Recall - Power Liftgate Latch Defect: Overview
April 2005Safety Recall E06
Power Liftgate Control Module
Effective immediately, all repairs on involved vehicles are to be performed according to this notification. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) # 08-005-05 is being cancelled.
MODELS:
2003 (RS) Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country
NOTE
This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a power liftgate (Sales Code "JRC") built through December 19, 2002 (MDH 121900).
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.
SUBJECT
The power liftgate latch on about 70,000 of the above vehicles may not engage the striker, allowing the liftgate to open while driving. In the event of a crash, an unbelted passenger could be ejected from the vehicle.
REPAIR
A new power liftgate control module must be installed to ensure proper latch function.
Parts Information
Service Procedure
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the rear header trim cover by disengaging the hidden clips holding the trim cover to the rear header.
3. Remove the liftgate sill plate by disengaging the hidden clips holding the sill plate to the liftgate opening sill.
4. Open the seat belt turning loop cover and remove the third row left seat belt turning loop upper bolt (Figure 1).
5. Remove the power liftgate motor link upper bolt and disengage the motor link from the liftgate (Figure 2).
6. Remove the left D-pillar trim panel by disengaging the hidden clips holding the trim to the D-pillar.
CAUTION:
Do not allow any body sealant to contact the carpet or other vehicle components.
7. If equipped, disconnect the speaker wire connector.
8. Disconnect the wire harness connections from the power liftgate control module (Figure 3).
9. Remove the screw holding the power liftgate control module to the D-pillar.
10. Remove and discard the power liftgate control module from the vehicle.
11. Install the new power liftgate control module on the D-pillar and install the retaining screw. Tighten the screw to 14.5 in-lbs (1.6 Nm).
12. Connect the wire harness connections to the power liftgate control module. Be certain to slide the connector locks to the locked position.
13. Install the D-pillar trim panel to the vehicle and if equipped, connect the speaker wire.
14. Attach the upper end of the power liftgate motor link to the liftgate. Tighten the bolt to 252 in-lbs (28 Nm).
15. Align the turning loop mounting bracket anti-rotation flange with the slot in the D-pillar and install the third row seat belt turning loop to the D-pillar. Tighten the bolt to 29 ft-lbs (39 Nm) (Figure 4).
CAUTION:
Verify that the seatbelt webbing is not twisted.
16. Install the liftgate sill plate.
17. Install the rear header trim cover.
18. Connect the negative battery cable.
NOTE:
To enhance customer satisfaction, remember to reset the clock when you have completed the service procedure.
19. Using an appropriate scan tool, check and erase any power liftgate control module diagnostic trouble codes.
20. Verify the 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.
21. Return the vehicle to the customer.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use the labor operation number and time allowance shown.
Dealer Notification
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS. To view this notification on DealerCONNECT, select "Global Recall System" on the Service tab, and then click on the description of this notification.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A generic copy of the owner letter is shown in this bulletin..
Dealers are encouraged to consider alternative scheduling and servicing approaches for this recall. This repair does not require hoists or other full service facility special equipment and is a DaimlerChrysler Mobile Service approved repair.
Vehicle List, Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow Up
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The owner's name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.
To use this system, click on the "Service" tab and then click on "Global Recall System." Your dealer's VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery.
Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.
Recall VIN list may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Disclaimer
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repairs.