2002 CHRYSLER CARAVAN battery

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.
(4) Install the D-pillar trim panel on the vehicle.
Refer to Body 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 related to the door motor assembly.
(7) Verify power liftgate system 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.
ENGAGE ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize a
power liftgate engage actuator (Fig. 7). The 12 volt
engage actuator provides the engagement and disen-
gagement of the liftgate gear motor to the lift gear by
way of an over center link, activated by a lever.
The engage actuator is a serviceable component
and cannot be repaired, if found to be faulty it must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The engage actuators normal position is disen-
gaged. When a power liftgate open or close command
is generated from any of the command switches, the
power liftgate control module signals the engage
Fig. 6 POWER LIFTGATE COMPONENTS
1 - POWER LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
2 - POWER LIFTGATE CONTROL MODULE
3 - ELECTRICAL GROUND LOCATION
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-11
LIFTGATE MOTOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

actuator to move its lever to the engaged position.
This engages the gear motor to the lift gear, so when
the motor turns the lift gate moves upward or down-
wards depending on its current position.
During a manual liftgate open or close cycle the
engage actuator is disengaged, allowing unrestricted
liftgate movement.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the left rear D-pillar trim from the
vehicle. Refer to Body for the procedure.
(3) Using your hand manually engage the actuator
link rod, this must be done to access one of the
engage actuator retaining screws.
(4) Remove the two engage actuator retaining
screws (Fig. 8).
(5) Disconnect the engage actuator electrical con-
nector and remove the engage actuator from the
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the engage actuator and connect the
engage actuator electrical connector.
(2) Install the two engage actuator retaining
screws.
(3) Manually disengage the actuator.(4) Install the left rear D-pillar trim on the vehi-
cle. Refer to Body for the procedure.
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
(6) Using an appropriate scan tool, check and
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes.
(7) Verify power liftgate system and engage actua-
tor operation. Cycle the power liftgate through one
complete open and close cycle.
TRANSVERSE BRACKET
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize a
transverse bracket (Fig. 9). This bracket is not differ-
ent than any other metal bracket which is used to
support and secure the power liftgate gear motor
assembly to the vehicles left rear body D-pillar.
The transverse bracket is a serviceable power lift-
gate component. Consult your MoparŸ parts catalog
for a specific part number.
OPERATION
The power liftgate transverse bracket supports the
gear motor assembly by supplying an additional
attachment point. Located on the leading edge of the
gear motor assembly, one end of the transverse
bracket attaches to the motor assembly the other to
the leading edge of the vehicles D-pillar.
Fig. 7 LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - TRANSVERSE BRACKET
2 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR
3 - LIFT GEAR AND ROD ASSEMBLY
4 - LIFTGATE MOTOR
Fig. 8 LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR RETAINING SCREWS
2 - LIFT GEAR RETAINING BOLTS
8N - 12 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
ENGAGE ACTUATOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the left D-pillar trim from the vehicle.
Refer to Body for the procedure.
(3) Disconnect the gear motor assembly electrical
connector and disengage retaining pushpin.
(4) Loosen the gear motor assembly retaining bolts
to allow room for transverse bracket to be removed.
(5) Remove the transverse bracket retaining bolts
(Fig. 10).
(6) Remove the transverse bracket from the vehi-
cle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the transverse bracket in the vehicle.
Be certain the transverse bracket is properly posi-
tioned. The bracket should just touch the engage
actuator arm and be positioned between the actuator
arm and the motor housing.
(2) Torque the transverse bracket retaining bolts
to the gear motor assembly to 9.5 N´m (85 in. lbs.)..
Do not tighten the transverse bracket retaining bolt,
located under the window actuator at this time.
(3) Torque the gear motor assembly retaining bolts
to 9.5 N´m (85 in. lbs.)..
(4) Torque the final transverse bracket retaining
bolt to 9.5 N´m (85 in. lbs.).(5) Connect the gear motor assembly electrical con-
nector and engage retaining pushpin.
(6) Install the appropriate D-pillar trim from the
vehicle. Refer to Body for the procedure.
LIFT GEAR & LINK ROD
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize a
lift gear and rod assembly. This lift gear and rod
assembly are located in the left rear of the vehicle
and are visible without removing the D-pillar trim
(Fig. 10). The lift gear provides the leverage to move
the liftgate from the closed to the open position. The
lift gear attaches to a bearing on the gear motor
assembly with four bolts. On the outboard side of the
lift gear are rivited on teeth, which mesh with the
gear motor assembly drive gears during a open or
close operation. The rod assembly is a steel shaft,
equipped with two spherical rod ends which attaches
the lift gear to the liftgate.
The lift gear and rod assembly are serviceable com-
ponents. Consult your MoparŸ parts catalog for a
part number.
Fig. 9 LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - TRANSVERSE BRACKET
2 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR
3 - LIFT GEAR AND ROD ASSEMBLY
4 - LIFTGATE MOTOR
Fig. 10 LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - TRANSVERSE BRACKET
2 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR
3 - LIFT GEAR AND ROD ASSEMBLY
4 - LIFTGATE MOTOR
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-13
TRANSVERSE BRACKET (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

OPERATION
On the power cinch/release latch, the latch
mounted actuator provides the torque required to
close the power liftgate from the secondary to the pri-
mary closed and latched position. On the power
cinch/release latch and the power release only latch,
the actuator releases the liftgate from the primary
closed and latched position to the fully unlatched and
movable position.
REMOVAL
(1) Open the hood, disconnect and isolate the neg-
ative battery cable.
(2) Open the liftgate and remove the liftgate trim
panel. Refer to Body for the procedure.
(3) Disconnect the power latch electrical connector
(Fig. 12).
(4) Remove the power latch retaining bolts.
(5) Disconnect the liftgate lock cylinder link rod
from the key cylinder or latch assembly. To discon-
nect from latch, rotate the plastic retaining clip 90 É
to unsnap clip from linkrod. Then pull link rod
straight out of latch arm.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the liftgate lock cylinder link rod on
the cinch latch assembly. Rotate the plastic retaining
clip 90 É to lock retaining clip on linkrod.
(2) Connect the link rod on the lock cylinder.
(3) Install the power latch retaining bolts. Torque
to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect the power latch electrical connector
and secure push pin retainers.
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
(6) Using an appropriate scan tool, check and
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes related to the power latch.
(7) Verify power liftgate system and power cinch /
release latch 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.
(8) Verify power liftgate manual operation. Using
liftgate key rotate the lock cylinder to verify door
operation. Pull door open using exterior liftgate han-
dle / switch.
(9) Install the liftgate trim panel. Refer to Body for
the procedure.
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.
Fig. 13 POWER LATCH ORIENTATION
1 - LATCH & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - LATCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LOCK CYLINDER LINK ROD
4 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-15
LATCH (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(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.
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.
8N - 16 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
LATCH ACTUATOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(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.
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. Thechime/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. 14 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
Fig. 15 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-17
EXTERIOR HANDLE SWITCH (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

referred to, is an open and close command switch
located on the vehicles interior body side B-pillar
trim. The overhead console switch, is an open and
close command switch located in the vehicle's over-
head console. More detailed information can be found
on these components later in this section.
Safety is of the utmost concern with the power
sliding door system. Software technology has enabled
the power sliding door control module to detect resis-
tance to door travel. This allows the power sliding
door to stop and reverse direction any time an
obstruction is felt or any of the command switches
are operated (while closing only). Battery voltage is
supplied to the power sliding door system through a
40 amp fuse, located in the Intelligent Power Module
(IPM) assembly (Fig. 3). The child lockout switch pre-
vents children from opening or actuating the power
sliding door system when desired. In the unlikely
event that the power sliding door system develops a
fault, the power sliding door can still be operated
manually from the interior or exterior door handle,
just like a standard manual sliding door.
The power sliding door control module communi-
cates on the J1850 PCI Data Bus Circuit. Therefore,
the power sliding door control module can generate
and store its own diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). A
diagnostic scan tool, such as the DRB IIItis used to
Fig. 1 Power Sliding Door Introduction
Fig. 2 Key Fob
1 - Left Sliding Door Switch
2 - Right Sliding Door Switch
3 - Liftgate Switch
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-19
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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.
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 PLACE OBJECTS IN THE
POWER SLIDING DOOR WHEN CINCHING CLOSED.
YOU COULD DAMAGE THE VEHICLE, POWER SLID-ING 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.
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-21
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com