Commander 2WD V6-3.7L (2009)
Trunk / Liftgate Motor: Description and Operation
Power Liftgate Drive Unit - Description
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate system, utilize a power liftgate drive unit. The drive unit assembly consists of a DC motor, chain drive, chain
sprockets, full-open switch, housing/bracket assembly and wire harness. The motor portion of the assembly provides the power and torque required to
open or close the liftgate under most conditions. Internal motor circuitry is used to provide the liftgate control module with a motor speed signal. This
speed signal is used to monitor any resistance of liftgate travel and allows the liftgate control module to detect obstructions and control the liftgate
accordingly. The full-open switch is used to let the liftgate control module know when the liftgate is approaching the full open position.
The drive unit is secured to the D-pillar with two retaining bolts and cargo floor with a stud and nut. The drive unit is connected to the liftgate assembly
with the link rod.
The drive unit cannot be adjusted or repaired and if damaged or inoperative must be replaced. See: Service and Repair/Power Liftgate Drive Unit Motor
- Removal for the appropriate procedure.
Power Liftgate Drive Unit - Operation
OPERATION
LIFTGATE IS CLOSED
The power liftgate open command can be initiated by either one press of the power liftgate overhead console switch or two presses of the key fob power
liftgate button. The overhead console switch is hardwired to the power liftgate control module, where as the key fob signal is sent out on the Controller
Area Network (CAN) Data Bus circuit. This signal is detected by the power liftgate control module. The power liftgate control module then interprets
the information to confirm safety requirements are met. The control module will then signal the liftgate mounted latch assembly to release the liftgate
from its primary closed and latched position to the ajar and movable position. The power liftgate drive unit then takes over to move the liftgate into the
full open position.
LIFTGATE IS OPEN
The power liftgate close command can be initiated by either one press of the power liftgate overhead console switch or two presses of the key fob power
liftgate button. The overhead console switch is hardwired to the power liftgate control module, where as the key fob signal is sent out on the Controller
Area Network (CAN) Data Bus circuit. This signal is detected by the power liftgate control module. The power liftgate control module then interprets
the information to confirm safety requirements are met. The control module will then signal the power liftgate drive unit to move the liftgate into the
closed position. Once the liftgate mounted latch reaches the body mounted striker assembly, the power latch takes over to cinch the liftgate to the fully
closed and latched position.
If an obstacle is encountered during a power open or close cycle, the power liftgate control module will automatically reverse direction of the liftgate to
prevent vehicle damage or personal injury.
Power Liftgate Drive Unit Motor - Description
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with a power liftgate, utilize a liftgate motor. The liftgate motor is a simple DC motor that can be operated in forward or reverse,
depending on the voltage polarity supplied by the power liftgate control module. The motor is attached to the power liftgate drive unit by three retaining
bolts. See: Description and Operation/Power Liftgate - Description for a complete description of the entire drive unit assembly and components.
The power liftgate motor cannot be repaired or adjusted, and if found to be inoperative the motor must be replaced. See: Service and Repair/Power
Liftgate Drive Unit Motor - Removal for detailed instructions.
Power Liftgate Drive Unit Motor - Operation
OPERATION
LIFTGATE IS CLOSED
The power liftgate open command can be initiated by either one press of the power liftgate overhead console switch or two presses of the key fob power
liftgate button. The overhead console switch is hardwired to the power liftgate control module, where as the key fob signal is sent out on the Controller
Area Network (CAN) Data Bus circuit. This signal is detected by the power liftgate control module. The power liftgate control module then interprets
