An electric tailgate lift opens and closes your vehicle’s rear door at the press of a button. Also called a power liftgate or automatic boot opener, it can make boot access easier when lifting a heavy tailgate or reaching the closing handle is difficult.
Gilani Engineering supplies and installs automatic tailgate lift kits for compatible vehicles, with installation in Sydney and kit supply across Australia. This guide explains the available features, what affects the cost and what to check if your existing power tailgate stops working.
Want to check your vehicle? Send us your make, model, year and variant, and let us know whether the tailgate is currently manual or powered.
How Does an Electric Tailgate Lift Work?
A retrofit tailgate system adds powered opening and closing to a compatible vehicle. Electric actuators move the tailgate, while a control module manages the operation and communicates with the fitted switches.
Depending on the vehicle and selected kit, features may include:
- Remote operation: open and close the tailgate using the existing key fob where supported.
- Interior and rear buttons: operate the tailgate from a convenient switch.
- Adjustable opening height: set the opening position to suit your reach and available clearance.
- Soft closing: bring the tailgate into its latched position without slamming.
- Obstacle detection: stop or reverse movement when resistance is detected, depending on the system.
- Optional foot sensor: hands-free activation on compatible vehicles.
The available controls and inclusions are confirmed for your vehicle before installation. Always keep people and objects clear while the tailgate is moving.
Who Can Benefit from an Automatic Boot Opener?
Powered operation can help drivers and passengers who find a manual tailgate heavy, awkward or difficult to reach. It may be useful for people with reduced strength, restricted shoulder movement or limited mobility, as well as carers loading equipment.
For wheelchair and mobility scooter users, an automatic tailgate can be considered alongside a vehicle boot hoist. The tailgate system opens the rear door; the hoist lifts the equipment. Both need to suit the vehicle and the way you load it.
Can You Add a Power Tailgate to Your Car?
Yes, where a suitable retrofit system is available. Compatibility depends on the exact model, build year, body style, existing latch and electrical system. A kit suited to one variant may not fit another.
Before requesting a quote, provide:
- Your vehicle make, model, year and variant.
- Whether the rear door is manually operated or already powered.
- A photo of the open tailgate and boot area.
- Details of any boot hoist, rear accessories or existing modifications.
- Whether you want a foot sensor or have specific reach requirements.
A retrofit kit is not automatically a replacement for a faulty factory power tailgate. The existing fault and replacement compatibility need to be assessed first.
How Much Does an Electric Tailgate Lift Cost?
The price depends on the vehicle, kit configuration and installation requirements. A product-only price should not be treated as the total installed cost.
Ask for a quote that identifies the kit, labour, optional accessories, delivery where applicable and GST treatment. For the current listed product price, see our automatic tailgate lift product page.
Electric Tailgate Installation in Sydney
Gilani Engineering offers professional installation at our Wetherill Park workshop. Contact us with your vehicle details so we can confirm kit availability, the fitting requirements and the expected booking duration.
The installation process includes checking vehicle compatibility, fitting and connecting the selected system, setting the supported controls and opening height, and testing operation before handover.
Outside Sydney? Ask about kit supply and the installation information your local installer will need before ordering.
Electric Tailgate Not Working? Checks to Make First
A tailgate that will not open or close does not necessarily need a new system. The cause may involve the remote, vehicle settings, power supply, an obstruction or a mechanical fault.
- Check the operating conditions. Park safely, unlock the vehicle and check the owner’s manual for any required gear position or power-tailgate setting.
- Compare the controls. If a fitted tailgate button works but the remote does not, check the remote’s battery and operating instructions.
- Look for an obstruction. Check for luggage or loose items in the opening and latch area. Keep fingers clear of the latch and hinges.
- Consider the vehicle battery. If other electrical functions are weak or unreliable, arrange a battery check.
- Check the correct manual. Fuse locations, reset procedures and opening-height settings vary between vehicles. Follow the instructions for your exact model or fitted aftermarket kit.
Do not force a powered tailgate while it is moving or disconnect the vehicle battery as a general reset method. If the tailgate drops, moves unevenly, makes unusual noises or will not latch securely, stop using it and arrange an inspection.
For more information, read our power liftgate reset guide alongside your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
Repair the Existing Tailgate or Install a New System?
The right choice depends on what has failed. A remote, latch, wiring or power-supply issue may be resolved without replacing the complete system. Adding powered operation to a manual tailgate is a different job from repairing an existing factory installation.
Have the fault diagnosed before comparing repair and replacement quotes. If you are considering a retrofit, ask us to check suitability rather than assuming that a new kit will resolve the problem.
NDIS Funding for Automatic Tailgate Modifications
An automatic tailgate modification may be considered for NDIS funding when it is needed because of a participant’s disability and meets the applicable funding requirements. Funding is not automatic, and a convenience upgrade alone does not establish eligibility.
Speak with your occupational therapist and NDIS contact about the assessment and funding process before booking. Gilani Engineering can provide a vehicle modification quote to support your enquiry. Read the NDIS guidance on getting a vehicle modified for the current process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a power tailgate manually?
Some systems permit manual operation using a specific procedure. Check your vehicle or kit instructions first, particularly if the battery is flat or the latch is locked. Do not force the tailgate against the powered mechanism.
Will the electric tailgate work with my original key?
Original key fob integration is available with compatible systems. We confirm the supported controls for your vehicle before supplying or installing a kit.
Is a foot sensor included?
A foot sensor is an optional feature on compatible installations. Ask for it to be included in your quote if hands-free operation is important to you.
Can the opening height be adjusted?
Compatible systems allow an opening height to be programmed. Check the available setting range against your garage clearance and reach requirements.
Does an electric tailgate lift a wheelchair into the car?
No. It opens and closes the rear door. Loading a wheelchair or scooter may require a separate boot hoist or another suitable loading solution.
Ask About a Tailgate Lift for Your Vehicle
Send Gilani Engineering your vehicle details and tell us what you need: easier access to a manual tailgate, hands-free operation or advice on retrofit compatibility.
Request a vehicle-specific quote, view our automatic tailgate lift kit or call (02) 8740 8963.
