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Chrysler Repair/rear lift gate will not power open.
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Question
The rear power lift gate on our Grand Caravan ('01ES, 3.8L w/ AWD) has stopped working. Using the remote, interior console switch, or exterior handle all cause the power open cycle to initiate (remote & console switch cause lights flash and beeper peeps) and the power latch releases the door a small amount, but the power lift fails to open it further. If I place my ear on the van's exterior next to the power lift motor, I can feel and hear some activity (like a solenoid engaging). The power close feature does not work at all, only the lights flash when the remote is used to prompt it to close. The vehicle is accident free, the lift gate moves freely by hand and the gas struts easily hold it up open, and no obvious signs of issue with gunked-up power lift gears when I look through the slot in the rubber cover when the hatch is open. There are also no error codes when I cycle ignition switch...shows DONE.
Hi Joe,
At my request to him, Kevin passed your question on to me. As I suspected, the ignition key readout was for the engine controller fault codes only, thus the donE shows that no problem has been found for the engine. As I suggested, if you can get a readout done with a fully capable code reader that can access the body computer (and thus indirectly the liftgate module) then a code that will tell us what might be the cause of the problem will be available. Let me know it you get such a code and I can look that up in the body computer manual for the '04 model that I have on CD, and we can go from there.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer. Thank you
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Roland was extremely helpful and is ready to act further to help once i can get him fault code information. I really appriceate the help before going to the dealer as a last resort | ||
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Roland Finston
Expertise
I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.
I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.
There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.
Experience
Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars
Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)
Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.
Awards and Honors
"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts.
Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.
Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).
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