2004 Liberty back hatch doesn't open in summer

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david h

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So I've noticed this trend last year and this year that the back hatch won't pull open when it's warm outside. It's completely fine in cooler temperatures, but heat does something I can't figure out to it. Has anyone else had this problem and what would you recommend?
 

david h

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No, I'm talking about the bottom part with the handle. The rear window still lifts fine
 

Billwill

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A known problem with the rear hatch is the Microswitch inside the hatch handle fails due to constant water ingress.

There was a TSB to replace it with a new Microswitch years ago.

Why it only fails in Summer is weird...could be humidity or rain?:confused:

Worth replacing it to see if that hopefully fixes your problem!;)
 

duderz7

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That micro switch fails to release window. If the door itself is not opening its something else. If it doesn't release window its micro switch.
 

Billwill

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We do not have Service Manuals for the 2004 KJ but the 2005 Service Manuals will do for your Jeep.:)

Section 8N describes the operation for all door locks including the Rear Latch and Section 8W has the Wiring Diagrams.

Section 8N is worth going through first as it shows how to access the Locking Mechanism .

The Index of Section 8W directs you to the Rear Hatch Motor's wiring.
There is a motor inside the Latch assembly that rotates back and forth to lock/unlock the rear Door Lock. This is driven by the Body Control Module.

So this could be an Electrical issue....motor not energizing....or something physically jamming.

The Wiring Diagrams may have the problem in that the wiring colors may be incorrect!:(

www.colorado4wheel.com/manuals/Jeep/KJ/
 

Ty_B

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I have a similar issue with my 2003 KJ, mine started after a Volvo rear-ended me and died from being punctured by the trailer hitch receiver (Also installed due to a recall item). This caused my tailgate to be be slightly misaligned. In the winter or if parked at an angle, I could not open the tailgate. As I cannot replace everything, I have found that lubricating the tailgate stabilizer insert (Section 23 Page 42 from the Manual Linked above for my 2003) has made it so I can open the tailgate year round. I have just been tossing more grease in March and September for the last couple years. After reviewing the manual linked by Billwill (Thank you!!), it looks like I can make an adjustment after confirming the exact misalignment to my my tailgate.

Yes, I could have sent a bill to the volvo driver once the issue was discovered. They already had a totalled vehicle as my Spare Tire pushed the front end in to my trailer receiver (Only had a cover, no ball installed) and punctured the radiator, and destroyed the Hood, Bumper and side panels. My KJ just had a small scratch on the Spare tire cover and the eventual noticing of the misalignment.
 

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