Repair Procedure
This bulletin involves installing a liftgate handle spacer and in some cases, installing a new liftgate handle and adjusting the liftgate striker.1. Open the liftgate.
2. Carefully, disengage the two lower spring clips of the upper liftgate trim and pull the lower portion of the upper liftgate trim outward. A trim removal tool such as Snap-on tool number A-161D should be used to disengage each spring clip.
3. Carefully, disengage the four upper spring clips (Figure 1) of the upper liftgate trim by using the trim removal tool and pulling the upper liftgate trim downward.
CAUTION:
USE EXTREME CARE WHEN DISENGAGING THE UPPER LIFTGATE TRIM SPRING CLIPS.
4. Separate the upper liftgate trim from the liftgate.
5. Remove screws attaching lower trim to liftgate.
6. Carefully pull the lower trim outward to disengage the spring clips.
7. Disconnect the liftgate lamp wire connector and separate the lower trim from the liftgate.
8. Remove the liftgate watershield to expose the inside of the liftgate.
9. Disconnect the vehicle security harness connector from the liftgate handle if equipped.
10. Disconnect the latch rod and actuator rod.
11. Remove the nut attaching outside handle to the liftgate (Figure 2 ) then slide the handle over and separate the handle from the liftgate.
12. If the customer's complaint is related to the first Symptom/Condition, proceed to the next step. If the customer's complaint is related to the second Symptom/Condition, proceed to Step 16.
13. Remove the retaining clip retaining the lock cylinder in the liftgate handle and remove the C-clip and lock cylinder actuator lever, then separate the lock cylinder from the handle (Figure 3).
14. Position the liftgate lock cylinder into the new liftgate handle p/n 55256558AB.
15. Install the lock cylinder retaining clip onto the liftgate handle, then install the actuator lever and C-clip onto the lock cylinder.
16. Clean the area where spacer p/n 05014592AA will go (Figure 4).
17. Peel the adhesive protective tape from the spacer p/n 05014592AA.
18. Install the spacer onto the liftgate handle as shown in Figure 4. The spacer must be inserted underneath the existing foam seal so that the side of the spacer can contact the inner surface of the liftgate handle.
19. Position the liftgate handle onto the liftgate.
NOTE:
MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE LIFTGATE HANDLE IS PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT WHEN INSTALLING THE LIFTGATE HANDLE ONTO THE LIFTGATE.
20. Install the nut that attaches the liftgate handle to the liftgate.
21. Connect the latch rod and actuator rod.
22. Connect the vehicle security harness connector if equipped.
23. Perform a function check of the liftgate lock cylinder by pressing the keyless entry transmitter or locking the doors with the power door lock switch.
24. Install the liftgate watershield.
25. Position the lower trim panel at liftgate.
26. Connect the liftgate lamp wire connector.
27. Align the lower trim on liftgate and press inward to engage the spring clips.
28. Install screws attaching the lower trim panel to the liftgate.
29. Position upper trim onto liftgate.
30. Align the upper trim to liftgate and press inward to engage the spring clips.
31. If the customer's complaint is related to the first Symptom/Condition, proceed to the next step. If the customer's complaint is related to the second Symptom/Condition, the repair is complete.
32. Adjust the liftgate latch striker so that the liftgate closing effort is not too high but yet the liftgate is properly sealed. If the liftgate is not positioned properly in the liftgate opening, refer to the procedures identified in the 1998 Durango Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-8116), page 23-59, for adjusting the liftgate.