What Does Tech Tip About Hands-Free Liftgate for Curt Hitch Mean

Updated 11/01/2024 | Published 10/30/2024

Question:

Looking at a Curt C13397 recr hitch for a 2022 Honda CRV. Notes say Hitch may interfere with the Hands-free Liftgate sensors and functionality may be very limited or possibly lost. Can you elaborate on this? Is it just that the hitch blocks the sensor and prevents it from working as designed? Does it light up a malfunction warning light in the dash? My customer had questions that I couldnt answer and I dont want any surprises upon install. Thanks. Mike

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Hey Mike; most of the time a hitch like the # C13397 will only partially block the sensor. In that case, your customer will have to put their foot on either side of the receiver to trigger the sensor and open the liftgate. There won't be a warning light they have to deal with.

Occasionally, it completely blocks the sensor so they can no longer use that function with the hitch installed. A lot of this depends on the exact location of the sensor. Within the same model and year the sensors aren't always in the exact same spot which is why it is left open as a "possibility" and not a straight answer one way or another.

expert reply by: Robin H