POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles are equipped with an automatic
opening and closing power liftgate system (Fig. 1).
This power liftgate system is a complex system con-
sisting of many components. Some of these compo-
nents are the liftgate gear motor assembly, latch
assembly, lift gear and rod, liftgate control module,
chime/thermistor, full open switch, engage actuator,
pinch sensor, liftgate handle switch, overhead console
switch, key fob switches (Fig. 2), pawl switch and
ratchet switch.
The power liftgate system has its own door control
module, located on the vehicles left body D-pillar
behind the trim panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/DOOR CON-
TROL MODULE - DESCRIPTION) The power
liftgate gear motor assembly is located just above the
control module. The latch assembly is located in the
bottom center of the power liftgate, below the exte-
rior liftgate handle switch. The power liftgate full
open switch, engage actuator, lift gear and rod are
part of the liftgate gear motor assembly. The pawl
and ratchet switches are part of the latch assembly.
The pinch sensor or sensors are located along theright and left sides of the power liftgate, just above
the body line. The liftgate handle switch is an power
release switch and is located in the rear light bar
assembly, just above the license plate. The overhead
console switch is an power open and close command
switch located in the vehicles overhead console.
Safety is of the utmost concern with the power lift-
gate system. Software technology has enabled the
power liftgate control module to detect resistance to
liftgate travel, which allows the power liftgate to stop
and reverse direction anytime an obstruction is felt
or any of the command switches are operated (only in
closing direction). Battery voltage is supplied to the
power liftgate system through a 40 amp fuse, located
in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) assembly (Fig.
3). In the unlikely event that the power liftgate sys-
tem develops a fault the power liftgate can still be
operated manually with a key, just like a standard
manual liftgate.
The power liftgate control module communicates
on the J1850 Programmable Communication Inter-
face (PCI) Bus Circuit. Therefore, the power liftgate
control module can generate and store its own Diag-
nostic Trouble Codes (DTC). The vehicles Body Con-
trol Module (BCM) receives and supplies messages to
the power liftgate control module via the PCI bus cir-
cuit. A diagnostic scan tool, such as the DRB IIItis
Fig. 1 POWER LIFTGATE INTRODUCTION
8N - 2 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
used to read and troubleshoot these Diagnostic Trou-
ble Codes (DTC). Refer to the Body Diagnostic Man-
ual for a complete list of diagnostic routines.
For additional information refer to Power Liftgate
Operation. For a complete system wiring schematic
refer to Wiring Diagrams. For system operationinstructions refer to the vehicles owner manual.
Refer to the Body section of the service manual
for additional information on liftgate components
such as the prop rods, hinges, door alignment and
striker alignment.
WARNING: BE CERTAIN TO READ ALL WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS (NOTED BELOW) IN POWER LIFT-
GATE SYSTEM OPERATION BEFORE ATTEMPTING
ANY SERVICE OF THE POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM
OR COMPONENTS.
OPERATION
With the push of a power liftgate open/close com-
mand switch (key fob or overhead console mounted) a
signal is sent out on the J1850 PCI Data Bus circuit.
This signal is detected at the body control module
(BCM). The BCM then sends a signal out on the
J1850 PCI Data Bus circuit to the power liftgate
module. The power liftgate module then signals the
power liftgate motor to start an open or close cycle,
depending on what position the liftgate is in open or
closed.
During a liftgate open or close cycle, if the power
liftgate module detects sufficient resistance to liftgate
travel, such as an obstruction in the liftgates path,
the power liftgate control module will immediately
stop the liftgate movement and reverse travel to the
full open or closed position. The ability for the power
liftgate module to detect resistance to liftgate travel
is accomplished by hall effect sensors, drive motor
speed and pinch sensors (tape switches).
The power liftgate control module has the ability to
learn. Anytime the liftgate is opened or closed using
the power liftgate system the module learns from its
cycle. If a replacement power liftgate component is
installed or a liftgate adjustment is made, the mod-
ule will relearn the effort and/or time required to
open or close the door. This learn cycle can be per-
formed with a Diagnostic Scan Tool, such as the
DRB IIItor with a complete cycle of the liftgate,
using any one of the command switches. Refer to
Standard Procedures in this section for detailed
instructions.
The power liftgate system is designed with a num-
ber of system inhibitors. These inhibitors are neces-
sary for safety and / or feasibility of the power
liftgate system. Refer to power liftgate system inhib-
itors noted below:
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM INHIBITORS
²The Power Liftgate may not operate in extreme
temperatures. These extreme temperatures will be
approximately -12É F (-24.4É C) on the low side and
143É F (61.6É C) for the high side. A chime/thermister
Fig. 2 KEY FOB
1 - Left Sliding Door Switch
2 - Right Sliding Door Switch
3 - Liftgate Switch
Fig. 3 LIFTGATE FUSE LOCATION
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-3
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM (Continued)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)