Page 465 of 2177

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. 4) , 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.
ENGAGE ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize a
power liftgate engage actuator (Fig. 5). 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.
Fig. 4 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
Fig. 5 LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - TRANSVERSE BRACKET
2 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR
3 - LIFT GEAR AND ROD ASSEMBLY
4 - LIFTGATE MOTOR
8N - 10 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
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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
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. 6).
(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.
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.
Fig. 6 LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR RETAINING SCREWS
2 - LIFT GEAR RETAINING BOLTS
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-11
ENGAGE ACTUATOR (Continued)
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(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. 7).
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.(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.
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. 8) 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-
Fig. 7 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
Fig. 8 FULL OPEN SWITCH LOCATION
1 - FULL OPEN SWITCH
2 - GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY RETAINING BOLT (1 OF 3)
8N - 12 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
EXTERIOR HANDLE SWITCH (Continued)
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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. 8). 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.
(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.
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. 9) 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 theactuator. Consult your Mopar parts catalog for spe-
cific part numbers.
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. 9).
(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.
Fig. 9 POWER LATCH ORIENTATION
1 - LATCH & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - LATCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LOCK CYLINDER LINK ROD
4 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-13
FULL OPEN SWITCH (Continued)
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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 three new 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. 10).
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. 10).
(4) Remove the three latch retaining bolts.
(5) Grab the latch assembly and unhook the key
cylinder link rod from the key cylinder (Fig. 10).
(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.
Fig. 10 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
LATCH (Continued)
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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 three new 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.
LIFTGATE MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate, utilize a
liftgate gear/motor assembly (Fig. 11). 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 pro-
vides the power and torque required to open or close
the liftgate under the worst case conditions. The hall
effect sensor is used to provide the liftgate control
module with a speed reading, which is used to mon-itor the resistance of liftgate travel. This speed read-
ing 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 gear/motor assembly is serviced
in two ways: the complete gear/motor assembly, or
the motor, aluminum housing, drive gears and wire
harness assembly. To perform this service, use the
following procedure to remove the gear/motor assem-
bly from the vehicle. Then refer to the other proce-
dures called out this section to transfer the
remaining components (engage actuator, full open
switch, transverse bracket and lift gear and rod) to
the replacement gear/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 procedure.
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
motor assembly (Fig. 11).
(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.
Fig. 11 POWER LIFTGATE COMPONENTS
1 - POWER LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR/ASSEMBLY
2 - POWER LIFTGATE CONTROL MODULE
3 - ELECTRICAL GROUND LOCATION
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-15
LATCH ACTUATOR (Continued)
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(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.
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. 12). 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 thelift gear are riveted 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.
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. 13).
(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 8 N´m (71 in. 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.
Fig. 12 LIFTGATE GEAR/MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - TRANSVERSE BRACKET
2 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR
3 - LIFT GEAR AND ROD ASSEMBLY
4 - LIFTGATE MOTOR
Fig. 13 LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR RETAINING SCREWS
2 - LIFT GEAR RETAINING BOLTS
8N - 16 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
LIFTGATE MOTOR (Continued)
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PINCH SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize two
pinch sensors, one is located on each side of the lift-
gate (Fig. 14). 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 thepinch 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.
(3) Disconnect the pinch sensor wire harness con-
nector (Fig. 14).
(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
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN TEST-
ING PINCH SENSOR OPERATION.
(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.
Fig. 14 PINCH SENSOR LOCATION
1 - LIFTGATE
2 - PINCH SENSOR ASSEMBLY
3 - LIFTGATE PROP ROD
4 - PINCH SENSOR WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - PINCH SENSOR WIRE HARNESS
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-17
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