Power liftgate device

A power liftgate system for a vehicle, comprising:

• a liftgate adapted to be pivotally attached to the vehicle, said liftgate being positionable in an opened or closed position;
• a power drive unit;
• a pneumatic actuator being pivotally mountable between said liftgate and the vehicle, said actuator biasing said liftgate in said opened position;
• a driven gear being selectively driven by said power drive unit, said driven gear being fixed to said actuator to pivot therewith;
• and
• an engaging device adapted to be coupled to the vehicle for engaging said power drive unit with said driven gear, thereby enabling said power drive unit to drive said driven gear, said engaging device being positionable between an engaged and a disengaged position, wherein said engaging device is operable in said engaged position to engage said power drive unit into driving connection with said driven gear, said engaging device is operable in said disengaged position to disengage said power drive unit from said driven gear to enable said actuator to actuate freely.