2002 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY rear gate

The power liftgate system is designed with a num-
ber of system inhibitors. These inhibitors are neces-
sary for safety and / or feasibility of the power
liftgate system. Refer to power liftgate system inhib-
itors noted below:
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 COULD
DAMAGE 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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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)
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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)
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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)
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OPERATION
One end of the rod assembly is attached to the lift-
gate, the other attached to the lift gear. When the lift
gear is driven by the gear motor assembly the lift-
gate is moved to the open or closed position.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the left rear D-pillar trim from the
vehicle. Refer to Body for the procedure.
(2) Remove the lift gear retaining bolts (Fig. 11).
(3) Remove the lift gear and rod from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lift gear assembly and install the
retaining bolts. Torque the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft.
lbs.).
(2) Install the left rear D-pillar trim on the vehi-
cle. Refer to Body for the procedure.
CAUTION: Torque link rod to liftgate attachment
bolt to 250 in. lbs. Care must be taken not to over-
torque link rod bolt.
LATCH
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate, utilize a
power cinch/release latch. This latch performs the
same features as a manual liftgate latch as well as
the power cinch and / or release capability. A second
type of power latch can also be found on some RS
models, this latch is designed to perform a power
release only. The power cinch and release capability
is accomplished by an actuator mounted to the lead-
ing edge of the latch assembly. The latch is located in
the lower center of the liftgate assembly (Fig. 12) and
contains integral pawl and ratchet switches. The
ratchet switch acts as a liftgate ajar switch.
The power latch assembly can be serviced as a
complete assembly, latch without actuator or just the
actuator. Consult your Mopar parts catalog for spe-
cific part numbers.Fig. 11 LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR RETAINING SCREWS
2 - LIFT GEAR RETAINING BOLTS
Fig. 12 POWER LATCH ORIENTATION
1 - LATCH & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - LATCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LOCK CYLINDER LINK ROD
4 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
8N - 14 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
LIFT GEAR & LINK ROD (Continued)
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(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)
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(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)
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REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM
The key fob transmitter (Fig. 1) has six buttons.
Three of them, LOCK, UNLOCK, and PANIC, are
used to actuate parts of, and program the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) system via the customer pro-
gramming mode. It is not necessary to use the
PANIC button with the DRB IIItscan tool mode of
programming.
OPERATION
POWER DOOR LOCK SYSTEM
The Body Control Module (BCM) locks or unlocks
the doors when an actuation input signal from a door
lock switch or Remote Keyless Entry Module (RKE)
is received. The BCM turns on the output drivers
and provides a voltage level to the door lock motor
for a specified time. The BCM locks the doors auto-
matically when the vehicle is driven beyond the
speed of 25.7 Km/h (16 mph). The rolling door lock
feature can be disabled if desired. All doors and lift-
gate can be locked or unlocked using mechanical but-
ton or key cylinder methods (Liftgate cylinder does
not lock/unlock vehicle. It only unlocks the liftgate).
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS
The BCM is equipped with a disable feature to
stop the speed sensitive automatic door locks from
functioning. The DISABLE feature can be switched
ON or OFF as desired. When the system is DIS-
ABLED the door locks will operate normally, but will
not lock automatically when the vehicle is rolling.
When the door locks are ENABLED the door locks
will automatically lock when the vehicle is moving at
about 25.7 Km/h (16 mph). All doors are closed, the
PCM has set the ªOK TO LOCKº bit, and doors were
not previously locked.
DOOR LOCK INHIBIT
If the key is in the ignition, in any position, and
either front door is ajar, all power door lock function-
ing shall be disabled when activating either door lock
switch. Also, if the Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) is
armed, the door lock switch ªUNLOCKº feature will
be disabled until the vehicle is disarmed. Pressing
the RKE lock/unlock button under these conditions
will result in a normal lock/unlock activation.
After the key is removed from the Ignition Switch,
or the doors are closed, the power door locks will
operate normally.
CENTRAL LOCKING
If equipped with Vehicle Theft Security System
(VTSS), all the doors can be locked with the key by
using any of the door lock cylinders. Turning the key
to the LOCK position will lock all the doors.
When either of the front key cylinder switches is
detected active, the BCM will activate the illumi-
nated entry feature and the individual front doors
will become mechanically unlocked. To central unlock
all doors, a second transition from OFF to UNLOCK
has to occur within 2 seconds of the first complete
UNLOCK cycle.
To central unlock the driver door, turn the key to
the rear of the vehicle. This indicates an unlock sig-
nal to the BCM. For the passenger door, turn the key
toward the front of the vehicle. When either key cyl-
inder switch is detected as active, the BCM will acti-
vate the illuminated entry feature. The individual
doors will become mechanically unlocked.
To central lock the vehicle, the driver door lock cyl-
inder is turned toward the front of the vehicle. The
passenger door lock cylinder is turned toward the
rear of the vehicle. When a lock input from either
key cylinder is detected as active, the BCM will can-
cel the illuminated entry feature and perform the
central lock operation.
Fig. 1 KEY FOB
1 - LEFT SLIDING DOOR BUTTON
2 - RIGHT SLIDING DOOR BUTTON
3 - LIFTGATE SWITCH
8N - 40 POWER LOCKSRS
POWER LOCKS (Continued)
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