key battery CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2003 User Guide

STARTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM TEST.......................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONTROL
CIRCUIT TEST........................30
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT
RESISTANCE TEST....................32
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT
TEST...............................33SPECIFICATIONS
Torques.............................33
STARTER ...........................34
STARTER MOTOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L......................34
REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L...................35
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L..................35
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L................36
STARTING
DESCRIPTION
The starting system consists of:
²Starter relay
²Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid)
Other components to be considered as part of start-
ing system are:
²Battery
²Battery cables
²Ignition switch and key lock cylinder
²Clutch pedal position switch (manual transmis-
sion)
²Park/neutral position switch (automatic trans-
mission)
²Wire harnesses and connections.
The Battery, Starting, and Charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct operation of
starting/charging systems, all components used in
these 3 systems must perform within specifications.
When attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it
is important that you keep their interdependency in
mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in each of these
groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic
methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diag-
nostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere
ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile
rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
OPERATION
These components form two separate circuits. A
high amperage circuit that feeds the starter motor up
to 300+ amps, and a control circuit that operates on
less than 20 amps.
The PCM controls a double start over-ride safety
that does not allow the starter to be engaged if the
engine is already running.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM TEST
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
Wiring Diagrams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
INSPECTION
Before removing any unit from the starting system
for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspec-
tions:
²Battery- Visually inspect the battery for indi-
cations of physical damage and loose or corroded
cable connections. Determine the state-of-charge and
cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace
8F - 28 STARTINGRS
ProCarManuals.com

RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the PDC fuse as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be
continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87
and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the
starter solenoid as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when
the ignition switch is held in the Start position and
the clutch pedal is depressed (manual trans). Check
for battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86
with the ignition switch in the Start position and the
clutch pedal is depressed (manual trans), and no
voltage when the ignition switch is released to the
On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, check for
an open or short circuit to the ignition switch and
repair, if required. If the circuit to the ignition switch
is OK, see the Ignition Switch Test procedure in this
group.
(5) The coil ground terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded by the
PCM if the conditions are right to start the car. For
automatic trans. cars the PCM must see Park Neu-
tral switch low and near zero engine speed (rpm).
For manual trans. cars the PCM only needs to see
near zero engine speed (rpm) and low clutch inter-
lock input and see near zero engine speed (rpm). To
diagnose the Park Neutral switch of the trans range
sensor refer to the transaxle section. Check for conti-
nuity to ground while the ignition switch is in the
start position and if equipped the clutch pedal
depressed. If not OK and the vehicle has an auto-
matic trans. verify Park Neutral switch operation. If
that checks OK check for continuity between PCM
and the terminal 86. Repair open circuit as required.
Also check the clutch interlock switch operation if
equipped with a manual transmission. If OK, the
PCM may be defective.
SAFETY SWITCHES
For diagnostics of the Transmission Range Sensor,
refer to the Transaxle section for more information.
If equipped with Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch,
refer to Diagnosis and Testing in the Clutch section.
IGNITION SWITCH
After testing starter solenoid and relay, test igni-
tion switch and wiring. Refer to the Ignition Section
or Wiring Diagrams for more information. Check all
wiring for opens or shorts, and all connectors for
being loose or corroded.
BATTERY
For battery diagnosis and testing, refer to the Bat-
tery section for procedures.
ALL RELATED WIRING AND CONNECTORS
Refer to Wiring Diagrams for more information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT
RESISTANCE TEST
Before proceeding with this operation, review Diag-
nostic Preparation and Starter Feed Circuit Tests.
The following operation will require a voltmeter,
accurate to 1/10 of a volt.
CAUTION: Ignition and Fuel systems must be dis-
abled to prevent engine start while performing the
following tests.
(1) To disable the Ignition and Fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location.
(2) Gain access to battery terminals.
(3) With all wiring harnesses and components
properly connected, perform the following:
(a) Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative post, and positive lead to the
battery negative cable clamp. Rotate and hold the
ignition switch in the START position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor con-
tact between cable clamp and post.
(b) Connect positive lead of the voltmeter to the
battery positive post, and negative lead to the bat-
tery positive cable clamp. Rotate and hold the igni-
tion switch key in the START position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor con-
tact between the cable clamp and post.
(c) Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery
negative terminal, and positive lead to engine
block near the battery cable attaching point.
Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START
position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct
poor contact at ground cable attaching point. If
voltage reading is still above 0.2 volt after correct-
ing poor contacts, replace ground cable.
(4) Connect positive voltmeter lead to the starter
motor housing and the negative lead to the battery
negative terminal. Hold the ignition switch key in
8F - 32 STARTINGRS
STARTING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The knock sensor threads into the cylinder block.
The knock sensor is designed to detect engine vibra-
tion that is caused by detonation.
OPERATION
When the knock sensor detects a knock in one of
the cylinders, it sends an input signal to the PCM. In
response, the PCM retards ignition timing for all cyl-
inders by a scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increases, the
knock sensor output voltage also increases.
The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor
increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM
receives as an input the knock sensor voltage signal.
If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the
PCM will store that value in memory and retard
ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock
sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM
retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a
selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine
idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a
specified value, knock retard is allowed.
Knock retard uses its own short term and long
term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation
information in its battery-backed RAM. The maxi-
mum authority that long term memory has over tim-
ing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up
to a preset amount under all operating conditions (as
long as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except WOT.
The PCM, using short term memory, can respond
quickly to retard timing when engine knock is
detected. Short term memory is lost any time the
ignition key is turned off.
NOTE: Over or under tightening affects knock sen-
sor performance, possibly causing improper spark
control.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 2.4L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 12).
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.(2) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensors.
REMOVAL - 3.8L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in the rear.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise vehicle and support.
(3) On All Wheel Drive vehicles remove the PTU
(Power Transfer Unit), refer to the Transmission sec-
tion for more information.
(4) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.
(5) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensor.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 2.4L
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 12).
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
Fig. 12 Knock Sensor
1 - GENERATOR
2 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
3 - KNOCK SENSOR
4-STARTER
8I - 8 IGNITION CONTROLRS
ProCarManuals.com

(Dome Lamp, Daytime Brightness, Dimming Level or
Off). The third wire is a dedicated signal return
(ground) wire. The fourth wire provides power to the
front fog lamp indicator.
HEADLAMP TIME DELAY SYSTEM
The headlamp time delay system is controlled by
the Body Control Module (BCM) via a PCI bus mes-
sage transmitted by the BCM to the FCM to turn off
the headlamps.
OPERATION
AUTOMATIC HEADLAMP SYSTEM
Automatic headlamps are controlled by the Body
Control Module (BCM). With the headlamp switch in
the AUTO position, the BCM will control the head-
lamp, parking, side marker, tail and instrumentation
lamps based on ambient light levels. Ambient light
levels are monitored by the BCM using the Day/
Night signal and Electrochromatic Mirror (ECM)
present from the Compass Mini Trip (CMTC) located
on the front windshield in front of the rear view mir-
ror ECM. Ambient light readings are averaged to
limit cycling the lamps ON and OFF when passing
through areas with varying light levels. The auto-
matic headlamps will only function when the engine
is running with RPM > 450. When the headlamp
switch is in the AUTO position (Automatic mode), the
Headlamp Time Delay system will function when the
ignition switch is placed in any position other than
run/start.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS
Power is reduced using pulse-width modulation to
the high beams, where by the power is switched on
and off rapidly instead of remaining on continuously.
The duration and interval of the power pulses is pro-
grammed into the FCM.
HEADLAMP SYSTEM
The headlamp system will default to headlamps
ON position when ignition switch is ON and when an
open or short circuit failure occurs on the headlamp
switch input or PCI data bus communication between
the BCM and the FCM fails. The system will return
to normal operation when the open or short is
repaired. A fault will be reported by the BCM when a
failure occurs on the dimmer or headlamp switch
input.
If the exterior lamps are ON and the headlamp
switch is in any position other than OFF or AUTO
and with the ignition switch OFF (LOCK) after 3
minutes the BCM sends a message via PCI bus tothe FCM informing the FCM to turn off the head-
lamps, park lamps and fog lamps. This feature pre-
vents the vehicle battery from being discharged when
the vehicle lights have been left ON.
HEADLAMP TIME DELAY SYSTEM
The headlamp time delay system is activated by
turning the headlamps ON (high or low beam) while
the engine is running, turning the ignition switch
OFF, and then turning the headlamp switch OFF
within 45 seconds. The system will not activate if
more than 45 seconds elapse between ignition switch
OFF and headlamp switch OFF. The BCM will allow
the headlamps to remain ON for 90 seconds (config-
urable) before they automatically turn off (If the key
is in the ignition during the headlamp time delay
mode, then both the headlamps and park lamps
(including panel dimming) will be ON). Refer to the
Owner's Manual for more information.
If the headlamp switch is in the Auto Headlamp
Position, the headlamps are ON due to the night sig-
nal from the CMTC and the ignition switch is in any
position other than run/start, the BCM shall enter a
90 second (configurable) Auto Headlamps time delay
mode. If the key is in the ignition during the head-
lamp time delay mode, then both the headlamps and
park lamps (including panel dimming) will be ON. If
the key is not in the ignition, then only the head-
lamps will be ON. The BCM will allow the head-
lamps to remain ON for 90 seconds before they
automatically turn OFF. Refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for more information.
OPTICAL HORN/HIGH BEAMS
When the multi-function switch is pulled to the
first detent (optical horn) signal, the headlamps are
ON, key-in the ignition the BCM shall send a mes-
sage via PCI bus to the FCM to turn on the head-
lamps drivers to illuminate all four filaments (Low
and High beams). When the multi-function switch is
pulled to the second detent (high beam) signal and
the headlamps are ON, the BCM shall send a mes-
sage via PCI bus to the FCM to turn on the head-
lamps drivers. The High Beams are illuminated and
the Low Beams and Fog Lamps (if ON) are extin-
guished. If the headlamps were in the high beam
configuration when power was removed from the
headlamps, the headlamps will be configured as low
beam the next time they are activated.
NOTE: For RG - Export vehicles, the low beams and
front fog lamps will remain ON when high beams
are activated.
RSLAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR8L-3
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

with the optional Auto Headlamps. The options
include Yes and No. The default is No. When Yes is
selected, the headlamps will turn on automatically
when the windshield wipers are turned on. The head-
lamps will turn off when the wipers are turned off,
as long as the headlamp switch is in the Auto or Off
positions. When No is selected, the headlamps will
only turn on if manually selected or if the Auto mode
is selected and the outside ambient light levels dic-
tate that they should be on.
²RETRAIN TIRE SENSORS?- This program-
mable feature only applies to vehicles equipped with
the optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The
options include Yes and No. The default is No. When
Yes is selected, and the menu button is depressed the
EVIC will enter the training mode, starting with the
left front tire.
²POWER ACCESSORY DELAY?- The options
include Yes and No. The default is Yes. When No is
selected, the accessory powered components will turn
off automatically when the ignition key is turned off.
When Yes is selected, the accessory powered compo-
nents will remain on for 45 seconds when the igni-
tion key is turned off.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove overhead console. Refer to Overhead
Console Removal and Installation in this section(Re-
fer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the ten screws holding the EVIC mod-
ule in the overhead console.
(4) Remove EVIC module from console assembly.
NOTE: If the EVIC module is being replaced, the tire
pressure monitoring system (if equipped) must be
retrained. Refer to the Tires/Wheels section of this
manual for detailed instructions.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the EVIC module in the overhead con-
sole.
(2) Install the ten screws holding the EVIC module
in the overhead console.
(3) Install the overhead console (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
NOTE: If the EVIC module is being replaced, the tire
pressure monitoring system (if equipped) must be
retrained. Refer to the Tires/Wheels section of this
manual for detailed instructions.NOTE: If a new EVIC module has been installed, the
compass will have to be calibrated and the variance
set. Refer to compass variation adjustment and
compass calibration in standard procedures.
COMPASS/MINI-TRIP
COMPUTER
DESCRIPTION
The Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) and
Compass Temperature (CT) computer are modules
located in the overhead console. Vehicles are
equipped with either the CMTC or the CT computers
not both. The CMTC is different in the fact that it is
equipped with the mini-trip feature. The CMTC, CT
consists of a electronic control module with a vacuum
fluorescent display (VFD) and function switches. The
CMTC, CT consists of a electronic module that dis-
plays compass, trip computer (CMTC only), and tem-
perature features. Actuating the STEP push button
(CMTC only) will cause the CMTC to change mode of
operation when ignition is ON. Actuating the STEP
push button (CMTC only) will cause the CMTC to
change mode of operation when ignition is ON.
Example:
²Average miles per gallon (ECO)
²Distance to empty (DTE)
²Instant miles per gallon (ECO)
²Trip odometer (ODO)
²Elapsed time (ET)
²Off
Actuating the C/T push button will cause the
CMTC, CT to change to Compass/Temperature dis-
play.
OPERATION
The Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC), Com-
pass Temperature (CT) module in the overhead con-
sole has buttons used to select various functions. The
CMTC, CT selector buttons will not operate until the
ignition is in the RUN position.
When the ignition switch is first turned to the
RUN position the CMTC, CT display;
²Blanks momentarily
²All segments of the VFD will light for one sec-
ond
²Blanks momentarily
²Returns to the last mode setting selected before
the ignition was last switched OFF.
RSMESSAGE SYSTEMS8M-9
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

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)
ProCarManuals.com

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)
ProCarManuals.com

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)
ProCarManuals.com

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)
ProCarManuals.com