Rear Glass latch won't open via handle

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ChiefRudy

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Hey guys,

So I decided to put some tools in my Jeep today and when I pulled on the tailgate handle the Glass latch would not release. However, the rear glass latch will release when when I use the tailgate unlock on the FOB and work every time I use the FOB.

This isn't the first time the glass latch release has acted up like this. In the past the glass would fail to release at times when the handle is pulled or the glass would pop with out the handle being touch when the vehicle is unlock. Usually after a few quick pulls on the handle it would work like normal. That fix didn't work this time.

I haven't pulled anything apart yet but I'm betting it's the micro switch in the handle. I found a MOPAR part number of 5143017AA.
I even found this on ebay for $33
2004 2007 Jeep Liberty Rear Liftgate Handle Micro Switch New Mopar Genuine | eBay

I've also read The part is like $10-$15 Dollars from the dealer. Which I would try that first to acquire the part

I'm just looking for clarification that I'm following a correct course of action.
Any input is much appreciated.

Thank guys
 

teeje

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When soldering the wires back onto the sensor, don't solder them straight up like I did in one of the pictures. I had to de solder them and lay the wires flat as you see in the last picture.


2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7L with brand new engine ;)
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ChiefRudy

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When soldering the wires back onto the sensor, don't solder them straight up like I did in one of the pictures. I had to de solder them and lay the wires flat as you see in the last picture.




2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7L with brand new engine ;)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hopefully mine can be repaired like that. Once the weather warms up i'll have to pull it part and do some testing.

Thanks for the input.
 

teeje

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Just to clarify (and I hope you understand what I'm saying) the wires cannot be straight up they have to be sideways so the sensor can be pushed in its little bracket


2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7L with brand new engine ;)
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ChiefRudy

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Just to clarify (and I hope you understand what I'm saying) the wires cannot be straight up they have to be sideways so the sensor can be pushed in its little bracket


2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7L with brand new engine ;)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yup, I understand.
 

ChiefRudy

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So I pulled off the tailgate panel today. I can see the micro switch has some corrosion on it. Not surpised but I still wanted to confirm it was the micro switch causing the issue.

So I took a small piece of wire and used it to jump together the two prongs on the female connector that's on the vehicle side of the wiring. Each time I completed the circuit with the jumper wire the latch would release. Did it about 7 times with no issues. So it's definitely the micro switch.

So I'll be ordering one this week.

I was worried there might have been an issue with wiring harness on the vehicle side. My door seal on the driver door was pulled up a bit by the hinge area and allowed water in from a heavy rain last week and my floor there was soaked. Since all the wires run under there, I was concerned that the water might have done something. Got that mess cleaned up today too
 

teeje

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You can take the switch out and solder the wires directly to the pins and that'll solve the issue. Way cheaper than buying the switch and that liquid tape works wonders. No more corrosion.


2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7L with brand new engine ;)
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Cardhu

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Check and make sure your switch works first by checking continuity across the switch when pressed and open when not.

Mine was shorting and needed replacement. It would also randomly short and pop the glass when parked.
 

ChiefRudy

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Check and make sure your switch works first by checking continuity across the switch when pressed and open when not.

Mine was shorting and needed replacement. It would also randomly short and pop the glass when parked.

I did check continuity and I got nothing. maybe a quick bleep on the multi-meter after few clicks of the switch but that's about it. During the Summer time the rear glass would randomly pop if the jeep was unlocked. further more the latch would continuously activate even after it's open. Maybe 4-6 times in a row before it stops. Usually a few pulls on the handle stopped it too.

So I figured, I'll just order a replacement and be done with it. It's around $15 at dealer. Small price to pay and less hassle.
 

Adam Roby

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Nice... mine never worked, I wasn't sure if the handle was supposed to pop the glass, but never got around to looking at the manual. Thanks for the posting, will have a look at that this weekend.

Liquid tape? I never saw that stuff before, and I work in electronics... go figure.
 

nohitter64

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I was able to go with soldering the wires to the switch. Fortunately, it's been working ever since.

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