(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
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER SLIDING
DOOR SYSTEM.......................21
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WELLNUT
REPLACEMENT.......................27
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER DOOR
LEARN CYCLE.......................27
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SLIDING DOOR
ADJUSTMENT........................27
LATCH
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
REMOVAL.............................28
INSTALLATION.........................29
SLIDING DOOR MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................29
REMOVAL.............................29
INSTALLATION.........................30
FULL OPEN SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................30
OPERATION...........................30
LEFT B-PILLAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................31
OPERATION...........................31
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31RIGHT B-PILLAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................31
OPERATION...........................31
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................31
LOWER DRIVE UNIT
DESCRIPTION.........................31
OPERATION...........................31
REMOVAL.............................32
INSTALLATION.........................32
LOWER DRIVE UNIT TRACK & RACK
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................33
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................33
WIRING HARNESS
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................34
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................35
FLEX DRIVE
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................36
REMOVAL.............................36
INSTALLATION.........................36
SLIDING DOOR MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................37
OPERATION...........................37
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................38
POWER SLIDING DOOR
SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles are equipped with a power opening
and closing sliding door system (Fig. 1). Depending
on how the vehicle is ordered it may be equipped
with only a right side power door or right and left
side power doors. This power sliding door system is a
complex system consisting of many components.
Some of these components are the door motor, latch
assembly, sliding door control module, lower drive
unit, flex drive assembly, wire harness and track,
lower drive unit track and rack assembly, full open
switch, B-pillar switch, overhead console switch, key
fob switches (Fig. 2), pawl switch, ratchet switch and
child lockout and handle switches.Each power side door has its own door control mod-
ule, located in the center of the door behind the door
trim panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELEC-
TRONIC CONTROL MODULES/DOOR CONTROL
MODULE - DESCRIPTION) The power side door
motor is located in the front portion of the door, on
the inner door panel sheet metal. The latch assembly
is located in the rear of the power side door, near the
body line. The lower drive unit is attached to the
lower door hinge. The flex drive assembly connects
the door motor to the lower drive unit. The wire har-
ness and track and the lower drive unit track are vis-
ible with the door open in the lower door sill area.
The power side door full open switch is located under
the lower drive unit and is part of the hold open
latch assembly. The pawl, ratchet, handle and child
lockout switches are all located on the power side
door latch assembly. The B-pillar switch, as it will be
8N - 18 POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMRS
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
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Replace the handle if necessary
Failure of latch assembly Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Failure of outside handle cable
assemblyCheck cable for binding
Check cable for broken condition
Replace the cable, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of door
Establish location of binding
Replace necessary components
Sliding door will not
open/close manuallyBinding or sticking of components Establish location of binding. Disconnect
flex drive and recheck. Replace necessary
components
Failure of latch assembly Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Sliding door will not
open/close under powerFailure 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 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 motor assembly Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Failure of full open switch assembly Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Failure of flex drive assembly Disconnect flex drive and check for broken
condition
Failure of lower drive unit assembly Remove lower drive unit and check for
broken condition
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Wiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
Power loss during power
door operationWiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-23
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Striker damaged
Replace striker if necessary
Cables worn and stretched Replace cables as necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Key fob, B-pillar or
overhead console switch
does not power operate
doorBlown Fuse Check fuse and replace
Battery voltage low Charge or replace battery
Failure of latch assembly Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Check wire connection
Pawl and/or ratchet switch inoperative
Replace latch if necessary
Wiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
Failure of body control module Check electrical connections
Refer to the body diagnostic manual for
additional checks
Replace BCM if necessary
Failure of key fob Replace key fob battery
Replace key fob if necessary
Failure of sliding door control module Disconnect 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 door motor assembly Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of gear motor assembly
Check wire connections
Gear motor clutch does not engage,
replace assembly
Full open switch inoperative, replace hold
open latch assembly
Replace motor assembly. if necessary
Door does not stay open Failure of hold open latch assembly Check wire/cable connections
Replace hold open latch, if necessary
Failure of hold open latch striker Replace hold open latch striker, if
necessary
High inside/outside opening
effortFailure of latch assembly Check wire connections and for blown fuse
Check cable connections
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-25
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Failure of inside/outside handle
assemblyGo to that9POSSIBLE CAUSE9and review
9CORRECTIONS9
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Door continues to cinch
closed during power modeFailure of latch assembly Check wire connections and for blown fuse
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
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
Wiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
Door continues to open
during power mode
(runaway motor)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 hold open latch assembly Check wire/cable connections
Replace hold open latch, if necessary
Failure of drive assembly Remove lower drive unit and check for no
drive condition
Wiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
Door opens very slowly Failure of door motor assembly Check wire/cable connections
Replace motor assembly, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Squeaks, Noises and rattles Foreign material in door
compartmentRemove foreign material
Loose components Check and tighten loose components
Poor door track lubrication Lubricate the front portions of the side door
tracks with9Door EaseT9or equivalent
8N - 26 POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMRS
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
STANDARD PROCEDURE
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.
Fig. 4 Side Door Motor Wellnuts
1 - Wellnuts
2 - Side Door Inner Panel
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-27
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com