CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Gear motor did not disengage Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information. Replace components as
necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
components as necessary
Liftgate continues to cinch
closed during power modeInoperative latch assembly Check for blown fuse and loose wiring
connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information. Replace components as
necessary
Inoperative Power Liftgate Module or
BCMDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function liftgate, if no function
exists check for loose wire connections,
see Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed
procedures
Liftgate continues to open
during power mode
(runaway motor)Inoperative Power Liftgate Module or
BCMDisconnect then reconnect the battery
negative cable to reset module. Cycle the
power liftgate, if the power liftgate is still
not operating properly check for loose wire
connections, refer to the appropriate
diagnostic information
Inoperative full open switch Check wire connections
Replace switch, if necessary
Inoperative motor assembly Check for continuous drive condition
Liftgate opens very slowly Inoperative liftgate motor assembly Check wire connections
Replace motor assembly as necessary
Inoperative liftgate prop rods Replace prop rods as necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
components as necessary
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 as
necessary
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-7
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM (Continued)
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the engage actuator in the vehicle 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 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/LEFT D-PILLAR
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect the battery negative 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
The exterior handle switch is an electronic release
switch mounted to the rear license plate lamp hous-
ing assembly, located just above the license plate.
This switch controls the power liftgate release func-
tion and is also capable of reversing the power lift-
gate when it is in motion. A full power open cycle
cannot be performed using this switch, only one of
the power open command switches (key fob and over-
head console mounted) can be used to perform a full
power open cycle. The exterior handle switch is a ser-
viceable component.
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 BCM then
sends a signal to the power liftgate control module
via the Programmable Communication Interface
(PCI) data bus circuit. The power liftgate control
module then sends a signal 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 battery negative
cable.
(2) Open the liftgate and remove the liftgate trim
panel, (Refer to 23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFT-
GATE/TAILGATE/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the rear lamp bar assembly from the
vehicle.(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.
Take care to mark the location of the wire ter-
minals in relation to the large connector so
that they are positioned in the appropriate cav-
ities upon switch installation.
(5) Depress the two exterior handle switch retain-
ing tabs and roll the switch out of the light bar
assembly (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the handle switch in the light bar
assembly (Fig. 6).
(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.
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 the appropriate
wiring information for complete circuit schematic or
connector pin-out information.
(3) Install the rear light bar.
(4) Install the liftgate trim panel, (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Using an appropriate scan tool, check any
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes.
Fig. 5 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
8N - 10 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
ENGAGE ACTUATOR (Continued)
(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
The full open switch is located on the gear motor
housing (Fig. 7) and is used to signal the power lift-
gate control module when the power 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.
OPERATION
When the power liftgate reaches the full open posi-
tion, the gear motor housing mounted full open
switch electrical contacts close. This sends a ground
signal to the power liftgate control module, telling
the module that the liftgate has reached the full open
position.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
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.
(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 battery negative 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.
Fig. 6 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
Fig. 7 FULL OPEN SWITCH LOCATION
1 - FULL OPEN SWITCH
2 - GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY RETAINING BOLT (1 OF 3)
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-11
EXTERIOR HANDLE SWITCH (Continued)
LIFTGATE MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The gear motor assembly (Fig. 14) 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 provides the power and torque required to
open or close the liftgate. The hall effect sensor is used
to provide the liftgate control module with a speed read-
ing, which is used to monitor the resistance of liftgate
travel. This speed reading also allows the power liftgate
control module to detect obstructions and move the lift-
gate 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
approaching the full open position.
Serviceable components of the power liftgate gear/mo-
tor assembly are the complete gear/motor assembly,
motor and wire harness, lift gear and control rod,
engage actuator, full open switch and the transverse
bracket.
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 liftgate
from its primary closed and latched position to the
released and movable position. The liftgate motor-
mounted engage actuator then engages the liftgatemotor 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 in 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 battery negative cable.
(2) Remove the left rear D-pillar trim panel from
the vehicle, (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/LEFT
D-PILLAR TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
motor assembly (Fig. 15).
(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.
Fig. 14 POWER LIFTGATE COMPONENTS
1 - POWER LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR/ASSEMBLY
2 - POWER LIFTGATE CONTROL MODULE
3 - ELECTRICAL GROUND LOCATION
Fig. 15 POWER LIFTGATE COMPONENTS
1 - POWER LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR/ASSEMBLY
2 - POWER LIFTGATE CONTROL MODULE
3 - ELECTRICAL GROUND LOCATION
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-15
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lift gear and rod assembly and
install the retaining bolts (Fig. 18). Torque the bolts
to 8 N´m (71 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the D-pillar trim panel on the vehicle,
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/LEFT D-PILLAR
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
(4) Using an appropriate scan tool, check any
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes related to the door motor assembly.
(5) 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.
CAUTION: Torque link rod to liftgate attachment
bolt to 250 in. lbs. Care must be taken not to over-
torque link rod bolt.
PINCH SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Pinch sensors are located on each side of the lift-
gate (Fig. 19). 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 liftgate close cycle.
OPERATION
During a power liftgate close cycle, if either of the
two conductive rubber strips (tapeswitch) of the
pinch 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.
Fig. 18 LIFTGATE GEAR MOTOR ASSEMBLY
1 - ENGAGE ACTUATOR RETAINING SCREWS
2 - LIFT GEAR RETAINING BOLTS
Fig. 19 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
LIFT GEAR & LINK ROD (Continued)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove trim panel from liftgate, (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the pinch sensor wire harness con-
nector (Fig. 20).
(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.
CAUTION: Ensure liftgate surface is clean and dry
prior to pinch sensor installation. Failure to do so
will inhibit the adhesive backings ability to adhere
to the liftgate and cause improper system operation
or premature component failure.
(1) Position the pinch sensor to the liftgate.
(2) Install the third screw from the top of the sen-
sor first.Do not torque screw at this time.(3) Install the remaining three screws holding the
sensor to the liftgate. Torque all screws to 25 in. lbs.
(4) Install wire harness grommet in liftgate flange
and route, connect the pinch sensor wire harness
connector (Fig. 21).
(5) Remove protective tap from the top of the
pinch sensor. Firmly apply pressure to the sensor
adhesive to secure it to the liftgate.
(6) Install the trim panel on the liftgate, (Refer to
23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAIL-
GATE/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(7) Connect the battery negative cable.
(8) Using an appropriate scan tool, check and
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes related to the pinch sensor.
(9) 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. 20 PINCH SENSOR LOCATION
1 - LIFTGATE
2 - PINCH SENSOR ASSEMBLY
3 - LIFTGATE PROP ROD
4 - PINCH SENSOR WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - PINCH SENSOR WIRE HARNESS
Fig. 21 PINCH SENSOR LOCATION
1 - LIFTGATE
2 - PINCH SENSOR ASSEMBLY
3 - LIFTGATE PROP ROD
4 - PINCH SENSOR WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - PINCH SENSOR WIRE HARNESS
8N - 18 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
PINCH SENSOR (Continued)
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT
MIRROR
DESCRIPTION
An automatic dimming inside day/night rear view
mirror and an automatic dimming driver side outside
rear view mirror are available factory-installed
options on this model. Following is a general descrip-
tion of this optional equipment.
The automatic day/night mirror is able to automat-
ically change its reflectance. A thin layer of electro-
chromic material between two pieces of conductive
glass make up the face of the mirror. Two photocell
sensors are used to monitor light levels and adjust
the reflectance of the mirror to reduce the glare of
headlamps approaching the vehicle from the rear.
For removal procedures, (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/REAR VIEW MIRROR - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The ambient photocell sensor faces forward, to
detect the outside light levels. A second sensor faces
rearward to detect the light level received through
the vehicles back window. When the difference
between the two light levels becomes too great (the
light level received at the rear of the mirror is much
higher than that at the front of the mirror), the mir-
ror begins to darken.
The mirror switch allows the driver a manual con-
trol of whether the automatic dimming feature is
operational. When AUTO is selected a small Light-
Emitting Diode (LED), to the right of the mirror
switch, is illuminated. The automatic dimming fea-
ture will only operate when the ignition switch is in
the On position. The mirror also senses the backup
lamp circuit, and will automatically disable its self-
dimming feature whenever the transmission gear
selector is in the Reverse position.
NOTE: The mirror always defaults to an ON state
upon ignition.
The driver side automatic dimming mirror is stan-
dard with the automatic dimming inside mirror. The
signal to control the dimming of that mirror is gen-
erated by the automatic day/night inside rear view
mirror circuitry. That signal is then delivered to the
driver side outside rear view mirror on a hard wired
circuit.
The automatic day/night mirror cannot be
repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire inside rear
view mirror assembly must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Check the fuse in the intelligent power module.
If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted cir-
cuit or component as required and replace the faulty
fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the intelli-
gent power module. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK,
repair the open circuit to the ignition switch as
required.
(3) Unplug the wire harness connector from the
automatic day/night mirror. Check for battery voltage
at the fused ignition switch output circuit cavity of
the automatic day/night mirror wire harness connec-
tor. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the junction block as required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-
ity of the automatic day/night mirror wire harness
connector and a good ground. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the cir-
cuit to ground as required.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Set
the parking brake. Place the transmission gear selec-
tor lever in the Reverse position. Check for battery
voltage at the backup lamp switch output circuit cav-
ity of the automatic day/night mirror wire harness
connector. If voltage is present, reinstall the auto-
matic day/night mirror wire harness connector and
go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open circuit as
required.
(6) Place the transmission gear selector lever in
the Neutral position. Place the automatic day/night
mirror switch in the On (LED in the switch is
lighted) position. Cover the forward facing ambient
photocell sensor to keep out any ambient light.
NOTE: The ambient photocell sensor must be cov-
ered completely, so that no light reaches the sen-
sor. Use a finger pressed tightly against the sensor,
or cover the sensor completely with electrical tape.
(7) Shine a light into the rearward facing head-
lamp photocell sensor. The automatic day/night mir-
ror should darken. The automatic day/night mirror
should darken within 2 minutes if testing for the
first time. For immediate response, turn the vehicle
8N - 28 POWER MIRRORSRS
OFF and back ON with the forward-facing light sen-
sor still covered. This defeats the day-detect logic. If
OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, replace the faulty mirror
unit.
(8) With the mirror darkened, place the transmis-
sion gear selector lever in the Reverse position. The
automatic day/night mirror should return to its nor-
mal reflectance. If not OK, replace the faulty mirror
unit.
Bench testing both mirrors can be done, of care is
exercised. For an inside mirror, the pin closest to he
mount is 12V (+), the next is 12V (-). The third is
reverse override. The fourth is outside mirror (+), and
the fifth is outside mirror (-).Do not apply 12 volts to
the fourth and fifth pins.With 12 volts on pins 1 and
2, the mirror can be tested by blocking the rear sensor
and shining a light into the forward sensor. For an out-
side mirror, there is a 2±pin connector. Applying 1.2
volts will cause the mirror to dim. If the mirror does not
dim, the entire glass assembly can be replaced just as it
is when the glass is broken.
WARNING: Do not apply 12 volts to the outside mir-
ror. Damage to the mirror will result.
POWER FOLDAWAY MIRROR
SWITCH - EXPORT
DESCRIPTION
These vehicles may be equipped with Power Fold-
away Mirrors. This feature allows both the driver
and passenger side view mirrors to fold inward
(retract) on demand. The vehicle has an additional
switch located on the steering column that controls
the folding function of the mirror assembly (Fig. 2).
The fold-away side view mirror is attached to the
vehicle's door in the same manner as mirrors without
the fold-away option. The fold-away mirrors unique
option is the internal motor which allows the mirrors to
fold inward on demand. The fold-away mirror motor is
not serviceable separately and if a motor is found to be
faulty the entire side view mirror must be replaced.
OPERATION
When the mirror retract switch is depressed, both
of the side view mirrors will fold inward, Thus mak-
ing the overall width of the vehicle the smallest pos-
sible. This can be helpful were parking space is a
absolute minimum.
When the driver's door is opened, only the driver's
door mirror will unfold. If the passenger door is
opened, both mirrors will unfold.
The power fold away mirror system consists of the fol-
lowing components: mirror switch, side view mirror,relay, wires and fuse. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information. The wiring information includes wiring
diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
details of wire harness routing and retention, connector
pin-out information and location views for the various
wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
REMOVAL
(1)Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
(2) Remove the upper and lower steering column
shroud (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect electrical harness connector.
(4) Remove switch from steering column shroud
(Fig. 3).
Fig. 2 POWER FOLDAWAY MIRROR SWITCH
1 - POWER FOLDAWAY MIRROR SWITCH
2 - STEERING COLUMN
Fig. 3 POWER FOLDING MIRROR SWITCH
1 - STEERING COLUMN SHROUD
2 - POWER FOLDAWAY SWITCH
RSPOWER MIRRORS8N-29
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR (Continued)