
LATCH ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize a
power cinch latch or power release latch (Fig. 13).
The power cinch and/or power release is made possi-
ble by a latch actuator attached to the leading edge
of the power latch assembly. This 12 volt latch actua-
tor contains a small drive gear that meshes with the
latch assemblies internal gears to perform the power
cinch close / power release operations. Refer to the
Latch assembly for more information.
The power cinch/release actuator is serviceable
component. Consult your MoparŸ parts catalog for
specific part numbers.
OPERATION
During a power close cycle, the power cinch actua-
tor provides the torque required to close the power
liftgate from the secondary to the primary closed and
latched position. During a power open cycle, the
power release actuator releases the liftgate from the
primary closed and latched position to the fully
unlatched and movable position.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Open the liftgate and remove the lower liftgate
trim panel. Refer to Body for the procedure.
(3) Disconnect the power latch electrical connector
(Fig. 13).
(4) Remove the three latch retaining bolts.
(5) Grab the latch assembly and unhook the key
cylinder link rod from the key cylinder (Fig. 13).
(6) Place the latch assembly on a bench and locate
the three wires leading from the actuator portion of
the latch assembly.
(7) Disengage the main connector retaining push
pins from the latch actuator housing.
(8) Back the three wires out of the main latch elec-
trical connector. Refer to the wiring section of the
service manual for detailed instructions.
(9) Flip the latch assembly over and remove the
latch actuator retaining screw(s).
(10) Remove the latch actuator from the latch
assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the latch actuator on the latch assem-
bly.
(2) Install the three latch actuator retaining
screws. Torque the screws to 4 in. lbs.
(3) Install the three wires in the main latch elec-
trical connector. Refer to the wiring section of the
service manual for detailed instructions.
NOTE: Be certain wires are reinstalled in the correct
wire cavities. Failure to do so could result in dam-
age to the latch actuator. Refer to Wiring Diagrams
if previous notes were not made.
(4) Secure the main connector retaining push pins
on the latch actuator housing.
(5) Grab the latch assembly and hook the key cyl-
inder link rod on the key cylinder.
(6) Position the latch and install the three latch
retaining bolts. Torque to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(7) Connect the power latch electrical connector.
(8) Install the lower liftgate trim panel. Refer to
Body for the procedure.
(9) Connect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 13 POWER LATCH ORIENTATION
1 - LATCH & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - LATCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LOCK CYLINDER LINK ROD
4 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
8N - 16 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS

EXTERIOR HANDLE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate or power
locks utilize a exterior handle switch. The exterior
handle switch is a electronic release switch mounted
to the rear license plate lamp housing assembly,
located just above the license plate. This switch con-
trols the power liftgate release function and is also
capable of reversing the power liftgate when it is in
motion. A full power open cycle cannot be performed
using this switch, only one of the power open com-
mand switches (key fob and overhead console
mounted) can be used to perform a full power open
cycle.
The exterior handle switch is a serviceable compo-
nent. Consult your MoparŸ parts catalog for a spe-
cific part number.
OPERATION
When the exterior handle switch is depressed, with
the liftgate in the closed position. A message is sent
to the Body Control Module (BCM). The Body Con-
trol Module then sends a signal to the power liftgate
control module via the J1850 PCI data bus circuit.
The power liftgate control module then sends a sig-
nal to the power latch mounted actuator, which
moves the liftgate from the primary closed and
latched position to the open and movable position. If
the liftgate is not pulled open once the latch releases
within a few seconds, the latch will cinch closed
again.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Open the liftgate and remove the liftgate trim
panel. Refer to the Body section of the service man-
ual for the procedure.
(3) Remove the rear lamp bar assembly from the
vehicle. Refer to the Body section of the service man-
ual for the procedure.
(4) Locate the two wires going to the exterior han-
dle switch. Cut the tie strap and trace the wires to
the large electrical connector and back the wires out
of the large connector and through the grommet.
Refer to the Wiring section of the service manual for
detailed instructions.
(5) Depress the two exterior handle switch retain-
ing tabs and roll the switch out of the light bar
assembly (Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the handle switch in the light bar
assembly.(2) Locate the two wires going to the exterior han-
dle switch. Install the wires through the grommet
and in the large connector. Secure with a tie strap.
Refer to the Wiring section of the service manual for
detailed instructions.
NOTE: Be certain wires are reinstalled in the correct
wire cavities. Failure to do so could result in dam-
age to the handle switch. Refer to Wiring Diagrams
if previous notes were not made.
(3) Install the rear light bar. Refer to the Body sec-
tion of the service manual for the procedure.
(4) Install the liftgate trim panel. Refer to the
Body section of the service manual for the procedure.
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
(6) Using an appropriate scan tool, check any
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes.
(7) Verify power liftgate system and handle switch
operation. Cycle the power liftgate through one com-
plete open and close cycle, this will allow the power
liftgate control module to relearn its cycle with the
new components.
Fig. 14 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-17

CHIME/THERMISTOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize a
chime/thermistor assembly. The chime/thermistor
assembly is a small capacitor shaped electrical com-
ponent mounted to the rear license plate lamp hous-
ing assembly (Fig. 15), located just above the license
plate. The chime portion of the assembly controls the
audible chime sound heard at the rear of the vehicle
when the power liftgate is in motion. The thermistor
portion of the assembly is a temperature sensor, used
by the power liftgate module.
The chime/thermistor assembly is a serviceable
component. Consult your MoparŸ parts catalog for a
specific part number.
OPERATION
The chime/thermistor assembly performs two dif-
ferent functions for the power liftgate system. First,
the chime portion provides an audible chime sound
which is controlled by the power liftgate module. The
chime/thermistor assembly is hardwired to the power
liftgate module. Second the thermistor provides a
outside temperature reading by way of a resistance
reading (V- ohms) supplied to the power liftgate
module. As temperature increases the resistance
reading (V- ohms) increases, as temperature
decreases the resistance reading (V- ohms)
decreases.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the rear light bar assembly from the
vehicle. Refer to Body for the procedure.
(3) Using your hands, grasp the light bar at its
sides next to thermistor/chime assembly and gently
pull the two sides of the light bar apart until the
thermistor/chime assembly can be removed.
INSTALLATION
(1) Gently pull the two sides of the light bar apart
until the thermistor/chime assembly can be installed.
(2) Install the rear light bar assembly on the vehi-
cle. Refer to the Body section of the service manual
for the procedure.
(3) Connect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 15 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
8N - 18 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS

NOTE: It may be possible to generate Sliding Door
Diagnostic Trouble Codes during normal power
sliding door operation. Refer to the Body Diagnos-
tic Manual for a complete list of diagnostic routines.
For additional information, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/POWER DOORS - OPERATION) . For a com-
plete power sliding door system wiring schematic,
refer to Wiring Diagrams. For power sliding door sys-
tem operation instructions, refer to the vehicle owner
manual.
WARNING: BE CERTAIN TO READ ALL WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS IN POWER SLIDING DOOR OPER-
ATION BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SERVICE OF
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM OR COMPO-
NENTS.
OPERATION
With the push of a power sliding door open/close
command switch (key fob, overhead console or B-pil-
lar mounted) a signal is sent out to the Body Control
Module (BCM). The BCM then sends a signal out on
the PCI Data Bus circuit (J1850) to the power sliding
door module. The power sliding door module then
signals the power sliding door latch to release the
door to the unlatched and movable position. The
motor then starts an open cycle.
During the door open cycle, if the power sliding
door module detects sufficient resistance to door
travel, such as an obstruction in the door's path, the
power sliding door module will immediately stop door
movement and reverse door travel to the full open orclosed position. The ability for the power sliding door
module to detect resistance to door travel is accom-
plished by hall effect sensors and the door motor
speed.
The power sliding door control module has the abil-
ity to learn. Anytime a door is opened or closed using
the power sliding door system the module learns
from its cycle. If a replacement power sliding door
component is installed or a door adjustment is made,
the module must re-learn the effort required to open
or close the door. A learn cycle can be performed with
a Diagnostic Scan Tool, such as the DRB IIIt, or with
a complete cycle of the door, using any one of the
command switches. Refer to Standard Procedures in
this section for detailed instructions.
The power sliding door system is designed with a
number of system inhibitors. These inhibitors are
necessary for safety and/or feasibility of the power
sliding door system. See the power sliding door sys-
tem inhibitors noted below:
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM INHIBITORS
²The power sliding door must be in thefullopen
or closed position in order for the power sliding door
system to start a cycle. If the door is not in this posi-
tion (based on the input from the full open, pawl or
ratchet switches) the door control module will not
respond to command switch inputs.
²The vehicles transmission must be inpark or
neutralin order for the power sliding door system to
start a cycle.
²The vehicles child lockout switch must be in the
ªUNLOCKEDº position in order for the power sliding
door systems B-pillar switches to function.
²If multiple obstacles are detected during the
same power open or close cycle the power sliding
door may go into full manual mode.
²If severe Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are
stored in the power sliding door control module the
power sliding door may go into full manual mode.
²Due to the high pressure created in the passen-
ger compartment with the blower motor on high, the
power sliding door may not complete a power close
cycle unless a window is cracked, allowing the pres-
sure to escape. This situation will only be experi-
enced on some vehicles, or vehicles with brand new
side door weather seals installed. Refer to the Side
Door Adjustment procedure in the Standard Proce-
dures section of this group.
²The vehicles fuel tank filler door must be in the
closed position. Due to the sliding door interference
with the open fuel tank filler door, mechanical link-
age prevents the side door from opening and striking
the fuel door. Refer to the Body section of this man-
ual for detailed information on the fuel door lockout
feature.Fig. 3 POWER SIDE DOOR FUSE LOCATION
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-21
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)

POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM WARNINGS
WARNING: ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE
BATTERY CABLE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM SERVICE.
WARNING: EXTREME CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO
PREVENT OBJECTS FROM ENTERING THE DOORS
PATH ONCE THE DOOR REACHES THE CINCH
MOTOR CONTACT (APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH
BEFORE FULLY CLOSED).
WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO ENTER OR EXIT
THE VEHICLE WHILE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR
IS IN MOTION. YOU COULD DAMAGE THE POWER
SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM OR COMPONENTS
AND/OR CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO DRIVE AWAY WITH
THE POWER SLIDING DOOR IN MOTION. YOU
COULD DAMAGE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR SYS-
TEM OR COMPONENTS AND/OR CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY.
WARNING: NEVER STICK OBJECTS IN THE POWER
SLIDING DOOR WHEN CINCHING CLOSED. YOU
COULD DAMAGE THE VEHICLE, POWER SLIDING
DOOR SYSTEM OR COMPONENTS AND/OR CAUSE
PERSONAL INJURY.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER SLIDING
DOOR SYSTEM
The power opening and closing power sliding door
system is a complex system containing many compo-
nents and modules. In order to obtain conclusive
testing, the Programmable Communications Interface
(J1850) data bus network and all of the electronic
modules that provide inputs to, or receive outputs
from the power sliding door system must be checked.
The power sliding door system was designed to be
diagnosed with an appropriate diagnostic scan tool,
such as the DRB IIIt. The most reliable, efficient,
and accurate means to diagnose the power sliding
door system requires the use of a DRB IIItscan tool
and the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures manual.
The DRB IIItcan be used to observe various switch
statuses throughout the power sliding door system to
help the technician diagnose a defective switch or
component. The DRB IIItcan also be used to actuate
various components throughout the power sliding
door system to help the technician diagnose a defec-
tive component.
Before any testing of the power sliding door system
is attempted, the battery should be fully charged, all
built-in power sliding door system inhibitors read
and understood (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DOORS - OPERATION) and all wire harness and
ground connections inspected around the affected
areas on the vehicle.
The following are quick reference diagnostic tables
to help when diagnosing and testing the power slid-
ing door system.
8N - 22 POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMRS
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Low battery voltage Charge battery
Failure of sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, see Body
Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures
Failure of drive assembly Remove lower drive unit and check for no
drive condition
No latching in primary
and/or secondary positionsFailure of inside/outside handle
assemblyGo to that9POSSIBLE CAUSE9and review
9CORRECTIONS9
Failure of latch assembly Check wire connections and for blown fuse
Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Failure of sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, see Body
Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures
Door seal force too high Inspect seals for damage, mis-assembly,
foreign matter. Refer to Door adjustment in
the Body section of the service manual for
specifications
Failure of drive assembly Remove lower drive unit and check for no
drive condition
Failure of striker Striker misaligned or loose
Striker damaged
Replace striker if necessary
Latch will not fully release
from primary positionFailure of latch assembly Check wire connections and for blown fuse
Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Failure of fuel filler door lockout
mechanismCheck operation of fuel filler door lockout
mechanism. Refer to the Body section for
information
Failure of sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, see Body
Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures
Failure of striker Striker misaligned or loose
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-25
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - WELLNUT
REPLACEMENT
Vehicles equipped with a power sliding door utilize
wellnuts. These wellnuts are used to hold and isolate
the power sliding door motor to and from the door
inner panel. The wellnut functions like a expandable
rubber core plug, as the screw fastener is threaded
into the wellnut and tightened the wellnuts diameter
increases. This secures the door motor assembly to
the inner panel and keeps the audible motor vibra-
tions to a minimum. If a wellnut shows signs of wear,
it must be replaced. Follow the procedure below if
replacement is necessary.
(1) Remove the door motor from the door inner
panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DOORS/
MOTOR - REMOVAL) .
(2) Remove the wellnuts from the inner panel by
pulling them straight out (Fig. 4). If a wellnut is dif-
ficult to remove, use a high leverage cutting tool to
cut the wellnut in half and remove the two halves
from the door assembly.
(3) Install the replacement wellnuts in the inner
panel and install the door motor(Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/POWER DOORS/MOTOR - INSTALLA-
TION) .
CAUTION: Be certain to use the correct torque
specification (35 in.lbs.) when installing the door
motor retaining screws.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER DOOR
LEARN CYCLE
Any time a power side door component is removed,
replaced, door adjustment is performed or diagnostic
trouble codes are addressed and erased, a learn cycle
mustbe performed. This learn cycle enables the
power side door control module to learn or relearn its
critical information (travel limits, resistance to door
travel, etc.) which allows it to perform properly and
safely. It also tells the technician that the system is
performing properly and is able to be returned to ser-
vice. To perform a power door learn cycle do the fol-
lowing:
(1) Obtain a DRB IIItscan tool.
Connect the DRB IIItto the vehicle and check for
any power side door system stored diagnostic trouble
codes, erase any stored codes. Operate the system
and check to see if any trouble codes return. If any
diagnostic trouble codes return, diagnose, correct and
erase the codes before performing the learn cycle. If a
DRB IIItscan tool is not available, the learn cycle
can be performed by opening and closing the power
side door using any of the normal open/close com-
mand switches. Be certain to cycle the side door
through a complete openandclose cycle or the pro-
cedure will not be complete.
(2) Using the DRB IIIt, Go into Test Routine
Menu and select a power open command.
(3) Select a power close command.
(4) The power side door learn cycle is complete.
NOTE: If the power side door will not complete a
full cycle a problem exists with the power side door
system. Refer to Power Side Door Diagnosis and
Testing.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SLIDING DOOR
ADJUSTMENT
In order for the power sliding door system to func-
tion properly the door must move freely and
smoothly. The power sliding door system can accom-
modate for some minor changes in the effort required
to move the door. However, in extreme conditions the
door may need to be mechanically adjusted for proper
fit. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOORS - SLIDING/SLID-
ING DOOR - ADJUSTMENTS) .
If a problem exists with the power sliding door and
it is suspected to be extreme effort, check for proper
door alignment and adjustment first, then check the
door tracks and drive unit for free manual operation.
Use a known good vehicle for side door comparison
data. Refer to the Side Door Adjustment procedure in
the Body section of the service manual for detailed
instructions.
Fig. 4 SIDE DOOR MOTOR WELLNUTS
1 - WELLNUTS
2 - SIDE DOOR INNER PANEL
8N - 28 POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMRS
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)

LATCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power side door or doors
utilize a power latch. One power latch is used for
each power door. The latch is located on the trailing
edge of the side door assembly (Fig. 5). This power
latch assembly is comprised of many different compo-
nents which have the ability to perform the power
cinch, release, lock, unlock and safety related opera-
tions. These components are the door latch, lock/un-
lock actuator, cinch/release actuator and child
lockout, pawl, ratchet and handle switches. The
ratchet switch is used to indicate the primary locked
position. The pawl switch is used to indicate the sec-
ondary position. The cinch latch also provides a con-
nection point for the interior handle, exterior handle
and hold open latch cables.
The power latch is a replaceable component. Con-
sult your Mopar parts catalog for specific part num-
bers.
OPERATION
The power latch performs the same operation as a
full manual door latch as well as power cinch,
release, lock and unlock operations. The power latch
mounted actuator cinches the door closed and latches
it in its primary latched position. During a power
close cycle, the power cinch actuator will not operate
until the side door has reached its secondary latchposition (determined by pawl and ratchet switches).
During a power open cycle, the power release actua-
tor will stop once the side door has moved from pri-
mary latch position (determined by ratchet switch).
The power latch uses inputs from the lock/unlock
actuator, power side door control module and child
lockout, pawl, ratchet and handle switches to provide
safe power cinch and release operations. Refer to
Power Side Door Operation for additional informa-
tion.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the appropriate side door trim panel.
Refer to the Body section for the procedure.
(3) Remove the weather shield if necessary. Refer
to the Body section for the procedure.
(4) Open the side door all the way and remove the
door latch retaining bolts (Fig. 6).
(5) Partially close the door and pull the latch
assembly out of the side door inner panel.
(6) Disconnect all electrical connectors leading to
the latch assembly.
(7) Disconnect the inside and outside handle cables
from the latch assembly. Refer to the Body Section of
the service manual for the procedure.
Fig. 5 POWER LATCH POSITION & ORIENTATION
1 - POWER LATCH ASSEMBLY
Fig. 6 REMOVING LATCH RETAINING BOLTS
1 - LATCH RETAINING BOLTS
2 - SIDE DOOR
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-29