2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY sensor

POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM INHIBITORS
²The Power Liftgate may not operate in extreme
temperatures. These extreme temperatures will be
approximately -12É F (-24.4É C) on the low side and
143É F (61.6É C) for the high side. A chime/thermister
assembly in the rear light bar assembly monitors the
outside temperature.
²The vehicles transmission must be in park or
neutral for the power liftgate to start a cycle.
²If multiple obstacles are detected during the
same power open or close cycle the liftgate goes into
manual operation.
²If severe Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are
stored in the power liftgate control module.
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM CAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS
WARNING: ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE
BATTERY CABLE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM SERVICE.
WARNING: THERE IS A SMALL AREA ON BOTH
SIDES OF THE LOWER POWER LIFTGATE WHICH
ARE NOT PROTECTED BY PINCH SENSORS.
EXTREME CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO PREVENT
OBJECTS FROM ENTERING THIS AREA ONCE THE
LIFTGATE REACHES THE SECONDARY LATCH
CONTACT (APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH BEFORE
FULLY CLOSED).
WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO ENTER OR EXIT
THE VEHICLE WITH THE LIFTGATE IN MOTION.
YOU COULD DAMAGE THE POWER LIFTGATE SYS-
TEM AND/OR COMPONENTS AND/OR CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY.
WARNING: NEVER STICK OBJECTS IN THE POWER
LIFTGATE WHEN CINCHING CLOSED. YOU COULDDAMAGE THE VEHICLE, POWER LIFTGATE SYS-
TEM COMPONENTS AND/OR CAUSE PERSONAL
INJURY.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER LIFTGATE
SYSTEM
The power opening and closing power liftgate sys-
tem 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 liftgate system must be checked.
The power liftgate system was designed to be diag-
nosed with an appropriate diagnostic scan tool, such
as the DRB IIIt. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the power liftgate 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 sta-
tuses throughout the power liftgate system to help
the technician diagnose a defective switch or compo-
nent. The DRB IIItcan also be used to actuate var-
ious components throughout the power liftgate
system to help the technician diagnose a defective
component.
Before any testing of the power liftgate system is
attempted, the battery should be fully charged, all
built-in power liftgate system inhibitors read and
understood (Refer to power liftgate system operation)
and all wire harness and ground connections
inspected around the affected areas on the vehicle.
Following are quick reference diagnostic tables to
help when diagnosing and testing the power liftgate
system.
8N - 4 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM (Continued)
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STANDARD PROCEDURE - LIFTGATE
ADJUSTMENT
In order for the power liftgate system to function
properly the liftgate must move freely and smoothly.
The power liftgate system can acommodate for some
minor changes in the effort required to move the lift-
gate. However, in extreme conditions the liftgate may
need to be mechanicaly adjusted for proper fit and
finish. Refer to the Liftgate Adjustment procedure in
the Body section of the service manual for detailed
instructions.
If a problem exists with the power liftgate and it is
suspected to be extreme effort check the liftgate prop
rods and hinges for free movement. Use a known
good vehicle for liftgate effort comparison.
NOTE: Routine application of Mopar MP-50Tor
equivalent on the chrome prop rod shafts and lift-
gate latch and hinges will help keep the liftgate in
good working order.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER LIFTGATE
LEARN CYCLE
Any time a power liftgate component is removed,
replaced or a liftgate adjustment is performed a learn
cycle must be performed. This learn cycle enables the
power liftgate control module to learn or relearn
information (travel limits, resistance to door travel,
etc.) which allows it to perform properly and safely.
To perform a learn cycle do the following:
(1) Obtain a DRB IIItscan tool.
(2) Connect the DRB IIItto the vehicle and check
for any power liftgate system stored trouble codes,
correct and erase any stored codes.
(3) Using the DRB IIIt, Go into Test Routine
Menu and select the power open command.
(4) Select the power close command.
(5) The liftgate learn cycle is complete.
If a DRB IIItscan tool is not available the learn
cycle can be performed by actuating the liftgate by
using any of the normal command switches. Be cer-
tain to cycle the liftgate through a complete open and
close cycle before returning the vehicle to service.
NOTE: If the power liftgate will not complete a full
cycle a problem exists with the power liftgate sys-
tem. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DOORS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) .
PINCH SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize two
pinch sensors, one is located on each side of the lift-
gate (Fig. 4). These sensors look like weather-strips,
however they consist of pieces of electrically conduc-
tive rubber (tapeswitch), wires, resistor, double sided
tape, and a plastic carrier. They are used to indicate
an obstruction during a power close cycle.
OPERATION
During a power liftgate close cycle, if either of the
two conductive rubber strips (tapeswitch) of the
pinch sensor come in contact with an obstacle, the
pinch sensor circuit is completed. This tells the
power liftgate control module that a obstruction is
felt. The control module will stop the liftgate imme-
diately and return it to the full open position.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove trim panel from liftgate. Refer to Body
for the procedure.
Fig. 4 PINCH SENSOR LOCATION
1 - LIFTGATE
2 - PINCH SENSOR ASSEMBLY
3 - POWER LIFTGATE LINK ROD
4 - PINCH SENSOR WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - PINCH SENSOR WIRE HARNESS
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-9
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM (Continued)
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(3) Disconnect the pinch sensor wire harness con-
nector (Fig. 4).
(4) Remove screws holding the pinch sensor to lift-
gate.
(5) Feed the pinch sensor wire harness out of the
liftgate and remove the sensor from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the pinch sensor and install screws
holding the sensor to the liftgate. Torque screws to
25 in. lbs.
(2) Install wire harness grommet in liftgate flange
and route, connect the pinch sensor wire harness
connector.
(3) Install the trim panel on the liftgate. Refer to
the Body section for the procedure.
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
(5) Using an appropriate scan tool, check and
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes related to the pinch sensor.
(6) Verify power liftgate system and pinch sensor
operation. Cycle the power liftgate through one com-
plete open and close cycle, during the final close cycle
press the pinch sensor to verify the power liftgate
detects an obstruction and returns to the full open
position.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN TEST-
ING PINCH SENSOR OPERATION.
FULL OPEN SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize a
full open switch. This switch is located on the gear
motor housing (Fig. 5) and is used to signal the
power liftgate module when the liftgate is in the full
open position. Two wires are used from the full open
switch contacts to the gear motor assemblies main
electrical connector.
The full open switch is a serviceable component.
Consult your Mopar parts catalog for a specific part
number.
OPERATION
When the power liftgate reaches the full open posi-
tion, the gear motor housing mounted full open
switch electrical contacts come in contact with each
other. This sends a ground signal to the power lift-
gate control module, telling the module that the lift-
gate has reached the full open position.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the lift gear and link rod assembly
from the vehicle(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DOORS/CONTROL ROD - REMOVAL).
(3) Cut the two wires leading to the full open
switch or back the wires out of the electrical connec-
tor (Fig. 5). Refer to the Wiring section of the service
manual for detailed instructions.
(4) Remove the full open switch retaining screw
and remove the full open switch from the gear motor
housing assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Perform a wiring repair on the full open switch
wires following the approved procedure in the Wiring
section of the service manual. Or install new termi-
nals on the wire ends and reinstall in the main lift-
gate motor electrical connector.
(2) Position and install the full open switch retain-
ing screw.
(3) Install the power liftgate lift gear and link rod
assembly. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DOORS/CONTROL ROD - INSTALLATION)
(4) Connect the negative battery cable.
(5) Using an appropriate scan tool, check any
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes.
Fig. 5 FULL OPEN SWITCH LOCATION
1 - FULL OPEN SWITCH
2 - GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY RETAINING BOLT (1 OF 3)
8N - 10 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
PINCH SENSOR (Continued)
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(6) Verify power liftgate system and full open
switch operation. Cycle the power liftgate through
one complete open and close cycle, this will allow the
power liftgate control module to relearn its cycle with
the new components.
LIFTGATE MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate, utilize a
liftgate gear motor assembly (Fig. 6). The gear motor
assembly consists of a DC motor, hall effect sensor,
engage actuator, full open switch, lift gear, aluminum
housing, drive gears and wire harness. The gears and
motor portion of the assembly provides the power
and torque required to open or close the liftgate
under the worst case conditions. The hall effect sen-
sor is used to provide the liftgate control module with
a speed reading, which is used to monitor the resis-
tance of liftgate travel. This speed reading also
allows the power liftgate control module to detect
obstructions and move the liftgate accordingly. The
engage actuator is used to toggle between power
open/close mode and full manual mode when desired.
The full open switch is used to let the power liftgate
control module know when the liftgate is approach-
ing the full open position.Serviceable components of the power liftgate gear
motor assembly are the complete gear motor assem-
bly, motor and wire harness, lift gear and control rod,
engage actuator, full open switch and the transverse
bracket. Refer to additional information in this group
for more component details.
OPERATION
With the push of a power liftgate command switch
(liftgate closed), the power liftgate control module
will signal the latch assembly to release the door
from its primary closed and latched position to the
released and movable position. The liftgate motor
mounted, engage actuator then engages the liftgate
motor assembly, which moves the liftgate into the
open position. The liftgate motor provides the torque
and power to move the door to its full open or closed
position(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DOORS -
OPERATION) for additional information.
REMOVAL
The power liftgate motor can be serviced in two
different ways. The first of which is called out here,
the complete gear motor assembly. The second way
includes the motor, aluminum housing, drive gears
and wire harness assembly. To perform this service
procedure, use the following procedure to remove the
gear motor assembly from the vehicle. Then refer to
the other procedures called out this section to trans-
fer the remaining components (engage actuator, full
open switch, transverse bracket and lift gear and
rod) to the replacement motor assembly.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the left rear D-pillar trim panel from
the vehicle. Refer to the Body section for the proce-
dure.
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
motor assembly (Fig. 6).
(4) Remove the two bolts from the motor housing
and the one bolt from the transverse mount bracket.
(5) Grab the liftgate motor assembly and lift
upward and out to unhook the motor assembly from
the D-pillar.
(6) Remove the liftgate motor assembly from the
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Using the motor housing tab, hook the liftgate
motor assembly on the D-pillar.
(2) Install the three motor assembly retaining
bolts. Torque the two rear most bolts first to 9.5 N´m
(85 in. lbs.). Torque the remaining bolt next to the
window actuator to 9.5 N´m (85 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the liftgate motor assembly electrical
connector.
Fig. 6 POWER LIFTGATE COMPONENTS
1 - POWER LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
2 - POWER LIFTGATE CONTROL MODULE
3 - ELECTRICAL GROUND LOCATION
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-11
FULL OPEN SWITCH (Continued)
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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
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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)
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POWER MIRRORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION...........................45
OPERATION.............................45
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................45
POWER MIRRORS......................45
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR
DESCRIPTION...........................46
OPERATION.............................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................47AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR..........47
REMOTE SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................48
REMOTE SWITCH......................48
REMOVAL..............................48
INSTALLATION...........................48
SIDEVIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL..............................48
POWER MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION
If equipped with power mirrors, the control switch
is located on the instrument panel to the left of the
headlamp switch.
OPERATION
The power mirrors are connected to battery feed at
all times. Each mirror head contains two electric
motors, two drive mechanisms, an electric heating
element, and the mirror glass. If the vehicle is
equipped with the optional memory system, each
mirror head also contains both a horizontal and a
vertical motor position sensor. One motor and drive
controls mirror up-and-down movement, and the
other controls right-and-left movement.
An optional driver side outside electrochromic mir-
ror is able to automatically change its reflectance
level. This mirror is controlled by the circuitry of the
automatic day/night inside rear view mirror. A thin
layer of electrochromic material between two pieces
of conductive glass make up the face of the mirror.
Two photocell sensors on the inside rear view mirror
are used to monitor light levels and adjust the reflec-tance of both the inside and driver side outside mir-
rors. This change in reflectance helps to reduce the
glare of headlamps approaching the vehicle from the
rear. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR - DESCRIP-
TION) for more information on this system.
The motors which operate the mirrors are part of
the mirror assembly and cannot be serviced sepa-
rately.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER MIRRORS
(1) Remove Power Mirror Switch. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/POWER MIRROR
SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect wiring harness connector to the
power mirror switch and headlamp switch.
(3) Using two jumper wires:
²Connect one to a 12-volt source
²Connect the other to a good body ground
²Refer to the Mirror Test Chart for wire hookups
at the switch connector (Fig. 1).
(4) If results shown in table are not obtained,
check for broken or shorted circuit, or replace mirror
assembly as necessary.
RSPOWER MIRRORS8N-45
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AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT
MIRROR
DESCRIPTION
An automatic dimming inside day/night rear view
mirror and an automatic dimming driver side outside
rear view mirror are available factory-installed
options on this model. Following is a general descrip-
tion of this optional equipment.
The automatic day/night mirror is able to automat-
ically change its reflectance. A thin layer of electro-
chromic material between two pieces of conductive
glass make up the face of the mirror. Two photocell
sensors are used to monitor light levels and adjust
the reflectance of the mirror to reduce the glare of
headlamps approaching the vehicle from the rear.
For removal procedures, (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/REAR VIEW MIRROR - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The ambient photocell sensor faces forward, to
detect the outside light levels. A second sensor facesrearward to detect the light level received through
the vehicles back window. When the difference
between the two light levels becomes too great (the
light level received at the rear of the mirror is much
higher than that at the front of the mirror), the mir-
ror begins to darken.
The mirror switch allows the driver a manual con-
trol of whether the automatic dimming feature is
operational. When AUTO is selected a small Light-
Emitting Diode (LED), to the right of the mirror
switch, is illuminated. The automatic dimming fea-
ture will only operate when the ignition switch is in
the On position. The mirror also senses the backup
lamp circuit, and will automatically disable its self-
dimming feature whenever the transmission gear
selector is in the Reverse position.
NOTE: The mirror always defaults to an ON state
upon ignition.
Fig. 1 Power Mirror Test
MIRROR TEST
SWITCH CONNECTOR
12 Volts Ground MIRROR REACTION
Right Left
PIN 12 PIN 6 Ð UP
PIN 7 PIN 6 Ð LEFT
PIN 6 PIN 12 Ð DOWN
PIN 6 PIN 7 Ð RIGHT
PIN 13 PIN 1 UP Ð
PIN 8 PIN 1 LEFT Ð
PIN 1 PIN 13 DOWN Ð
PIN 1 PIN 8 RIGHT Ð
PIN 5 PIN 11 LAMP LAMP
8N - 46 POWER MIRRORSRS
POWER MIRRORS (Continued)
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