Try disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds. See if you can close it with the battery disconnected. Also, try it again with the battery reconnected.
Help! Power Liftgate Stuck In Open Position!
Hi,
My first day at this site... but it looks very good, and I'm hoping some of you "experienced mechanical types" can give me some advice.
And although I'm new here... I'm not new to Chrysler/Dodge vans. I've purchased two of them, new from the same Seattle, Wa. area dealer.
First one was a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan SE AWD - sold
And my current one is an '04 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT AWD. And I'm very "ticked off" at it today. The power liftgate is stuck open!!
There is no way I can see to close it. This happened when the van was brand new (exactly the same situation as this morning) and the dealer replaced the motor and I can't remember what else... it was 4 years ago.
Then a couple months later, it hesitated once, when I tried to close it... but then, it did close. But it irritated me, and really worried me... cause, when it gets stuck open, there is no way to close it. If you and the family are camping, or skiing, or at the beach... and the van is loaded with people and cargo... but the liftgate won't close...
YOU ARE SCREWED!!
This worried me so much, that I didn't use the power option from '05 through most of '07. I used it as a manual rear liftgate, for all that time.
But then, a few months ago, I started using the power feature again occassionally. And now this morning, it jammed in the open position, just like 4 years ago.
There's never been a problem with power opening... but this closing issue is a MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM.
The dealer tells me that they haven't any issues with this.
So, I'm asking for your help... I'm sure this website has much more knowledge than the dealer.
Thanks a ton for any info on this issue.
My first day at this site... but it looks very good, and I'm hoping some of you "experienced mechanical types" can give me some advice.
And although I'm new here... I'm not new to Chrysler/Dodge vans. I've purchased two of them, new from the same Seattle, Wa. area dealer.
First one was a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan SE AWD - sold
And my current one is an '04 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT AWD. And I'm very "ticked off" at it today. The power liftgate is stuck open!!
There is no way I can see to close it. This happened when the van was brand new (exactly the same situation as this morning) and the dealer replaced the motor and I can't remember what else... it was 4 years ago.
Then a couple months later, it hesitated once, when I tried to close it... but then, it did close. But it irritated me, and really worried me... cause, when it gets stuck open, there is no way to close it. If you and the family are camping, or skiing, or at the beach... and the van is loaded with people and cargo... but the liftgate won't close...
YOU ARE SCREWED!!
This worried me so much, that I didn't use the power option from '05 through most of '07. I used it as a manual rear liftgate, for all that time.
But then, a few months ago, I started using the power feature again occassionally. And now this morning, it jammed in the open position, just like 4 years ago.
There's never been a problem with power opening... but this closing issue is a MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM.
The dealer tells me that they haven't any issues with this.
So, I'm asking for your help... I'm sure this website has much more knowledge than the dealer.
Thanks a ton for any info on this issue.
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Yeah... my dealer told me there were no known issues with the transmissions in the Chryslers minivans... I just laughed in the guy's face.
Same deal with my power liftgate, it once stuck in the open position. Apparently this too is an issue.
Same deal with my power liftgate, it once stuck in the open position. Apparently this too is an issue.
BAMF of. 2008...Yeah... my dealer told me there were no known issues with the transmissions in the Chryslers minivans... I just laughed in the guy's face.
Same deal with my power liftgate, it once stuck in the open position. Apparently this too is an issue.
The power liftgate is even more complicated
------------------------------------------
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM CONTROL PARAMETERS
The power liftgate system is designed with a number of control parameters, which are conditions that must be fulfilled to allow operation. These control parameters are listed below:
The Power Liftgate module will inhibit operation of the power liftgate in extreme temperatures. These temperatures will be approximately -22°F (-30°C) and 149°F (65°C). The pinch sensor/thermistor assembly on the right side of the liftgate monitors the temperature.
The vehicle's transmission must be in park or neutral for the power liftgate to operate.
The vehicle's speed must be zero for the power liftgate to operate.
The vehicle's electrical system voltage must be within specification for the power liftgate system to operate. A low-voltage cut-off is built into the power liftgate system to prevent the vehicle's battery from discharging to the point were the vehicle cannot be operated.
If the vehicle's ignition switch is in the "START" position, the power liftgate system will not initiate a power cycle.
If the vehicle's ignition switch is moved to the "START" position during a power cycle, the power liftgate will pause.
If the vehicle is locked, the outside handle will not release the latch. The key fob and overhead switch will work for power open or close cycles.
If the vehicle's theft alarm is armed, the overhead switch will not open the liftgate; however the key fob will work.
If a liftgate pinch sensor is activated during a power close, the liftgate will reverse direction. If a pinch sensor is already active the power liftgate will not initiate a power close. A pinch activation during latch cinch will stop the cinch operation.
If something sufficiently impedes liftgate travel, the power liftgate will detect an obstacle and reverse direction, traveling to full open or closed.
If multiple obstacles are detected during the same power open or close cycle, the liftgate will abort that power cycle and go into full manual operation.
The power liftgate components are protected by the power liftgate fuse. If the fuse is blown, the power liftgate will not function See: Maintenance\Fuses and Circuit Breakers\Fuse\Locations\Fuse Locations/Types.
If severe Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are stored in the power liftgate control module the system may not operate. If power liftgate DTC's are present, refer to Power Liftgate Testing."
------------------------------------------
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM CONTROL PARAMETERS
The power liftgate system is designed with a number of control parameters, which are conditions that must be fulfilled to allow operation. These control parameters are listed below:
The Power Liftgate module will inhibit operation of the power liftgate in extreme temperatures. These temperatures will be approximately -22°F (-30°C) and 149°F (65°C). The pinch sensor/thermistor assembly on the right side of the liftgate monitors the temperature.
The vehicle's transmission must be in park or neutral for the power liftgate to operate.
The vehicle's speed must be zero for the power liftgate to operate.
The vehicle's electrical system voltage must be within specification for the power liftgate system to operate. A low-voltage cut-off is built into the power liftgate system to prevent the vehicle's battery from discharging to the point were the vehicle cannot be operated.
If the vehicle's ignition switch is in the "START" position, the power liftgate system will not initiate a power cycle.
If the vehicle's ignition switch is moved to the "START" position during a power cycle, the power liftgate will pause.
If the vehicle is locked, the outside handle will not release the latch. The key fob and overhead switch will work for power open or close cycles.
If the vehicle's theft alarm is armed, the overhead switch will not open the liftgate; however the key fob will work.
If a liftgate pinch sensor is activated during a power close, the liftgate will reverse direction. If a pinch sensor is already active the power liftgate will not initiate a power close. A pinch activation during latch cinch will stop the cinch operation.
If something sufficiently impedes liftgate travel, the power liftgate will detect an obstacle and reverse direction, traveling to full open or closed.
If multiple obstacles are detected during the same power open or close cycle, the liftgate will abort that power cycle and go into full manual operation.
The power liftgate components are protected by the power liftgate fuse. If the fuse is blown, the power liftgate will not function See: Maintenance\Fuses and Circuit Breakers\Fuse\Locations\Fuse Locations/Types.
If severe Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are stored in the power liftgate control module the system may not operate. If power liftgate DTC's are present, refer to Power Liftgate Testing."
I have power liftgate on all my minivans (01-02 RS). In my experience the actual lifting mechanism is darn reliable (all of the issues I've seen to date were latch related -- not really applicable to your situation).
In order to provide more meaningful feedback, I would need to know more about the symptoms you are experiencing. Namely, what happens when the liftgate will not allow you to close it manually.
Liftgate is open and you cannot push it down? If so, does it feel like a motor is fighting you or it is just stuck. Is the resistance created by the small lift arm or the main shocks (those can rust and get sticky).
Or is the problem that the liftgate won't latch?
Generally speaking, if the issue is that you can't pull the liftgate down, the problem is likely to be with the gears of the lifting mechanism or the spring/solenoid that is used to engage/disengage the lift arm from the motor.
Please post more symptoms so that more specific opinions could be offered.
In order to provide more meaningful feedback, I would need to know more about the symptoms you are experiencing. Namely, what happens when the liftgate will not allow you to close it manually.
Liftgate is open and you cannot push it down? If so, does it feel like a motor is fighting you or it is just stuck. Is the resistance created by the small lift arm or the main shocks (those can rust and get sticky).
Or is the problem that the liftgate won't latch?
Generally speaking, if the issue is that you can't pull the liftgate down, the problem is likely to be with the gears of the lifting mechanism or the spring/solenoid that is used to engage/disengage the lift arm from the motor.
Please post more symptoms so that more specific opinions could be offered.
May have an issue with the liftgate module or latch. Or possibly even a BCM issue causing the liftgate problem.
These type of electrical liftgate issues are very difficult to diagnose without a lot of specific details.
These type of electrical liftgate issues are very difficult to diagnose without a lot of specific details.
owner 2007 town & county
I have the issue where my liftgate will not latch please help.I have power liftgate on all my minivans (01-02 RS). In my experience the actual lifting mechanism is darn reliable (all of the issues I've seen to date were latch related -- not really applicable to your situation).
In order to provide more meaningful feedback, I would need to know more about the symptoms you are experiencing. Namely, what happens when the liftgate will not allow you to close it manually.
Liftgate is open and you cannot push it down? If so, does it feel like a motor is fighting you or it is just stuck. Is the resistance created by the small lift arm or the main shocks (those can rust and get sticky).
Or is the problem that the liftgate won't latch?
Generally speaking, if the issue is that you can't pull the liftgate down, the problem is likely to be with the gears of the lifting mechanism or the spring/solenoid that is used to engage/disengage the lift arm from the motor.
Please post more symptoms so that more specific opinions could be offered.
You should still be able to open it with the key from the back. Do you have a power lift gate?
Sounds like a faulty latch, faulty release button, fuse/wiring or door lock status/BCM issue (the latter is very unlikely).
Need more details to help...
Sounds like a faulty latch, faulty release button, fuse/wiring or door lock status/BCM issue (the latter is very unlikely).
Need more details to help...
I'm going to hijack this thread for a minute.
I am having an issue (08 T&C) the liftgate will not latch. I thought maybe it was the trunk lock actuator, so I decided to replace it. That did not fix the problem, but in doing this I discovered something. If I set the actuator and gears etc up as if the hatch is latched, the actuator can unlatch the door. It does not operate in the revers manner to latch the liftgate though.
I am having an issue (08 T&C) the liftgate will not latch. I thought maybe it was the trunk lock actuator, so I decided to replace it. That did not fix the problem, but in doing this I discovered something. If I set the actuator and gears etc up as if the hatch is latched, the actuator can unlatch the door. It does not operate in the revers manner to latch the liftgate though.
The power liftgate is even more complicated
------------------------------------------
POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM CONTROL PARAMETERS
The power liftgate system is designed with a number of control parameters, which are conditions that must be fulfilled to allow operation. These control parameters are listed below:
The Power Liftgate module will inhibit operation of the power liftgate in extreme temperatures. These temperatures will be approximately -22°F (-30°C) and 149°F (65°C). The pinch sensor/thermistor assembly on the right side of the liftgate monitors the temperature.
The vehicle's transmission must be in park or neutral for the power liftgate to operate.
The vehicle's speed must be zero for the power liftgate to operate.
The vehicle's electrical system voltage must be within specification for the power liftgate system to operate. A low-voltage cut-off is built into the power liftgate system to prevent the vehicle's battery from discharging to the point were the vehicle cannot be operated.
If the vehicle's ignition switch is in the "START" position, the power liftgate system will not initiate a power cycle.
If the vehicle's ignition switch is moved to the "START" position during a power cycle, the power liftgate will pause.
If the vehicle is locked, the outside handle will not release the latch. The key fob and overhead switch will work for power open or close cycles.
If the vehicle's theft alarm is armed, the overhead switch will not open the liftgate; however the key fob will work.
If a liftgate pinch sensor is activated during a power close, the liftgate will reverse direction. If a pinch sensor is already active the power liftgate will not initiate a power close. A pinch activation during latch cinch will stop the cinch operation.
If something sufficiently impedes liftgate travel, the power liftgate will detect an obstacle and reverse direction, traveling to full open or closed.
If multiple obstacles are detected during the same power open or close cycle, the liftgate will abort that power cycle and go into full manual operation.
The power liftgate components are protected by the power liftgate fuse. If the fuse is blown, the power liftgate will not function See: Maintenance\Fuses and Circuit Breakers\Fuse\Locations\Fuse Locations/Types.
If severe Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are stored in the power liftgate control module the system may not operate. If power liftgate DTC's are present, refer to Power Liftgate Testing."
Thank you, Chrysler, for not putting power lift gates on my vans
I know this is a old thread but I can't get a answer anywhere.my 2013 grand caravan lift gate opens fine by power but won't close by power Inless I push up on left gate.i have replaced motor , power module and both struts with new power gate struts and still nothing.if I stop gate from going up it will reverse and close fine I hope someone can help
i am currently having this problem as well i have a 2014 grand caravan if use the remote the lift gate works fine to open but the lights will blink and the lift gate will not respond to close. if i press the lift gate button on the vehicle i get no response at all. i am beyond frustrated with thisI know this is a old thread but I can't get a answer anywhere.my 2013 grand caravan lift gate opens fine by power but won't close by power Inless I push up on left gate.i have replaced motor , power module and both struts with new power gate struts and still nothing.if I stop gate from going up it will reverse and close fine I hope someone can help
I figured it out.in my case I was sold the wrong motor.had the rod on a bind.i replaced struts with power gate struts and installed my old motor and everything works fine .so try pushing up on gate after it is fully open and if it works then your struts are weak.just make sure you replace them with struts for a power gate.non power struts are too weak.i am currently having this problem as well i have a 2014 grand caravan if use the remote the lift gate works fine to open but the lights will blink and the lift gate will not respond to close. if i press the lift gate button on the vehicle i get no response at all. i am beyond frustrated with this
Not a surprise considering you're on the 4th Gen forums with a 5th Gen issue.I figured it out.in my case I was sold the wrong motor.
I was replying to a old post.i started a NEW post in the 5th gen listing but not one person helped.so maybe you should have said that weeks ago.
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
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