2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Liftgate

INSTALLATION
(1) Position fascia on vehicle aligning retainers
with slots in quarter panel (Fig. 7).
(2) Press forward edges of fascia inward to engage
retainers.
(3) Install screws attaching fascia to liftgate open-
ing.
(4) Install plastic push pins attaching fascia to lift-
gate opening.
(5) Install nuts attaching upper edge of fascia to
quarter panel and wheel liner.
(6) Install plastic rivets attaching fascia to wheel
liner.
(7) Install support lower vehicle.
(8) Install plastic push pins attaching fascia to fuel
tank skid plate.
(9) Install the interior trim panels removed to
access fascia retainers.
(10) Install tie down loop screws.
(11) Install the wheels, refer to section 22 for
tightening sequence and torque specifications.
FRAME
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Front Tow Hook Bolt 54 40 Ð
Front Skid Plate Bolt 54 40 Ð
Rear Tow Hook Bolt 68 50 Ð
Trailer Hitch Bolts 68 50 Ð
Transfer Case Skid Plate
Bolts34 25 Ð
FRAME DIMENSIONS
INDEX
DESCRIPTION FIGURE
SIDE VIEW 8
BOTTOM VIEW 9
Fig. 6 Rear Fascia Retainers
1 - RETAINER
2 - FASCIA
Fig. 7 Fascia Attachment
1 - SLOT
2 - QUARTER PANEL
13 - 4 FRAME & BUMPERSWJ
REAR FASCIA (Continued)

BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS........................1
WIND NOISE..........................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BODY
LUBRICATION.........................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRILLING AND
WELDING............................3
SPECIFICATIONS
BODY LUBRICANTS....................3
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE.............4
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY...............................4DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE........5
DOOR - FRONT.........................11
DOORS - REAR.........................19
EXTERIOR.............................25
HOOD.................................33
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM.............36
INTERIOR..............................69
PAINT.................................81
SEATS................................83
STATIONARY GLASS.....................93
SUNROOF.............................96
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS..................105
BODY STRUCTURE.....................112
BODY
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing,
improper body component alignment, body seam
porosity, missing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Cen-
trifugal and gravitational force can cause water to
drip from a location away from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing
points should be water tight in normal wet-driving
conditions. Water flowing downward from the front of
the vehicle should not enter the passenger or luggage
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear, and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
When the conditions causing a water leak have
been determined, simulate the conditions as closely
as possible.
²If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-
ended garden hose.
²If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds
in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.
²If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left
turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak
occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the vehi-
cle. For hoisting recommendations refer to Group 0,
Lubrication and Maintenance, General Information
section.
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove inte-
rior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the
WJBODY 23 - 1

(2) Apply silicone lubricant to a cloth and wipe it
on door seals to avoid over-spray that can soil pas-
senger's clothing.
(3) Before applying lubricant, the component
should be wiped clean. After lubrication, any excess
lubricant should be removed.
(4) The hood latch, latch release mechanism, latch
striker, and safety latch should be lubricated period-
ically.
(5) The door lock cylinders should be lubricated
twice each year (preferably autumn and spring).
(a) Spray a small amount of lock cylinder lubri-
cant directly into the lock cylinder.
(b) Apply a small amount to the key and insert
it into the lock cylinder.
(c) Rotate it to the locked position and then back
to the unlocked position several times.(d) Remove the key. Wipe the lubricant from it
with a clean cloth to avoid soiling of clothing.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRILLING AND
WELDING
When holes must be drilled or punched in an inner
body panel, verify depth of space to the outer body
panel, electrical wiring, or other components. Dam-
age to vehicle can result.
Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use when
welding.
SPECIFICATIONS
BODY LUBRICANTS
COMPONENT SERVICE INTERVAL LUBRICANT
Door Hinges As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB
(Water Resistant) (1)
Door Latches As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB
(Water Resistant) (1)
Hood Latch, Release Mechanism and
Safety LatchAs Required
(When Performing Other
Underhood Service)Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Hood Hinges As Required Engine Oil
Seat Track and Release Mechanism As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Liftgate Hinge As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Liftgate Support Arms As Required Engine Oil
Liftgate Latches As Required White Spray Lubricant (3)
Liftgate Release Handle (Pivot and Slide
Contact Surfaces)As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (2)
Window System Components As Required White Spray Lubricant (3)
Lock Cylinders Twice a Year Lock-Cylinder Lubricant (4)
Parking Brake Mechanism As RequiredMulti-Purpose Grease NLGI GC-LB 2
EP (1)
1 = Mopar Wheel Bearing Grease (High
Temp)
2 = Mopar Multi-Mileage Lubricant
3 = Mopar Spray White Lube
4 = Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant
WJBODY 23 - 3
BODY (Continued)

DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................5
FLIP-UP GLASS
REMOVAL.............................5
INSTALLATION..........................6
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
FLIP-UP GLASS SWITCH
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
HINGE
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
LATCH
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................8LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL.............................8
INSTALLATION..........................8
LIFTGATE
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
ADJUSTMENTS
LIFTGATE ADJUSTMENT................9
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL........9
REMOVAL - LOWER LIFTGATE OPENING
TRIM PANEL.........................10
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL . . . 10
INSTALLATION - LOWER LIFTGATE
OPENING TRIM PANEL.................10
LIFTGATE INSULATOR
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
EXTERIOR HANDLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the liftgate trim panel refer to (Refer
to 23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAIL-
GATE/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the latch, outside handle linkage, and
power lock connector.
(3) Remove the fasteners attaching the outside
handle to the liftgate.
(4) Remove the outside handle from the liftgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the outside handle on the liftgate.
(2) Install the fasteners attaching outside handle
to liftgate.
(3) Connect outside handle link and power lock
connector.
(4) Install liftgate trim panel, refer to (Refer to 23
- BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
FLIP-UP GLASS
REMOVAL
CAUTION: DO NOT DISCONNECT THE PROP ROD
CYLINDERS WITH THE LIFTGATE FLIP UP GLASS
CLOSED. THE PROP ROD PISTONS ARE OPER-
ATED BY HIGH PRESSURE GAS. THIS PRESSURE
COULD CAUSE DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL
INJURY IF THEY ARE REMOVED WHILE THE PIS-
TONS ARE COMPRESSED.
(1) Using a trim stick or other suitable device, sep-
arate the flip up glass hinge cover from the hinge on
the liftgate (Fig. 1).
(2) Open liftgate flip up glass. Support the glass
for ease of repair.
(3) Using a small flat blade or equivalent tool, gen-
tly pry open the locking caps on the end of the prop
rods.
(4) Remove prop rod cylinders from ball studs.
(5) Lower the flip up glass.
(6) Remove hinge fasteners from liftgate.
(7) Separate flip up glass from liftgate.
WJDECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE 23 - 5

INSTALLATION
(1) Position flip up glass on liftgate.
(2) Install hinge fasteners, hand tight only.
(3) With the glass panel in the fully open position,
fully raised position, push the glass forward to com-
pletely seat the hinges. Tighten hinge fasteners to
6N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(4) Install prop rods on ball studs and compress
locking caps to lock rods on ball studs.
(5) Lower the flip up glass and install the flip up
glass hinge cover.
(6) Check the flip up glass for proper alignment
and latching.
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Open liftgate flip up glass.
(2) Remove the trim panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/TRIM
PANEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove latch (Fig. 2).
(4) Disconnect switch connectors.
(5) Remove latch from liftgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the latch on the liftgate (Fig. 2).
(2) Connect switch connectors.
(3) Adjust latch to the proper position, and tighten
the fasteners to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
Fig. 1 Flip-Up Glass
1 - FLIP-UP GLASS
2 - HINGE COVER
3 - SUPPORT PROP4 - BUMPER
5 - BUMPER
Fig. 2 Flip-up Glass Latch
1-LATCH
2 - LIFTGATE
23 - 6 DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATEWJ
FLIP-UP GLASS (Continued)

(4) Close flip up glass panel and verify proper
operation.
(5)
Install liftgate trim panel, refer to (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/TRIM
PANEL - INSTALLATION).
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH
STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise flip up glass panel.
(2) Mark the position of the handle/striker on the
glass panel.
(3) Remove the screws attaching the handle/striker
to the glass.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the handle/striker on the glass panel
and align the reference marks.
(2) Install the screws attaching the handle/striker
to the glass panel. Tighten the fasteners to 6 N´m (60
in. lbs.).
FLIP-UP GLASS SWITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove license plate lamp housing/trim panel
from liftgate, refer to (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/LICENSE PLATE
LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL).
(2) Squeeze the locking tabs inward to release the
switch from the housing.
(3) Disconnect the switch harness connector,
remove the switch from the housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install switch harness connector.(2) Position switch in housing, snap switch into
place.
(3) Install license plate lamp housing/trim panel
onto liftgate, refer to (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/LICENSE PLATE
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION).
HINGE
REMOVAL
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the liftgate to
replace one or both hinges. The hinges can be
replaced one at a time.
(1) Open the liftgate. Support the liftgate for ease
of repair.
(2) Remove the liftgate header trim panel.
(3) Mark the hinge location with a grease pencil or
other suitable device.
(4) Remove the hinge screws (Fig. 5).
(5) Remove hinge.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the liftgate to
replace one or both hinges. The hinges can be
replaced one at a time.
(1) Position the hinge on the roof panel and on the
liftgate. (Use 3MŸ Fast and Firm or equivalent on
the hinge to body mating surfaces as a sealant.
(2) Install and tighten hinge screws at roof panel
to 28N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install hinge screws at liftgate. Tighten screws
to 28N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install liftgate header trim panel.
(5) Check the liftgate for proper alignment and
operation.
WJDECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE 23 - 7
FLIP-UP GLASS LATCH (Continued)

LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the liftgate.
(2) Remove the liftgate trim panel (Fig. 3).
(3) Disconnect the power connector.
(4)
Disconnect the outside handle link from the latch.
(5) Remove the latch screws and remove latch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the latch into the liftgate and tighten
the screws to 7N´m (5 ft. lbs.).
(2)
Connect the outside handle to the liftgate latch.
(3) Plug in the connector for the power.
(4) Install the liftgate trim panel.
LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise liftgate.
(2) Remove tail lamp, refer to (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL
LAMP - REMOVAL).
(3)
Remove nuts attaching striker to D-pillar (Fig. 4).
(4) Separate striker from D-pillar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position striker on D-pillar.
(2) Install nuts attaching striker to D-pillar. Tighten
nuts to 10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 4).
(3) Install tail lamp (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/TAIL LAMP -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 3 LIFTGATE LATCH
1-LATCH
2 - LIFTGATE
3 - CONNECTOR
4 - ACTUATOR5 - CLIP
6 - OUTSIDE HANDLE TO LATCH ROD
7 - OUTSIDE HANDLE
Fig. 4 Liftgate Latch Striker
1 - D-PILLAR
2 - STRIKER
23 - 8 DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATEWJ

LIFTGATE
REMOVAL
CAUTION: DO NOT DISCONNECT THE SUPPORT ROD
CYLINDERS WITH THE LIFTGATE CLOSED. THE SUP-
PORT ROD PISTONS ARE OPERATED BY HIGH PRES-
SURE GAS. THIS PRESSURE COULD CAUSE DAMAGE
AND /OR PERSONAL INJURY IF THEY ARE REMOVED
WHILE THE PISTONS ARE COMPRESSED.
(1) Open the liftgate. Support the liftgate for ease
of repair.
(2) Remove the liftgate trim panel.
(3) Remove the prop rods from the liftgate.
(4) Unplug the wire harnesses and disconnect the
washer hose.
(5) Mark the hinge location with a wax pencil or
other suitable device (Fig. 5).
(6) Remove the hinge screws and remove liftgate
from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the liftgate on the vehicle and align
the witness marks.
(2) Install the hinge screws at liftgate. Tighten
hinge screws to 28N´m (21ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect the wire harnesses and the washer
hose.
(4) Install the trim panel.
(5) Install the prop rods.
(6) Close the liftgate and check for proper latching
and alignment.
ADJUSTMENTS
LIFTGATE ADJUSTMENT
The position of the liftgate can be adjusted upward
or downward by the use of slots in the hinge. An
inward or outward adjustment is achieved by use of
slots in the body. If an inward or outward adjustment
is needed, use 3MŸ Fast and Firm or equivalent on
the hinge to body mating surface as a sealant.
TRIM PANEL
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL
NOTE: The liftgate trim panel is attached with
screws and spring clips.
(1) Raise the liftgate.
(2) Remove the screws securing the liftgate trim
panel to the liftgate (Fig. 6).
(3) Disconnect the rear window defroster wires.
(4) Using a trim stick, or other suitable tool, pry
the liftgate trim panel off the liftgate.
Fig. 5 Liftgate
1 - HINGE
2 - LIFTGATE
Fig. 6 Liftgate Trim Panel
1 - LIFTGATE
2 - LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL
WJDECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE 23 - 9