Liberty 4WD L4-2.4L DOHC VIN 1 (2005)
An installed hood ajar switch cannot be readjusted or repaired. If the switch is damaged, faulty, or requires readjustment, it must be replaced with a new
unit. 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 a normally closed switch that is 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 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 components of the switch self-adjustment feature include an integral stop on the shaft of the plunger and a ribbed, ratcheting sleeve at the top of the
switch body from which the plunger extends. With the switch mounting collar secured in its mounting bracket, the plunger is depressed by the striker on
the hood inner reinforcement as the hood is closed. As the plunger is depressed, the plunger stop contacts the top of the sleeve and the sleeve is driven
downward, ratcheting through the switch mounting collar until the hood is fully closed and latched. The ribs on the sleeve are engaged within the
mounting collar to maintain this adjusted position.
The hood ajar switch and circuits may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods. However, conventional diagnostic methods may
not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the BCM or its responses to the hood ajar switch input. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to
diagnose the hood ajar switch, the BCM, and both the hard wired and electronic message inputs and outputs affected by the hood ajar switch input
requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool.