DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Service Manual
Page 531 of 2321
CHIME/THERMISTOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate utilize a
chime/thermistor assembly. The chime/thermistor
assembly is a small capacitor shaped electrical com-
ponent mounted to the rear license plate lamp hous-
ing assembly (Fig. 15), 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 module.
The chime/thermistor assembly is a serviceable
component. Consult your MoparŸ parts catalog for a
specific part number.
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 module. The
chime/thermistor assembly is hardwired to the power
liftgate module. Second the thermistor provides a
outside temperature reading by way of a resistance
reading (V- ohms) supplied to the power liftgate
module. As temperature increases the resistance
reading (V- ohms) increases, as temperature
decreases the resistance reading (V- ohms)
decreases.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the rear light bar assembly from the
vehicle. Refer to Body for the procedure.
(3) Using your hands, grasp the light bar at its
sides next to thermistor/chime assembly and gently
pull the two sides of the light bar apart until the
thermistor/chime assembly can be removed.
INSTALLATION
(1) Gently pull the two sides of the light bar apart
until the thermistor/chime assembly can be installed.
(2) Install the rear light bar assembly on the vehi-
cle. Refer to the Body section of the service manual
for the procedure.
(3) Connect the negative battery cable.
Fig. 15 REAR LIGHT BAR
1 - CHIME / THERMISTOR
2 - ELECTRIC RELEASE HANDLE SWITCH
3 - LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
8N - 18 POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEMRS
ProCarManuals.com
Page 532 of 2321
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION...........................19
OPERATION.............................21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................22
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM.................22
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................28
WELLNUT REPLACEMENT...............28
POWER DOOR LEARN CYCLE............28
SLIDING DOOR ADJUSTMENT............28
LATCH
DESCRIPTION...........................29
OPERATION.............................29
REMOVAL..............................29
INSTALLATION...........................30
SLIDING DOOR MOTOR
DESCRIPTION...........................30
OPERATION.............................30
REMOVAL..............................31
INSTALLATION...........................31
FULL OPEN SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................31
OPERATION.............................31
LEFT B-PILLAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................32
OPERATION.............................32
REMOVAL..............................32INSTALLATION...........................32
RIGHT B-PILLAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................32
OPERATION.............................32
REMOVAL..............................32
INSTALLATION...........................32
LOWER DRIVE UNIT
DESCRIPTION...........................33
OPERATION.............................33
REMOVAL..............................33
INSTALLATION...........................34
LOWER DRIVE UNIT TRACK & RACK
DESCRIPTION...........................34
OPERATION.............................34
REMOVAL..............................34
INSTALLATION...........................35
WIRING HARNESS
DESCRIPTION...........................35
OPERATION.............................35
REMOVAL..............................35
INSTALLATION...........................36
FLEX DRIVE
DESCRIPTION...........................36
OPERATION.............................36
REMOVAL..............................37
INSTALLATION...........................38
POWER SLIDING DOOR
SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles are equipped with a power opening
and closing sliding door system (Fig. 1). Depending
on how the vehicle is ordered it may be equipped
with only a right side power door or right and left
side power doors. This power sliding door system is a
complex system consisting of many components.
Some of these components are the door motor, latch
assembly, sliding door control module, lower drive
unit, flex drive assembly, wire harness and track,
lower drive unit track and rack assembly, full open
switch, B-pillar switch, overhead console switch, key
fob switches (Fig. 2), pawl switch, ratchet switch and
child lockout and handle switches.
Each power side door has its own door control mod-
ule, located in the center of the door behind the door
trim panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELEC-TRONIC CONTROL MODULES/DOOR CONTROL
MODULE - DESCRIPTION) The power side door
motor is located in the front portion of the door, on
the inner door panel sheet metal. The latch assembly
is located in the rear of the power side door, near the
body line. The lower drive unit is attached to the
lower door hinge. The flex drive assembly connects
the door motor to the lower drive unit. The wire har-
ness and track and the lower drive unit track are vis-
ible with the door open in the lower door sill area.
The power side door full open switch is located under
the lower drive unit and is part of the hold open
latch assembly. The pawl, ratchet, handle and child
lockout switches are all located on the power side
door latch assembly. The B-pillar switch, as it will be
referred to, is an open and close command switch
located on the vehicles interior body side B-pillar
trim. The overhead console switch, is an open and
close command switch located in the vehicle's over-
head console. More detailed information can be found
on these components later in this section.
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-19
ProCarManuals.com
Page 533 of 2321
Safety is of the utmost concern with the power
sliding door system. Software technology has enabled
the power sliding door control module to detect resis-
tance to door travel. This allows the power sliding
door to stop and reverse direction any time an
obstruction is felt or any of the command switches
are operated (while closing only). Battery voltage is
supplied to the power sliding door system through a
40 amp fuse, located in the Intelligent Power Module
(IPM) assembly (Fig. 3). The child lockout switch pre-
vents children from opening or actuating the power
sliding door system when desired. In the unlikely
event that the power sliding door system develops a
fault, the power sliding door can still be operated
manually from the interior or exterior door handle,
just like a standard manual sliding door.
The power sliding door control module communi-
cates on the J1850 PCI Data Bus Circuit. Therefore,
the power sliding door control module can generate
and store its own diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). A
diagnostic scan tool, such as the DRB IIItis used to
read and diagnose these trouble codes. Refer to the
Body Diagnostic Manual for a complete list of diag-
nostic routines.
Fig. 1 POWER SLIDING DOOR INTRODUCTION
Fig. 2 KEY FOB
1 - LEFT SLIDING DOOR SWITCH
2 - RIGHT SLIDING DOOR SWITCH
3 - LIFTGATE SWITCH
8N - 20 POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMRS
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 534 of 2321
NOTE: It may be possible to generate Sliding Door
Diagnostic Trouble Codes during normal power
sliding door operation. Refer to the Body Diagnos-
tic Manual for a complete list of diagnostic routines.
For additional information, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/POWER DOORS - OPERATION) . For a com-
plete power sliding door system wiring schematic,
refer to Wiring Diagrams. For power sliding door sys-
tem operation instructions, refer to the vehicle owner
manual.
WARNING: BE CERTAIN TO READ ALL WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS IN POWER SLIDING DOOR OPER-
ATION BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SERVICE OF
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM OR COMPO-
NENTS.
OPERATION
With the push of a power sliding door open/close
command switch (key fob, overhead console or B-pil-
lar mounted) a signal is sent out to the Body Control
Module (BCM). The BCM then sends a signal out on
the PCI Data Bus circuit (J1850) to the power sliding
door module. The power sliding door module then
signals the power sliding door latch to release the
door to the unlatched and movable position. The
motor then starts an open cycle.
During the door open cycle, if the power sliding
door module detects sufficient resistance to door
travel, such as an obstruction in the door's path, the
power sliding door module will immediately stop door
movement and reverse door travel to the full open orclosed position. The ability for the power sliding door
module to detect resistance to door travel is accom-
plished by hall effect sensors and the door motor
speed.
The power sliding door control module has the abil-
ity to learn. Anytime a door is opened or closed using
the power sliding door system the module learns
from its cycle. If a replacement power sliding door
component is installed or a door adjustment is made,
the module must re-learn the effort required to open
or close the door. A learn cycle can be performed with
a Diagnostic Scan Tool, such as the DRB IIIt, or with
a complete cycle of the door, using any one of the
command switches. Refer to Standard Procedures in
this section for detailed instructions.
The power sliding door system is designed with a
number of system inhibitors. These inhibitors are
necessary for safety and/or feasibility of the power
sliding door system. See the power sliding door sys-
tem inhibitors noted below:
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM INHIBITORS
²The power sliding door must be in thefullopen
or closed position in order for the power sliding door
system to start a cycle. If the door is not in this posi-
tion (based on the input from the full open, pawl or
ratchet switches) the door control module will not
respond to command switch inputs.
²The vehicles transmission must be inpark or
neutralin order for the power sliding door system to
start a cycle.
²The vehicles child lockout switch must be in the
ªUNLOCKEDº position in order for the power sliding
door systems B-pillar switches to function.
²If multiple obstacles are detected during the
same power open or close cycle the power sliding
door may go into full manual mode.
²If severe Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are
stored in the power sliding door control module the
power sliding door may go into full manual mode.
²Due to the high pressure created in the passen-
ger compartment with the blower motor on high, the
power sliding door may not complete a power close
cycle unless a window is cracked, allowing the pres-
sure to escape. This situation will only be experi-
enced on some vehicles, or vehicles with brand new
side door weather seals installed. Refer to the Side
Door Adjustment procedure in the Standard Proce-
dures section of this group.
²The vehicles fuel tank filler door must be in the
closed position. Due to the sliding door interference
with the open fuel tank filler door, mechanical link-
age prevents the side door from opening and striking
the fuel door. Refer to the Body section of this man-
ual for detailed information on the fuel door lockout
feature.Fig. 3 POWER SIDE DOOR FUSE LOCATION
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-21
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 535 of 2321
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM WARNINGS
WARNING: ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE
BATTERY CABLE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM SERVICE.
WARNING: EXTREME CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO
PREVENT OBJECTS FROM ENTERING THE DOORS
PATH ONCE THE DOOR REACHES THE CINCH
MOTOR CONTACT (APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH
BEFORE FULLY CLOSED).
WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO ENTER OR EXIT
THE VEHICLE WHILE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR
IS IN MOTION. YOU COULD DAMAGE THE POWER
SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM OR COMPONENTS
AND/OR CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO DRIVE AWAY WITH
THE POWER SLIDING DOOR IN MOTION. YOU
COULD DAMAGE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR SYS-
TEM OR COMPONENTS AND/OR CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY.
WARNING: NEVER STICK OBJECTS IN THE POWER
SLIDING DOOR WHEN CINCHING CLOSED. YOU
COULD DAMAGE THE VEHICLE, POWER SLIDING
DOOR SYSTEM OR COMPONENTS AND/OR CAUSE
PERSONAL INJURY.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER SLIDING
DOOR SYSTEM
The power opening and closing power sliding door
system is a complex system containing many compo-
nents and modules. In order to obtain conclusive
testing, the Programmable Communications Interface
(J1850) data bus network and all of the electronic
modules that provide inputs to, or receive outputs
from the power sliding door system must be checked.
The power sliding door system was designed to be
diagnosed with an appropriate diagnostic scan tool,
such as the DRB IIIt. The most reliable, efficient,
and accurate means to diagnose the power sliding
door system requires the use of a DRB IIItscan tool
and the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures manual.
The DRB IIItcan be used to observe various switch
statuses throughout the power sliding door system to
help the technician diagnose a defective switch or
component. The DRB IIItcan also be used to actuate
various components throughout the power sliding
door system to help the technician diagnose a defec-
tive component.
Before any testing of the power sliding door system
is attempted, the battery should be fully charged, all
built-in power sliding door system inhibitors read
and understood (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DOORS - OPERATION) and all wire harness and
ground connections inspected around the affected
areas on the vehicle.
The following are quick reference diagnostic tables
to help when diagnosing and testing the power slid-
ing door system.
8N - 22 POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMRS
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 536 of 2321
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Door opens unexpectedly Failure of sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, Refer to
the Body Diagnostic Manual for detailed
procedures
Failure of latch assembly Check wiring/cable connections and for
blown fuse
Check for trouble codes, replace latch if
necessary
Failure of open/close command
switchCheck for shorted or defective switch
Failure of striker Striker misaligned or loose
Striker damaged
Replace striker if necessary
Door will not open manually
using inside handleFailure of inside handle assembly Check for broken inside handle assembly
Check cable connections at latch and
handle assembly.
Check for binds or kinks in cable.
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of handle assembly
Replace the handle if necessary
Failure of latch assembly Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Replace latch if necessary
Failure of inside handle cable
assemblyCheck cable for binding
Check cable for broken condition
Replace the cable, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of door
Establish location of binding
Replace necessary components
Door will not open manually
using outside handleFailure of outside handle assembly Check for broken outside handle assembly
Check cable connections at latch and
handle assembly.
Check for binds or kinks in cable.
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of handle assembly
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-23
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 537 of 2321
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Replace the handle if necessary
Failure of latch assembly Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Failure of outside handle cable
assemblyCheck cable for binding
Check cable for broken condition
Replace the cable, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of door
Establish location of binding
Replace necessary components
Sliding door will not
open/close manuallyBinding or sticking of components Establish location of binding. Disconnect
flex drive and recheck. Replace necessary
components
Failure of latch assembly Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Sliding door will not
open/close under powerFailure of sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, 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 cable connections
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 assembly Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Failure of flex drive assembly Disconnect flex drive and check for broken
condition
Failure of lower drive unit assembly Remove lower drive unit and check for
broken condition
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Wiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
Power loss during power
door operationWiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
8N - 24 POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMRS
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 538 of 2321
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Low battery voltage Charge battery
Failure of sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, see Body
Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures
Failure of drive assembly Remove lower drive unit and check for no
drive condition
No latching in primary
and/or secondary positionsFailure of inside/outside handle
assemblyGo to that9POSSIBLE CAUSE9and review
9CORRECTIONS9
Failure of latch assembly Check wire connections and for blown fuse
Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Failure of sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, see Body
Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures
Door seal force too high Inspect seals for damage, mis-assembly,
foreign matter. Refer to Door adjustment in
the Body section of the service manual for
specifications
Failure of drive assembly Remove lower drive unit and check for no
drive condition
Failure of striker Striker misaligned or loose
Striker damaged
Replace striker if necessary
Latch will not fully release
from primary positionFailure of latch assembly Check wire connections and for blown fuse
Check cable connections
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Failure of fuel filler door lockout
mechanismCheck operation of fuel filler door lockout
mechanism. Refer to the Body section for
information
Failure of sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, see Body
Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures
Failure of striker Striker misaligned or loose
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-25
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 539 of 2321
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Striker damaged
Replace striker if necessary
Cables worn and stretched Replace cables as necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Key fob, B-pillar or
overhead console switch
does not power operate
doorBlown Fuse Check fuse and replace
Battery voltage low Charge or replace battery
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 Check electrical connections
Refer to the body diagnostic manual for
additional checks
Replace BCM if necessary
Failure of key fob Replace key fob battery
Replace key fob if necessary
Failure of sliding door control module Disconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, see Body
Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures
Failure of door motor assembly Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of gear motor assembly
Check wire connections
Gear motor clutch does not engage,
replace assembly
Full open switch inoperative, replace hold
open latch assembly
Replace motor assembly. if necessary
Door does not stay open Failure of hold open latch assembly Check wire/cable connections
Replace hold open latch, if necessary
Failure of hold open latch striker Replace hold open latch striker, if
necessary
High inside/outside opening
effortFailure of latch assembly Check wire connections and for blown fuse
Check cable connections
8N - 26 POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMRS
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 540 of 2321
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Check for foreign matter preventing the
operation of latch assembly
Troubleshoot using body diagnostic manual
Replace latch assembly, if necessary
Failure of inside/outside handle
assemblyGo to that9POSSIBLE CAUSE9and review
9CORRECTIONS9
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Door continues to cinch
closed during power modeFailure 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 sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, see Body
Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures
Wiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
Door continues to open
during power mode
(runaway motor)Failure of sliding door control or
body control moduleDisconnect then reconnect battery to reset
module, function door, if no function exists
check for loose wire connections, see Body
Diagnostic Manual for detailed procedures
Failure of hold open latch assembly Check wire/cable connections
Replace hold open latch, if necessary
Failure of drive assembly Remove lower drive unit and check for no
drive condition
Wiring problems (system or vehicle) Troubleshoot using electrical schematics.
Refer to wiring diagrams
Door opens very slowly Failure of door motor assembly Check wire/cable connections
Replace motor assembly, if necessary
Binding or sticking of components Establish location of binding and replace
necessary components
Squeaks, Noises and rattles Foreign material in door
compartmentRemove foreign material
Loose components Check and tighten loose components
Poor door track lubrication Lubricate the front portions of the side door
tracks with9Door EaseT9or equivalent
RSPOWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM8N-27
POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com