Liberty Sport 2WD L4-2.4L VIN 1 (2002)
Fig.5 Hood Ajar Switch Striker
HOOD AJAR SWITCH
The hood ajar switch is a normally closed, single pole momentary switch that is used only on vehicles equipped with the Vehicle Theft Security
System (VTSS) for sale in certain markets where it is required equipment (Fig. 4). This switch consists of a molded plastic body with a molded
plastic mounting bezel. The switch body has an integral molded connector receptacle on the lower end, while the spring- loaded switch plunger
extends from the upper end. Two external latches integral to the mounting bezel lock the switch into a keyed mounting hole in the stamped steel
switch mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is fastened with two screws to the right inner fender shield near the fender ledge in the engine
compartment. A molded plastic striker with an integral retainer and mounting tab is secured to the underside of the hood panel inner reinforcement
to actuate the switch plunger as the hood panel is closed (Fig. 5). A single take out of the headlamp and dash wire harness connects the switch to
the vehicle electrical system. The switch receives a path to ground at all times through another take out of the headlamp and dash wire harness with
an eyelet terminal connector that is secured by a ground screw to the left inner fender shield in the engine compartment.
The hood ajar switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. The hood ajar switch striker is not intended for
reuse. If the striker is removed from the hood inner reinforcement for any reason, it must be replaced with a new unit.
The hood ajar switch is normally held open as the spring-loaded switch plunger is depressed by the striker on the hood panel when the hood panel
is closed and latched. When the hood is opened, the spring-loaded switch plunger extends from the switch body and the switch contacts are closed.
The hood ajar switch is connected in series between ground and the hood ajar switch sense input of the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM
uses an internal resistor pull up to monitor the state of the hood ajar switch contacts. The hood ajar switch can be diagnosed using conventional
diagnostic tools and methods.
