2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE tailgate

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

REMOVAL - LOWER LIFTGATE OPENING TRIM
PANEL
(1) Remove screws at outboard end of lower lift-
gate trim panel.
(2) Open the spare tire cover and remove the
screws near the center of the lower liftgate trim
panel (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove the lower liftgate trim panel.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LIFTGATE TRIM PANEL
NOTE: The liftgate trim panel is attached with
screws and spring clips.
(1) Align the liftgate trim panel spring clips and
press the panel into the liftgate.
(2) Install the trim panel screws.
(3) Connect the rear defroster wires.
INSTALLATION - LOWER LIFTGATE OPENING
TRIM PANEL
(1) Align the screw holes and locators to the holes
in the liftgate opening.
(2) Install the screws in the liftgate opening trim
panel.
(3) Install the spare tire cover.
LIFTGATE INSULATOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the liftgate trim panel, refer to (Refer
to 23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAIL-
GATE/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(2) Separate the liftgate insulator from the liftgate
and trim panel (Fig. 8).
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean the area of any adhesive or
insulation material.
(2) Install the insulator in the liftgate.
(3) Install the liftgate trim panel refer to (Refer to
23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAIL-
GATE/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 7 Liftgate Opening Trim Panel
1 - UPPER LIFTGATE OPENING TRIM PANEL
2 - LOWER LIFTGATE OPENING TRIM PANEL
Fig. 8 Liftgate Insulator Pad
1 - LIFTGATE
2 - INSULATION PAD
23 - 10 DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATEWJ
TRIM PANEL (Continued)

(4) Install screw attaching B-pillar lower trim to
B-pillar.
(5) Install screw attaching front of B-pillar lower
trim to floor.
(6) Install screw attaching front of quarter panel
trim to floor.
(7) Install front seat shoulder belt anchor bolt.
(8) Install front seat shoulder belt height adjust-
ment knob and turning loop.
(9) Install front door sill trim (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/DOOR SILL TRIM - INSTALLATION).
B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove shoulder belt height adjustment knob.
(2) Remove front seat belt turning loop.
(3) Remove the screw attaching lower B pillar
trim.
(4) Pull lower B pillar trim out far enough to
remove upper trim panel.
(5) Grasp upper B-pillar trim and pull outward to
detach from B-pillar (Fig. 2).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position trim panel on B-pillar (Fig. 2).
(2) Ensure trim panel covers inner edge of door
opening weatherstrip and press inward to seat.
(3) Install screw attaching lower B pillar trim
panel.
(4) Install front seat belt turning loop.
(5) Install shoulder belt height adjustment knob.
CARPETS AND FLOOR MATS
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT CARPET
(1) Remove door sill trim (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/DOOR SILL TRIM - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the B-pillar lower trim, refer to (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove front seats (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the rear seats lower cushions (Refer to
23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT CUSHION - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove center floor console (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove any other interfering trim or molding.
(7) Lift carpet and mat from floor panel.
REMOVAL - CARGO AREA CARPET
(1) Lift tailgate.
(2) Fold rear seat cushions forward.
(3) Remove rear seat backs (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/REAR SEAT BACK - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the rear shoulder belts (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/REAR SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the retractable security cargo cover
assembly.
(6) Remove the spare tire cover.
(7) Remove the rear cargo tie down footman loops.
The side mounted footman loops are retained by
screws. The floor footman loops are riveted (Fig. 3).
(8) Remove the C pillar trim (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/C-PILLAR TRIM - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove the CD changer, if equipped (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/CD CHANGER - REMOV-
AL).
(10) Remove the Infinity amp, if equipped (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/AUDIO/AMPLIFIER - REMOVAL).
(11) Lift the carpet.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT CARPET
(1) Carefully lay the carpet and mat on the floor
panel. Align the carpet to allow installation of the
components fastened to the floor panel.
(2) Install the center console (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLATION).
(3) Install the front seats (Refer to 23 - BODY/
SEATS/SEAT - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the rear seat cushions (Refer to 23 -
BODY/SEATS/SEAT CUSHION - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 3 Cargo Area Carpet
1 - CARGO AREA CARPET
2 - RIVET
3 - CARGO TIE-DOWN LOOP
WJINTERIOR 23 - 71
B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM (Continued)