LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Dodge and Ram >> 2002 >> Caravan EC >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Body, Cab Control Systems >> Body Control Modules >> System Tests >> Power Liftgate >> Incomplete Latch Release - Ratchet Switch Failure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Incomplete Latch Release - Ratchet Switch Failure

NOTE: This DTC will only set after door cinch operation after 4-second time-out function. Conditions to set DTC may be difficult to reproduce.
NOTE: After making any repairs, perform BODY VERIFICATION TEST  under VERIFICATION TESTS.
  1. Using scan tool, record and erase DTCs. Turn ignition off. Wait 10 seconds. Turn ignition on. Operate power liftgate several times if possible. Recheck for DTCs. If INCOMPLETE LATCH RELEASE - RATCHET SWITCH FAILURE resets, go to next step. If INCOMPLETE LATCH RELEASE - RATCHET SWITCH FAILURE does not reset, system is operating properly at this time. Check for intermittent poor connections or faulty circuits.
  2. Visually inspect liftgate for proper alignment, damaged strikers, damaged latches or obstructions. Repair as necessary. If possible, check operation of liftgate on a known-good vehicle. If liftgate effort is excessive, diagnose power liftgate by symptom. See TROUBLE SHOOTING in POWER SLIDING DOORS & LIFTGATE article. If liftgate effort is not excessive, go to next step.
  3. Using scan tool, select INPUTS/OUTPUTS and monitor RATCHET state. Open liftgate completely. Using a screwdriver, manually move liftgate cinch/release motor latch to second click (detent) while observing DVOM. Use liftgate release handle to open liftgate cinch/release motor latch. Repeat procedure several times while moving liftgate to different positions and wiggling wiring harness. If RATCHET SWITCH state does not change every time liftgate cinch/release motor latch is manually moved and released, go to next step. If RATCHET SWITCH state changes every time liftgate cinch/release motor latch is manually moved and released, replace Power Liftgate Module (PLGM). See POWER LIFTGATE MODULE  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  4. Turn ignition off. Disconnect the Power Liftgate Module C2 connector. See Figure. Disconnect liftgate cinch/release motor connector. See Figure. Measure the resistance of the ground wire between the PLG C2 connector (cavity 20) and the liftgate cinch/release motor connector (cavity 1). Wiggle the harness while observing the ohmmeter. If the resistance is below 5 ohms, go to the next step. If the resistance is above 5 ohms, repair the ground wire for an open.
  5. Disconnect the Power Liftgate Module C2 connector. See Figure. Disconnect the Liftgate Cinch/Release Motor connector (latch assembly). See Figure. Measure the resistance of the Liftgate Ajar Switch Sense wire between the PLG C2 connector and the Liftgate Cinch/Release Motor connector. Wiggle the harness and move the liftgate in different positions while observing the ohmmeter. If the resistance is below 5 ohms, go to the next step. If the resistance is above 5 ohms, repair the Liftgate Ajar Switch Sense wire for an open.
  6. If there are no possible causes remaining, replace the Ratchet Switch (latch assembly). See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in POWER SLIDING DOORS & LIFTGATE article.
Fig 1: Identifying Left & Right Full Open Switch Connectors
G00172177Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.