LIFTGATE SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Liftgate opens unexpectedly Failure of Power Liftgate or Body
Control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function liftgate, if no function
exists check for loose wire connections,
see Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed
procedures
Failure of latch assembly Check wiring connections and for blown
fuse
Check for trouble codes, replace latch if
necessary
Failure of open/close command
switchCheck for shorted or defective switch
Liftgate will not open from
outside of vehicle manuallyFailure of key cylinder assembly Check for broken key cylinder assembly
Check link rod connections at the latch and
key cylinder assembly
Check for binds or kinks in link rod
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of key cylinder assembly
Replace the necessary components
Failure of latch assembly Check wire connections and for blown fuse
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of door
Establish location of binding
Replace necessary components
Liftgate will not open/close
under powerFailure of Power Liftgate or Body
Control ModuleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function liftgate, 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 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 Troubleshoot using Body Diagnostic
Manual
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-5
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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 Liftgate
operationWiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
Low battery voltage Charge battery
Failure of Power Liftgate or Body
Control ModuleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function liftgate, if no function
exists check for loose wire connections,
see Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed
procedures
Failure of motor assembly Check for no drive condition
No power latching in
primary and/or secondary
positionsFailure 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
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Failure of Power Liftgate or Body
Control ModuleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function liftgate, if no function
exists check for loose wire connections,
see Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed
procedures
Door seal force too high Inspect seals for damage, mis-assembly,
foreign matter or other possible obstruction
Failure of motor assembly Check for no drive condition
Latch will not fully release
from primary positionFailure of latch assembly Check wire connections and for blown fuse
Check for foreign matter or damaged
components preventing the operation of
latch assembly
Troubleshoot using body electrical
troubleshooting manual Replace latch
assembly, if necessary
Failure of outside handle switch Troubleshoot using Body Diagnostic
Manual Replace switch, if necessary
Failure of Power Liftgate or Body
Control ModuleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function liftgate, if no function
exists check for loose wire connections,
see Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed
procedures
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
8N - 6 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Key fob, Outside Handle or
overhead console switches
do not power operate
liftgateBlown Fuse Check fuse and replace
Battery voltage low Charge or replace battery in key fob or
vehicle
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
(BCM)Check electrical connections
Refer to the Body electrical troubleshooting
guide for additional checks
Replace BCM if necessary
Failure of key fob Reprogram key fob
Replace key fob if necessary
Failure of Power Liftgate Module Disconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function liftgate, if no function
exists check for loose wire connections,
see Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed
procedures
Failure of liftgate motor assembly Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of gear motor assembly
Check wire connections
Motor clutch does not engage, replace
assembly
Full open switch inoperative, replace
switch, if necessary
Troubleshoot using Body Diagnostic
Manual Replace motor, if necessary
Liftgate does not stay open Failure of liftgate prop rods Replace prop rods, if necessary
Check for broken attachments
High inside/outside opening
effortFailure of liftgate prop rods Replace prop rods, if necessary
Check for broken attachments
Gear motor did not disengage Troubleshoot using Body Diagnostic
Manual Replace components, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-7
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Liftgate 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 components, if necessary
Failure of Power Liftgate or Body
Control ModuleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function liftgate, 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
Liftgate continues to open
during power mode
(runaway motor)Failure of Power Liftgate or Body
Control ModuleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function liftgate, if no function
exists check for loose wire connections,
see Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed
procedures
Failure of full open switch Check wire connections
Replace switch, if necessary
Failure of motor assembly Check for continuous drive condition
Wiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to Wiring Diagrams
Liftgate opens very slowly Failure of liftgate motor assembly Check wire connections
Replace motor assembly, if necessary
Failure of liftgate prop rods Replace prop rods, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Grade of vehicle too steep for power
operationOperate liftgate manually
Squeaks, Noises and rattles Foreign material in door
compartmentRemove foreign material
Loose components Check and tighten loose components
8N - 8 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(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)
ProCarManuals.com
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)
ProCarManuals.com
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
ProCarManuals.com
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Door opens unexpectedly 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, Refer to
the Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed
procedures
Failure of latch assembly Check wiring/cable connections and for
blown fuse
Check for trouble codes, replace latch if
necessary
Failure of open/close command
switchCheck for shorted or defective switch
Failure of striker Striker misaligned or loose
Striker damaged
Replace striker if necessary
Door will not open manually
using inside handleFailure of inside handle assembly Check for broken inside handle assembly
Check cable connections at latch and handle
assembly.
Check for binds or kinks in cable.
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of handle assembly
Replace the handle if necessary
Failure of latch assembly Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Replace latch if necessary
Failure of inside 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
Door will not open manually
using outside handleFailure of outside handle assembly Check for broken outside handle assembly
Check cable connections at latch and handle
assembly.
Check for binds or kinks in cable.
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of handle assembly
Replace the handle if necessary
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-23
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
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