What does it mean?
B1383 is a Body (airbags, seat belts, body electronics) fault code. It indicates: Power Tailgate Closer Unit Ratchet Switch Circuit Malfunction .
Symptoms
- The cinch cycle starts and then stops part way, leaving the tailgate at half latch
- The closer keeps retrying, with repeated motor noise from the latch
- Ajar warning on and interior lamps stay lit
- Power tailgate operation may be disabled after several failed attempts
- The gate has to be pushed firmly to latch by hand
Likely causes
- Ratchet switch contacts worn or dirty after many latch cycles
- Latch pawl sticking part way because the grease has hardened
- Water inside the latch body corroding the switch and its contacts
- Broken or chafed conductor in the flexing loom between latch and module
- Corroded connector at the latch or a terminal pushed back in its housing
- Debris in the latch from cargo, sand or leaves preventing free ratchet movement
- Tailgate module input fault
How to fix it
- Watch the ratchet, half latch and full latch states together on the scan tool while closing the gate slowly by hand
- Look for a step in the sequence that never appears, which identifies the failing switch
- Inspect and dry the latch connector, then check its terminals for corrosion and push-back
- Clean debris out of the latch and relubricate the mechanism with the correct grease
- Measure the ratchet switch circuit for open and short conditions with the latch unplugged
- Flex the hinge boot harness during the test to expose a broken conductor
- Replace the latch or closer unit once the internal switch is proven at fault, then run the relearn procedure if one is specified