xlr8
I know that the power tailgate is or comes in higher trim. But is it possible to install it on a base model? anyone done this?

I was wondering the same thing myself.

Looking at the tech manual, it's nothing more than a switch, and a unit in the back that's pretty much self-contained. Probably need some kind of software download so the car knows it's working.

I would think it'd be doable. Of course, that's probably largely dependent on how cooperative your dealer is.

[craniotes]

If the motor is already in there, I wouldn't imagine that it's hard to do. However, are we certain that the motor is in there? If it's not, you're gonna have to order one, crack the D pillar and stick it in there. You're also going to need to replace the bottom panel on the hatch to add the close button and then get a new remote with the hatch button.

Regards,
Adam

[Dishoom]

Originally posted by craniotes
If the motor is already in there, I wouldn't imagine that it's hard to do. However, are we certain that the motor is in there? If it's not, you're gonna have to order one, crack the D pillar and stick it in there. You're also going to need to replace the bottom panel on the hatch to add the close button and then get a new remote with the hatch button.

Regards,
Adam

Why would the motor already be there? Not to mention, the rear pillar trim is different on models w/ power rear liftgate and there is a button located in the driver-side map pocket. It's not as simple as you think.

[craniotes]

Originally posted by Dishoom


Why would the motor already be there? Not to mention, the rear pillar trim is different on models w/ power rear liftgate and there is a button located in the driver-side map pocket. It's not as simple as you think.

I'm kind of with you on this one, but from Needsdecaf's post, it sounded as though the technical manual indicated it was in there. If it is, great; if it's not, then there's work to be done. Since I've never seen the hatch area of a non-Entertainment X, I don't know what the D-pillars look like compared to an Ent. version. Clearly you have, so I guess we have our answer.

Regards,
Adam

[csmeance]

installing the power tailgate will involve the following:
Rear Pillar Trim
Driver door Panel trim
Entertainment model Alarm system
Entertainment model remotes (2x)
Tailgate motor
Many wire harnesses.

The motor should be tied in with the alarm system as the button for opening the tailgate is on the Keyfob. This is just my opinion on it. The parts would cost a bit and it would not be guaranteed to work.

[MDXlover]

Of course it is possible.
You can install pretty much anything on any car if you don't mind the budget and time.
You will definitely spend more money on labor and parts than just getting a X that comes with the power tail gate. You might as well install the entertainment system as well since the wiring harness are probably tied up together and not sold seperately. It always comes down to whether or not it is worth it for you to do so.

[m500]

I wonder is there is a cheaper and better aftermarket solution for this. I also wanted the power lift gate wife but we do not need the entertainment package that comes with it. Don't want to spoil our kids too much.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally posted by csmeance
installing the power tailgate will involve the following:
Rear Pillar Trim
Driver door Panel trim
Entertainment model Alarm system
Entertainment model remotes (2x)
Tailgate motor
Many wire harnesses.

The motor should be tied in with the alarm system as the button for opening the tailgate is on the Keyfob. This is just my opinion on it. The parts would cost a bit and it would not be guaranteed to work.

Do you know this for a fact? I somehow doubt that all of these things are needed. That is not the way modern cars are usually set up.

The rear pillar trim and door panel trim I'll give you. The remotes I will give you as well. However "alarm system"? Not likely. As I noted above, I am willing to bet that the system currently installed can handle the updated mechanics with a simple software download.

As for the wire harnesses, I will check the tech manual. I would be willing to bet, but I could be wrong, that the rear wiring harness that is already in place would have these connectors.

My apologies above, I did not mean to infer that the motor was in place. It is not. I said that the "unit is largely self contained" meaning that the lift mechanism is "all of a piece" according to the shop manual, and it should be easy to install, rather than having pieces all over the place to put in.

This is my first expereince with something like this in the Acura, but not in other cars, in particular my Volvo. It is possbile to add accessories that are not standard on that car, but are standard or offered in other markets on that vehicle. In the most cases, it is pretty easy as:

1) The wiring harnesses are generally made for ALL possible accessories, with any unused connectors simply buried. You would not believe the empty connectors that are found in my Volvo for things like the built in phone, optional subwoofer, uprated alarm sensors, backup sensors, etc. The harnesses are there, but those circuits are empty.

2) The computer is configured to run these accessories. Once the accessory is installed, physically, the technician hooks up to the car via the diagnostic tool and "enables" these functions via a software download.

I am NOT saying that this is the case of the Acura, but I would be surprised if it wasn't.

EDIT: I checked the repair manual at home. Parts to add:

Interior switch
Tailgate switch
left pinch sensor
right pinch sensor
control unit
actuator unit

Of course, you'd need revised trim as was noted above.

Checked into the harness. It's hard to tell whether the connectors are there or not. There is an asterisk in the description next to the function of each connector that states (on power tailgate equipped vehicles) however, it does not distinguish whether it is there or not. I am still inclined to believe it is, but not really in the mood to pry the rear trim apart to find them..they can be buggers, as they are usually wrapped up into the wiring harness using tape or foam tape in order to prevent them from rolling.

Regardless, all in all, not an easy job in the best of scenarios.

Does anyone know a GOOD parts man? I have heard this Tim of HondaAcura world mentioned, but as a new guy, I am unsure if he is a parts guy or just someone who sells the accessories. For my Volvo, the guy who runs the parts counter at Boston Volvo is half parts man, half mechanic, so he's able to answer these types of questions.

I certainly don't trust my local dealer!!

[Dishoom]

Originally posted by m500
I wonder is there is a cheaper and better aftermarket solution for this. I also wanted the power lift gate wife but we do not need the entertainment package that comes with it. Don't want to spoil our kids too much.

I think it would be cheaper to pay a day-laborer to open the lift gate for you instead of trying to retrofit this feature! =)

[Needsdecaf]

Originally posted by Dishoom


I think it would be cheaper to pay a day-laborer to open the lift gate for you instead of trying to retrofit this feature! =)

Yes but where to store said laborer....



(Bump for edit to my thread above).

[dj-mdx2]

Originally posted by Needsdecaf


Yes but where to store said laborer....



(Bump for edit to my thread above).

The trunk monkey is your solution!

[csmeance]

needsdecaf, no problem, your just trying to convey information that you think is correct. No need to apologize in any way. I would doubt that acura would put in the necessary harnesses for the system as they need to keep production costs down and maximize profits. The reason I say that a new alarm unit will be needed is that the unit most likely will not have the proper pins on them for the power tailgate. I will check the part numbers on them and see if they are different.

[TheDuc]

Ill chime in on this as Im currently trying to do this to my MDX. I have 2007 Tech package but no power tailgate.
You WILL need new complete wiring harness cause nothing is prewired, you will need control module and liftgate mechanism, buttons and trim panels. Im not sure if tailgate has a spot for an actuator arm hookup.

[SuperTech]

This thread is funny. The amount of time and money involved to do this conversion is so astronomical I can't believe anyone would consider this for a second.