2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN tailgate

STANDARD PROCEDURE
LIFTGATE ADJUSTMENT
In order for the power liftgate system to function
properly the liftgate must move freely and smoothly.
The power liftgate system can accommodate for some
minor changes in the effort required to move the lift-
gate. However, in extreme conditions the liftgate may
need to be mechanically adjusted for proper fit and
finish. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFT-
GATE/TAILGATE/LIFTGATE - INSTALLATION) for
detailed instructions.
If a problem exists with the power liftgate and it is
suspected to be extreme effort, check the liftgate prop
rods and hinges for free movement.
NOTE: Routine application of Mopar MP-50Tor
equivalent on the chrome prop rod shafts and lift-
gate latch and hinges will help keep the liftgate in
good working order.
POWER LIFTGATE LEARN CYCLE
Any time a power liftgate component is removed,
replaced or a liftgate adjustment is performed a learn
cycle must be performed. This learn cycle enables the
power liftgate control module to learn or relearn
information (travel limits, resistance to door travel,
etc.) which allows it to perform properly and safely.
Perform the following to complete a power liftgate
learn cycle:
(1) Obtain a DRBIIIt, or equivalent scan tool.
(2) Connect the scan tool to the vehicle and check
for any power liftgate system stored Diagnostic Trou-
ble Codes (DTCs), correct and erase any stored
DTCs.
(3) Using the scan tool, Go into Test Routine Menu
and select the power open command.
(4) Select the power close command.
(5) The liftgate learn cycle is complete.
If a DRBIIItor equivalent scan tool is not avail-
able, the learn cycle can be performed by actuating
the liftgate using any of the normal command
switches. Be certain to cycle the liftgate through a
complete open and close cycle before returning the
vehicle to service.
NOTE: If the power liftgate will not complete a full
cycle a problem exists with the power liftgate sys-
tem. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DOORS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
CHIME/THERMISTOR
DESCRIPTION
The chime/thermistor assembly is a small capacitor
shaped electrical component mounted to the rear
license plate lamp housing assembly (Fig. 2) , located
just above the license plate. The chime portion of the
assembly controls the audible chime sound heard at
the rear of the vehicle when the power liftgate is in
motion. The thermistor portion of the assembly is a
temperature sensor, used by the power liftgate con-
trol module. The chime/thermistor assembly is a ser-
viceable component.
OPERATION
The chime/thermistor assembly performs two dif-
ferent functions for the power liftgate system. First,
the chime portion provides an audible chime sound
which is controlled by the power liftgate control mod-
ule. The chime/thermistor assembly is hardwired to
the power liftgate control module. Second the ther-
mistor provides a outside temperature reading by
way of a resistance reading supplied to the power
liftgate control module. As temperature increases the
resistance reading increases, as temperature
decreases the resistance reading decreases.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
Fig. 2 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
8N - 8 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
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)

LATCH
DESCRIPTION
The power cinch/release 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 vehicles,
this latch is designed to perform a power release
only. The power cinch and release capability is
accomplished by an actuator mounted to the leading
edge of the latch assembly. The latch is located in the
lower center of the power liftgate assembly (Fig. 8)
and contains integral pawl and ratchet switches. The
ratchet switch also acts as a liftgate ajar switch. The
power latch assembly can be serviced as a complete
assembly, latch without actuator or just the actuator.
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) 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) Disconnect the power latch electrical connector
(Fig. 9).
(4) Remove the power latch retaining bolts.
(5) Disconnect the liftgate lock cylinder link rod
(Fig. 9) from the key cylinder or latch assembly. To
disconnect from latch, rotate the plastic retaining clip
90 É to unsnap clip from linkrod. Then pull link rod
straight out of latch arm.
(6) Remove the power latch from the vehicle.
Fig. 8 POWER LATCH ORIENTATION
1 - LATCH & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - LATCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LOCK CYLINDER LINK ROD
4 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
Fig. 9 POWER LATCH ORIENTATION
1 - LATCH & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - LATCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LOCK CYLINDER LINK ROD
4 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
8N - 12 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the power latch in the vehicle.
(2) Connect the liftgate lock cylinder link rod (Fig.
10) on the cinch latch assembly. Rotate the plastic
retaining clip 90 É to lock retaining clip onto the link
rod.
(3) Connect the link rod on the lock cylinder.
(4) Install three new power latch retaining bolts.
Torque to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the power latch electrical connector
and secure push pin retainers.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
(7) Using an appropriate scan tool, check and
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes related to the power latch.
(8) 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.
(9) 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.
(10) Install the liftgate trim panel, (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
LATCH ACTUATOR
DESCRIPTION
The power cinch and/or power release latch (Fig.
11) is made possible by a latch actuator attached to
the leading edge of the power latch assembly. This 12
volt latch actuator contains a small drive gear that
meshes with the latch assemblies internal gears to
perform the power cinch close / power release opera-
tions. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DOORS/
LATCH - DESCRIPTION) for additional information.
The power cinch/release actuator is serviceable com-
ponent.
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 battery negative
cable.
Fig. 10 POWER LATCH ORIENTATION
1 - LATCH & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - LATCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LOCK CYLINDER LINK ROD
4 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
Fig. 11 POWER LATCH ORIENTATION
1 - LATCH & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - LATCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LOCK CYLINDER LINK ROD
4 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
RSPOWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM8N-13
LATCH (Continued)

(2) Open the liftgate and remove the lower liftgate
trim panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/
LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the power latch electrical connector
(Fig. 12).
(4) Remove the three latch retaining bolts.
(5) Grab the latch assembly and unhook the key
cylinder link rod from the key cylinder (Fig. 12).
(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.
(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 onto the latch assem-
bly.
(2) Install the three latch actuator retaining
screws.
(3) Install the three wires in the main latch elec-
trical connector.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 the appropriate
wiring information for complete circuit schematic or
connector pin-out information.
(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 (Fig. 13).
(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
(Fig. 13).
(8) Install the lower liftgate trim panel, (Refer to
23 - BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAIL-
GATE/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(9) Connect the battery negative cable.
(10) Using an appropriate scan tool, check and
erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic
trouble codes related to the power latch.
(11) 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.
(12) 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.
Fig. 12 POWER LATCH ORIENTATION
1 - LATCH & ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
2 - LATCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
3 - LOCK CYLINDER LINK ROD
4 - LIFTGATE LOCK CYLINDER
Fig. 13 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 ACTUATOR (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)

(5) Remove wiper linkage from motor crank. DO
NOT remove crank from motor.
(6) Remove bolts holding wiper motor and remove
motor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place wiper module on a suitable work surface.
(2) Install wiper linkage into wiper unit.
(3) Connect wire connectors to wiper motor.
(4) Place the wiper module into engine compart-
ment and connect wiper module wire connector to
engine wire harness (Fig. 7).
(5) Install the four backwall bolts and four brace
nuts to wiper module.
(6) Operate wiper motor and verify that the wiper
motor parks when wiper switch is turned OFF.
REAR WIPER ARM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove arm nut cap.
(2) Remove wiper arm nut.
(3) Pull wiper from pivot by rocking back and
forth.
INSTALLATION
(1) Verify that wipers are in parked position.
(2) Position arm on pivot.
(3) Install wiper arm nut and torque to 20 N´m
(175 in. lbs.).
REAR WIPER MOTOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove rear wiper arm. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/REAR WIPER ARM -
REMOVAL) in this section.
(3) Open liftgate.
(4) Remove liftgate trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect wire connector from rear wiper
motor.
(6) Remove screws holding rear wiper motor to lift-
gate.
(7) Remove wiper motor from liftgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wiper motor in the liftgate.
(2) Install the retaining screws.
(3) Connect the wire harness connector.(4) Install the liftgate trim panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE/
TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect wire connector to rear wiper motor.
(6) Install the screws holding rear wiper motor to
liftgate.
(7) Install the wiper motor to the liftgate.
(8) Close the liftgate.
(9) Install the wiper arm. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/REAR WIPER ARM -
INSTALLATION) in this section.
(10) Connect the battery negative cable.
REAR WIPER/WASHER
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
On Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) vehicles
only, the rear window wiper/washer switches are
located on the center bezel with the hazard and
heated seat switches (Fig. 3). They are not service-
able separately from the hazard and heated seat
switches. If defective, the entire switch assembly
must be replaced.
On Manual Temperature Control (MTC) vehicles
only, the rear window wiper/washer switch is located
on the HVAC control head (Fig. 4) attached to the
center bezel. They are not serviceable separately
from the control head. If found faulty, the entire
MTC head must be replaced.
Fig. 3 INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL
1 - TRIM BEZEL
2 - IN CAR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
3 - A/C REQUEST SWITCH
4 - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER/HEATED MIRRORS SWITCH
COMBO
5 - FRONT WINDOW DEFROSTER MODE SELECTOR
8R - 10 WIPERS/WASHERSRS
FRONT WIPER MOTOR (Continued)

BODY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BODY
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION....1
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WATER LEAKS........................1
WIND NOISE..........................2
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR........................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING . . 9
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE............................10
BODY LUBRICATION...................12
SPECIAL TOOLS
BODY..............................13DOOR - FRONT.........................14
DOORS - SLIDING.......................24
DECKLID/HATCH/LIFTGATE/TAILGATE.......40
EXTERIOR.............................45
HOOD.................................62
INSTRUMENT PANEL.....................65
INTERIOR..............................78
PAINT................................100
SEATS...............................102
STATIONARY GLASS....................161
WEATHERSTRIP/SEALS..................166
SUNROOF.............................169
BODY STRUCTURE.....................177
BODY
DESCRIPTION - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Throughout this group, references to the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicle family identifi-
cation code are used when describing a procedure
that is unique to that vehicle. Refer to Introduction
Group of this manual for detailed information on
vehicle identification. If a procedure is common to all
vehicles covered in this manual, no reference will be
made to a vehicle family code.
WARNING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: USE A OSHA APPROVED BREATHING
FILTER WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN
A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH PETRO-
LEUM OR ALCOHOL ± BASED CLEANING SOL-
VENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
DO NOT STAND UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE THAT
IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: 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 compo-nents. Damage 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.
Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from the
battery when servicing electrical components that
are live when the ignition is OFF. Damage to electri-
cal system can result.
Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on
painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.
Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning solvents
on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage to fin-
ish or color can result.
Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can
break.
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
RSBODY23-1