2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY roof

DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................180
INSTALLATION..........................180
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................180
INSTALLATION..........................181
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................181
INSTALLATION..........................181
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................181
INSTALLATION..........................181
LIFTGATE
REMOVAL.............................181INSTALLATION..........................182
LIFTGATE SPOILER
REMOVAL.............................182
INSTALLATION..........................182
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................182
INSTALLATION..........................182
SUPPORT CYLINDER
REMOVAL.............................183
INSTALLATION..........................183
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL.............................183
INSTALLATION..........................183
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove liftgate trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the exterior handle electrical con-
nectors.
(3) Remove the two outer screws and the two inner
screws.
(4) Remove the exterior handle/license plate light
assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Route the exterior handle electrical connector
through the door and position handle.
(2) Install the two inner bolts and tighten to 40
N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the two out screws and tighten to 20
N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
(4) Connect the electrical connector.
(5) Install the trim panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/TRIM
PANEL - INSTALLATION)
HINGE
REMOVAL
(1) Release liftgate latch and open liftgate.
(2) Support liftgate on a suitable lifting device in
the full open position.(3) Apply several layers of duct tape on the outside
of to roof across the gap to the lift gate to hold the
liftgate in position.
(4) Remove bolts attaching liftgate hinge to roof
header.
(5) Disconnect VTSS switch from the body har-
ness.
(6) Remove bolts attaching hinge to liftgate (Fig.
1).
(7) Remove hinge from vehicle.
Fig. 1 Liftgate Hinge
1 - LIFTGATE
2 - HINGE
3 - REAR ROOF HEADER
23 - 180 DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATERS
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INSTALLATION
(1) If necessary, paint replacement hinge before
installation.
(2) Place hinge in position on vehicle.
(3) Align hinge to marks on liftgate.
(4) Install bolts attaching hinge to liftgate (Fig. 1)
. Tighten bolts to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Align hinge to marks on roof header.
(6) Install bolts attaching liftgate hinge to roof
header. Tighten outer two bolts to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.)
torque. The sheet medal screw at center 12 N´m (105
in. lbs.)
(7) Remove duct tape from roof and liftgate.
(8) Verify liftgate alignment. Refer to Liftgate
Remove and Installation for proper gap measure-
ments.
LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove liftgate trim panel.
(2) Disengage outside handle link from clip on
latch.
(3) Disconnect wire connector from liftgate latch
(Fig. 2).
(4) Remove screws attaching latch to liftgate.
(5) Remove latch from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Engage like and place latch in position on vehi-
cle.
(2) Install screws attaching latch to liftgate.
Tighten to 10 N´m (95 lb.in.) torque.
(3) Connect wire connector to liftgate latch.
(4) Verify liftgate fit and operation. Adjust as nec-
essary.
(5) Install liftgate trim panel.
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Open liftgate.
(2) Mark outline of striker on sill to aid installa-
tion.
(3) Remove screws attaching striker to sill (Fig. 3)
.
(4) Remove striker from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place striker in position on vehicle.
(2) Align striker to outline mark on sill.
(3) Install screws attaching striker to sill. Tighten
screws to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Verify liftgate alignment and operation.
LIFTGATE
REMOVAL
(1) Release liftgate latch and open liftgate.
(2) Remove screws attaching liftgate wire connec-
tor to rear header.
Fig. 2 Liftgate Latch
1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 - LIFTGATE LATCH
3 - SCREW
4 - LIFTGATE
5 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
Fig. 3 Liftgate Latch Striker
1 - LIFTGATE SILL
2 - LIFTGATE STRIKER
RSDECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE23 - 181
HINGE (Continued)
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(3) Disconnect liftgate wire harness from body
wire harness.
(4) Remove liftgate upper frame molding.
(5) Disconnect rear window washer hose from
spray nozzle.
(6) Support liftgate on a suitable lifting device.
(7) Remove screws attaching support cylinders to
liftgate.
(8) Remove bolts attaching liftgate hinge to roof
header (Fig. 4) .
(9) With assistance, remove liftgate from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) With assistance, place liftgate in position on
vehicle.
(2) Install bolts attaching liftgate hinge to roof
header. Tighten bolts to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install screws attaching support cylinders to
liftgate. Tighten bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Remove lifting device from under liftgate.
(5) Connect liftgate wire harness into body wire
harness.
(6) Install screws attaching wire connector to rear
header.
(7) Connect rear window washer hose onto spray
nozzle.
(8) Install liftgate upper frame molding.
(9) Verify liftgate alignment. The liftgate should
have a gap to adjacent panels and fit flush across the
gaps. The gap is;
²7 mm (0.280 in.) to the fascia,
²6 mm (0.240 in.) to the roof,
²4 mm (0.160 in.) to the aperture.
LIFTGATE SPOILER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove nuts (Fig. 5).
(2) Remove spoiler from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1)Place liftgate spoiler in position and install nuts.
(2) Tighten nuts to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.) torque.
LOCK CYLINDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the liftgate trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector.
(3) Disconnect the latch rod.
(4) Rotate plastic lock cylinder nut one quarter
turn and remove nut and spring washer.
(5) Remove the lock cylinder from the liftgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install lock cylinder into liftgate.
(2) Install the plastic lock cylinder lock nut, spring
washer and rotate one quarter turn.
(3) Connect the electrical connector.
(4) Connect the latch rod.
(5) Install the trim panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/TRIM
PANEL - INSTALLATION)
(6) Verify lock cylinder operation.
Fig. 4 Liftgate
1 - HINGE
2 - ROOF
3 - NET HOLE OR SLOT
Fig. 5 Liftgate Spoiler
1 - RETAINER SEALER WASHER
2 - LIFT GATE SPOILER
23 - 182 DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATERS
LIFTGATE (Continued)
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EXTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY SIDE MOLDINGS
REMOVAL.............................184
INSTALLATION..........................184
COWL GRILLE
REMOVAL.............................190
INSTALLATION..........................190
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES - TAPE ATTACHED
REMOVAL.............................191
INSTALLATION..........................191
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES - ADHESIVE
ATTACHED
REMOVAL.............................191
INSTALLATION..........................191
FRONT FENDER
REMOVAL.............................191
INSTALLATION..........................191
FUEL FILL DOOR
REMOVAL.............................191
INSTALLATION..........................192
FUEL FILL DOOR BLOCKER LATCH
REMOVAL.............................192
INSTALLATION..........................192
FUEL FILL DOOR BLOCKER LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................193
INSTALLATION..........................193
FUEL FILL DOOR BLOCKER LOCKOUT LINK
REMOVAL.............................193INSTALLATION..........................193
GRILLE OPENING REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL.............................194
INSTALLATION..........................194
FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL.............................194
INSTALLATION..........................195
LUGGAGE RACK RISER
REMOVAL.............................195
INSTALLATION..........................195
LUGGAGE RACK CROSSBAR
REMOVAL.............................195
INSTALLATION..........................196
REAR QUARTER PANEL/FENDER AIR
EXHAUSTER
DESCRIPTION..........................196
REMOVAL.............................196
INSTALLATION..........................197
ROOF JOINT MOLDING
REMOVAL.............................197
INSTALLATION..........................197
SIDE VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL.............................198
INSTALLATION..........................198
BODY SIDE MOLDINGS
REMOVAL
Refer to (Fig. 1), (Fig. 2), (Fig. 3), (Fig. 4) or (Fig.
5)for proper location of fasteners holding the molding
to the wheelhouse lip and rocker panels.
(1) Warm the affected stick-on molding and body
metal to approximately 38É C (100É F) using a suit-
able heat lamp or heat gun.
(2) If equipped, remove pop-rivets holding molding
edge to wheelhouse lip.
(3) Pull stick-on molding from painted surface.
(4) Remove adhesive tape residue from painted
surface of vehicle. Use a 3M Scotch-BriteŸ Molding
Adhesive and Stripe Removal Disc, or equivalent, to
clean adhesive residue from painted surfaces. These
products are available from automotive paint suppli-
ers. Refer to instructions supplied with the specific
product for proper usage.
INSTALLATION
Refer to (Fig. 1) , (Fig. 2), (Fig. 3), (Fig. 4) or (Fig.
5)for proper location of fasteners to hold the molding
to the wheelhouse lip and rocker panels.
(1) If molding is to be reused;
(a) Remove tape residue from molding.
(b) Clean back of molding with Moparž Super
Kleen, or equivalent.
(c) Wipe molding dry with lint free cloth.
(d) Apply a single coat of Moparž TPO Molding
Prep to tape side of molding and allow to dry thor-
oughly.
(e) Apply new body side molding (two sided
adhesive) tape to back of molding.
(2) Clean body surface with Moparž Super Kleen,
or equivalent. Wipe surface dry with lint free cloth.
(3) Remove protective cover from tape on back of
molding.
(4) Apply molding to body from front to rear,
inserting locator pins into hole in body panel.
23 - 184 EXTERIORRS
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INSTALLATION
SHORT WHEELBASE
(1) Position the air exhauster to the hole in the
lower aperture panel (Fig. 18).
(2) Using hand pressure, press the air exhauster
into the opening in the lower aperture panel until
the snap features are fully engaged.
(3) Reinstall the rear fascia onto the body. (Refer
to 13 - FRAMES & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/REAR
FASCIA - INSTALLATION).
LONG WHEELBASE
NOTE: Models with the optional rear heater and air
conditioner do not have an air exhauster on the
right side of the vehicle, but have a plastic plug
installed in the right lower aperture panel. This plug
is installed using the same procedure used to
install the air exhauster onto the short wheelbase
model. Refer to SHORT WHEELBASE .
(1) Position the air exhauster to the hole in the
lower aperture panel (Fig. 19).
(2) Using hand pressure, press the air exhauster
into the opening in the lower aperture panel until
the snap features are fully engaged.
(3) Reinstall the quarter trim panel onto the inside
of the left or right quarter inner panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/RIGHT QUARTER TRIM PANEL
- INSTALLATION) or (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERI-
OR/LEFT QUARTER TRIM PANEL - INSTALLA-
TION).
ROOF JOINT MOLDING
REMOVAL
The RAP molding is set with body side molding
tape. The temperature in the work area and the vehi-cle should be at least 21É C (70É F) to avoid damag-
ing the RAP moldings.
(1) Warm the affected stick-on molding and body
metal to approximately 38É C (100É F) using a suit-
able heat lamp or heat gun.
(2) Pull stick-on molding from painted surface.
(3) Remove adhesive tape residue from painted
surface of vehicle. Use a 3M Scotch-BriteŸ Molding
Adhesive and Stripe Removal Discs, or equivalent, to
clean adhesive residue from painted surfaces. The
adhesive removal discs are available from automotive
paint suppliers. Refer to instructions supplied with
the discs for proper usage.
INSTALLATION
The RAP molding is set with body side molding
tape. The temperature in the work area and the vehi-
cle should be at least 21É C (70É F) to avoid damag-
ing the RAP moldings.
(1) If molding is to be reused;
(a) Remove tape residue from molding.
(b) Clean back of molding with Moparž Super
Kleen solvent, or equivalent.
(c) Wipe molding dry with lint free cloth.
(d) Apply new body side molding (two sided
adhesive) tape to back of molding.
(2) Clean body surface with Moparž Super Kleen
solvent, or equivalent. Wipe surface dry with lint free
cloth.
(3) Remove protective cover from tape on back of
molding.
(4) Apply molding to body from front of vehicle to
rear.
(5) Using a roller tool, roll molding onto body
panel with enough force to assure adhesion and not
bend roof panels.
RSEXTERIOR23 - 197
REAR QUARTER PANEL/FENDER AIR EXHAUSTER (Continued)
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A-PILLAR LOWER EXTENSION
TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove instrument panel side cover.
(2) Remove screw holding A-pillar extension to
door hinge pillar.
(3) Remove A-pillar extension trim from vehicle
(Fig. 1) .
INSTALLATION
(1) Place A-pillar extension trim in position on
vehicle.
(2) Install screw to hold A-pillar extension to door
hinge pillar.
(3) Install instrument panel side cover.
A-PILLAR TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the assist handle if equipped. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/ASSIST HANDLE - REMOV-
AL).
(2) Disengage hidden clips holding A-pillar trim
panel to A-pillar (Fig. 2).
(3) Remove A-pillar trim from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position foot on A-pillar trim panel into instru-
ment panel top cover channel.
(2) Position A-pillar trim in vehicle.
(3) Align locator pins.
(4) Engage hidden clips.(5) Install the assist handle, if equipped. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/ASSIST HANDLE - INSTAL-
LATION)
ASSIST HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Using a trim stick (C-4755), remove screw
access covers from grab-handle.
(2) Remove screws holding grab-handle to roof rail.
(3) Remove grab-handle from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place grab-handle in position on vehicle.
(2) Install screws to hold grab-handle to roof rail.
(3) Install screw access covers into grab-handle.
B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Slide lower seat belt cover rearward to expose
anchor bolt.
(2) Remove bolt attaching lower seat belt anchor to
floor.
(3) Remove upper B-pillar trim cover.
(4) Remove access panel from B-pillar trim (Fig. 3)
.
Fig. 1 A-pillar Lower Extension Trim
1 - A-PILLAR LOWER EXTENSION TRIM
2 - IP SIDE COVER
Fig. 2 A-pillar Trim
1 - A-PILLAR
2 - CLIPS
RSINTERIOR23 - 209
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HEADLINER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove sun visors and vanity mirrors.
(2) Remove sun visor center supports.
(3) If equipped, remove coat hooks.
(4) If equipped, remove roof rail modules.
(5) Remove A-pillar trim covers.
(6) Remove B-pillar upper trim covers.
(7) Remove C-pillar upper trim covers.
(8) Remove D-pillar upper trim covers.
(9) Remove liftgate opening header trim.
(10) If equipped, remove overhead console.
(11) If equipped, remove reading lamp.
(12) Remove dome lamp.
(13) Remove push in locking fasteners attaching
headlining to rear roof header and roof bows (Fig. 9)
or (Fig. 10).
(14) Remove headlining from roof.
(15) Extract headlining through liftgate opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert headlining through liftgate opening.
(2) Place headlining in position on roof.
(3) Install left sun visor support.
(4) Install push in locking fasteners attaching
headlining to rear roof header and bows (Fig. 9) or
(Fig. 10).
(5) Install right sun visor support.
(6) Install sun visors and vanity mirrors.(7) If equipped, install roof rail modules.
(8) If equipped, install coat hooks.
(9) Install dome lamp.
(10) If equipped, install reading lamp.
(11) If equipped, install overhead console.
(12) Install liftgate opening header trim.
(13) Install D-pillar upper trim covers.
(14) Install C-pillar upper trim covers.
(15) Install B-pillar upper trim covers.
(16) Install A-pillar trim covers.
JACK STORAGE COVER
REMOVAL
LONG WHEEL BASE
(1) Depress latch handle at top of jack storage
cover.
(2) Pull outward at top of cover to disengage latch.
(3) Remove jack storage cover from vehicle.
SHORT WHEEL BASE
(1) Open quarter panel bin storage cover.
(2) Lift upward and rearward on jack storage cover
retaining latch to disengage.
(3) Remove jack storage cover from vehicle.
Fig. 9 Headlining ± SWB
1 - ROOF
2 - REAR HEADER TRIM
3 - PUSH-IN FASTENER
4 - HEADLINING
Fig. 10 Headlining ± LWB
1 - ROOF
2 - HEADLINING
3 - SUN VISOR SUPPORTS
4 - PUSH-IN FASTENERS
RSINTERIOR23 - 213
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SLIDING DOOR SILL PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Disengage hidden clips holding sill plate to
sliding door opening sill.
(2) Disengage hooks holding outside edge of sill
plate to door sill (Fig. 16) .
(3) Remove sill plate from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place sill plate in position on vehicle.
(2) Engage hooks to hold outside edge of sill plate
to door sill.
(3) Align guide pins to holes in door sill.
(4) Engage hidden clips to hold sill plate to sliding
door opening sill.
SUN VISOR
REMOVAL
All vehicles with driver and passenger side air
bags must have a colored coded five Bullet point airbag warning label applied to the sun visor, verify
label availability and ensure the label is installed.
(1) Disengage sun visor from center support.
(2) Remove screws attaching sun visor to roof
header (Fig. 17) .
(3) Remove sun visor from roof.
(4) If equipped, disconnect illuminated vanity mir-
ror wire connector from body harness.
(5) Remove sun visor from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
All vehicles with driver and passenger side air
bags must have a colored coded five Bullet point air
bag warning label applied to the sun visor, verify
label availability and ensure the label is installed.
(1) Place sun visor in position on vehicle.
(2) Connect illuminated vanity mirror wire connec-
tor into body harness.
(3) Place sun visor in position on roof.
(4) Install screws to hold sun visor to roof header
(Fig. 17) .
(5) Engage sun visor into center support.
Fig. 16 Sliding Door Sill Plate
1 - HOOKS
2 - SILL PLATE
3 - CLIPS
4 - SLIDING DOOR SILL
5 - CLIPS
Fig. 17 Sun Visor
1 - HEADLINING
2 - SUN VISOR
23 - 218 INTERIORRS
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