Out-of-Synch Liftgate Latch DIY Fix - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
DIY fix to reposition the latch disc of an Automatic Liftgate Latch on 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.
If the remote liftgate won't close because the latch mechanism was closed while it was in the open position (to tie it down, for example) this shows how to reset the latch position.
NORMAL OPERATION DESCRIPTION. The system appears to be a simple latch that is opened or closed by force applied when the system hydraulics open or close the gate and force the latch on to (off of) the metal ring it locks down on. When the gate opens there is a spring loaded catch that (probably) is electronically released from holding the latch disc in place. The hydraulics and gears then pull the gate up and this forces the latch disc into the open position (with the notch facing the metal loop it would lock on to). When the gate closes the catch is again released and the hydraulics force the gate down and the latch disk onto the metal loop, causing it to turn, hook on to the loop, and then the catch snaps back into place to hold the latch disc closed and on the loop - locking the liftgate.
PROBABLE CAUSE/SITUATION. Some gates (all, on every Dodge Grand Caravan WE'VE ever owned) don't have a place to attach a string, bungee cord, or other tie down. When people need to tie the gate down they might manually move the disc-like latch into the closed position (the catch will just slide out of place and snap into the next position - partially or fully closed. This happened to me when I went to a drive in and they (politely) asked that we tie the lift gate down a bit so it wouldn't obstruct the view of others.
Problem is, if the latch is in the closed/locked position when the gate is open, it is out of phase w/the automatic mechanism and the cycle to close the gate and lock it will not work. The spring loaded catch is released to allow the latch disc to turn when it meets the metal loop and force is applied. But since it's hitting at a closed spot on the latch disc it just bumps into the loop and the system interprets this as something caught in the gate. The automatic mechanism then defaults to manual mode. No amount of button pushing, power cycling, turning ignition on or off, etc. will work. The system just isn't designed to handle the latch disc being out of position.
DIY FIX. To correct this you need two flat bladed screwdrivers. One needs to be long enough and thin enough to reach up and behind the latch disc to push the spring loaded catch up. At the same time you use the other screwdriver to turn the latch disc to the halfway closed position. This still won't let you close the gate, though.
Step two is to then use the shorter and thicker of the two screwdrivers to PARTIALLY re-close the latch disc. Don't completely undo what you just accomplished - just move the latch disc toward the fully closed position a little (say a few degrees of turn or about 1/8" distance on the disc). This will cause the spring-loaded catch to ride up the latch disc a little and give you a gap that you can get the smaller, longer screwdriver into without damaging the catch. Once there, push the catch out of the way again and turn the latch disc the rest of the way into the open position. Voila - you're essentially done.
From there you should be able to manually or automatically close the gate, resetting the latch disc into the correct position for the normal liftgate cycle.
An easy fix, but a pain if you don't know what the system is doing, if it's dark, or if you don't happen to have two appropriately sized screwdrivers! I called the Dodge dealership and described my problem and (to their credit) although they said that maybe "resetting the latch" was what was needed, they weren't able to describe the cause nor the fix and claimed to not see this often enough to know what the issue was. They did offer to have me drive it in, but I was hesitant to spend 2+ hours and possible a $75 labor charge for something that should be DIY-able. I hunted around on the InterWebs and YT and all the liftgate latch stuff was about full blown repairs. So, hopefully this will help someone else!
Пікірлер: 101
I don't quite understand what you did to get that latch to open. I closing the latch as far as it can go, but I don't fully understand what I need to do with the 2nd flathead to get it to unlatch. Please help. I'm in the middle of trying to figure it out and ur video is the only one with this issue.
3 kids. Middle of move from AZ to NY broken tailgate at hotel in OH and this video saved me. Thanks for posting this!
Thank you so much for posting this video on how to manually release the lift gate latch. It was clear, concise, and a lifesaver. Much appreciated from MN.
I used the above method and it worked. The real trick is after the first step you need a very narrow flat blade screwdriver to get at the latch release to pull the latch down all the way. Thanks Matt
Yes thank you! I looked everywhere to try to fix the gate on my 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I knew it had to be a sensor problem because it had power to it. This worked! Thank you so much
Man your a lifesaver! I used a flat screwdriver and a small electronics screw driver and it took no time at all.
I have been having that exact problem of for months on my Nana's 08 Buick enclave...she Took it to shop after shop trying to find a reasonable fix. They either wanted a arm and a leg for all the replacement parts and labor or told her "take it to the dealership" ect...so my 76 old Nana does and gets a estimated cost in the couple Grand range... IDK about yourselves but retirement is bringing in the dough... I'm sorry this is so long but I need to let you know that after watching your video and 5minutes it works just fine. So....THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE HELP!!! Keeping doing what your doing!
Thank you!!! My tailgate latch jammed, just as you described. I dreaded having to take it in to our local dealership and just happened to find this video. After moments of fumbling, I located the release and, using the 2 screwdrivers, was able to get it to release. BTW....I am a grandma with no experience!!!
Found a waaaaayyyy easier way. On a 2014 Town and country, just remove a rectangle plastic cover located just behind the lock inside. After removed there's a lever on the left side that doesn't do much BUT at the end of that lever there's a small lever that when you move it, it allows the lock to open fully. Hope it helps and thank you for the video.
@tanyshajarrett2574
7 ай бұрын
How did you figure it out I finally got mine to open but now if it latches it won’t open again
@MartinD9999
5 ай бұрын
@tanyshajarrett2574 Try to turn that small plastic “wheel” back to the original place. You may have turned it and never rotated it BACK to its normal position.
Thank you so much for uploading this video =) The lock is on the right side looking up, so anything small can prop it up and over the latch
Matt. I love you. Thanks so much.
Fiddled with this for a couple hours. Watched your video and got it fixed in 5 minutes...
Thank you Matt, just saved me a trip to a mechanic on a 2014 town and country. Bit of fiddling but job done 👍
This thankfully worked on my 2014 T/C! Thanks!
Thank you very much sir a little persistent in your video helped me fix it just before a big rain storm
Fantastic video, sorted my tailgate, saved an expensive trip to the dealer
Worked on my 2014 Grand Cherokee you are a life saver
Thanks! This worked, it was a bit different in appearance I have a 2009 there was a bumper (piece of rubber) that was in view it fell out and was basically a casualty of the repair, but it worked! The little spring was more like a button to depress on upper right side above the black insulated moving catch mechanics of this latch. THANKS so much !!
@brianbrummel4667
5 жыл бұрын
I have the same problem with a 2008. The button to depress is on the upper right just as you describe here. When I depress it all the way, I still am not able to move the latch at all. It seems I'm missing something. Anyone have any ideas?
DUDE!! Thank you so much! I'll never do again that thing that we won't mention...
Very helpfull video. Had the same issue. If you depress the catch spring indicated in the first step and hold the liftgate handle while doing this the lock opens up. This avoids the complicated second step show in the video.
@jhordando
3 жыл бұрын
That worked for us! Thank you!
@brucelippold4644
Жыл бұрын
VERY helpful!! Thank you for taking the time to post this. I was about ready to give up on that "second step" and then I read this. SUPER DUPER!🥰🥰🥰
Dude you saved my ass! Thank you and thank you KZread! Was able to do it with a single screw driver.
Just had this problem, on a Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2007, same latch setup, worked great, thx
Thank you! I had the same problem in my town and country here in italy :)
Thank you so much for posting this. The last maneuver, I had better luck with a thin flatblade pushing up on the detente on the passenger side of the lock. ¡¡ Muchas Gracias !!
Thank you so so much !! after watching your video it took me 5 minutes to fix.
Worked like a charm. Thanks!
It worked on my Caravan 2013. Thank you very much
This helped me with my locked tailgate on my 2020 Pacifica. Thank you so much!!
Thank you so so so so much !!! Your video just allowed me solve the same problem on my grand cherokee overland 🤝🤝🤝 Greetings from Morocco
Worked for me!! Thanks man. I was ready to replace the whole damn assembly lol
Thank you!! i thought it was something else but that was it!!
Thank you so much! Fixed it.
Thank you man you're a life saver
Thanks for sharing. It worked on RAV4 2017
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Took a few tries bu it worked fine. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
im in trouble.motor will work fine but it does not when u lower the door below certain point.2014 durango rt. And i think it might be a sensor that sees the doors angle or what?
Thank you!! It worked!
Thank you for this!!!
It was a struggle for me, but thanks! 😇 🙏
Thank you sir.......got a fleet of 13
You saved me $200+ Thank you
If this goes crooked to the left or right can it damage the spoiler?
Would this latch problem cause the door upon opening with button on key to swing back shut with a force than not latch? One day my 2012 dodge grand caravan door wouldn't open with button so i had to open it with the handle. Then it wouldn't stay open and slowly would close. Then when it did finally open with the button on the key it went up then forcefully came down not even me trying to hold the door open was working i had to let it try and shut. But then it wouldn't latch so i had to push the latch open then press the button to open the door and then press it again fast to shut it so it'd finally lock. ha hopefully this makes sense. But before i search for screw drivers and fiddle with this while watching a toddler, wondering if the latch is my problem and not a computer issue?
THANK YOUUU life saver!!!!!
I have a 2010 Grand Caravan with this problem. Will this procedure work with my model? Anyone know? Haven't tried yet and would hate to tear something up. Thanks
I fixed a customers 2019 Dodge Durango using this video as a guide for myself. I personally found success pulling the whole latch out of the tailgate via taking the paneling from the inside off and removing those three hex screws you can see clearly. There should be a manual lever on the back that sticks out and on top of it the spring loaded latch that this video is showcasing, I was able to pull it back from behind. You may or may not have a plastic piece that blocks access mildly but if you take your time and remove it with some smarts it comes out just fine.
Hello. My front dash says my trunk is open. It’s a 2012 Dodge Journey and it’s killing my battery. What should I do . Would this video help.
My back liftgate door just started to unlock by itself then all my lights go on inside I guess the liftgate door has opened enough for interior lights to stay on. I'm hoping it isnt the actuator or whatever. 2005 caravan unless there's a fix for it
Thank you!!!
easiest way is to pull on the door latch as if you were tryin to open the back door. once that latch is engaged then you can move that piece with your finger instead of hsing screw drivers hope this info helps someone
@michellestratford9753
Ай бұрын
I'm struggling with this. When you say move "that piece", which piece is that? Thank you so much!
Thank you!
Thank you
Thanks!!!
Hallelujah You just save me. And it was easy
buen video. comparto mi experiencia. regrese el pestillo facil y suave . solo tirando la manija del maletero (cajuela) y al mismo tiempo girando el pestillo. Le puse un dia antes wd40 por que tenia mucha suciedad acumulada.
*IMPORTANT* While trying to push down the latch bar with the screwdriver, DEPRESS THE LATCH USED TO OPEN THE TAILGATE AT THE SAME TIME! This will allow the latch to rotate easily under its own natural mechanism without having to use force.
What worked for me is removing/reinstalling the liftgate fuse .. it took for me in one minute
encountered same thing clicking on liftgate button on remote just unlocked the lock and i was able to close the trunk.
Your fix work perfectly. I had to disconnect the battery negative, and try your procedure and it work. The problem I'm having now, once closed it will try to open and wont. Any suggestions. It did this before. I had to replace the battery and it stated working again. Still had the problem of it not wanting to open again. It tries and locks back down again.
@ivanleslie9583
2 жыл бұрын
Did you ever figure out what the problem was?
@bruceadams7119
2 жыл бұрын
@@ivanleslie9583 No Sir, havn't had the time. I pruchase a canoe with trailer and need to get it fix. Will try to unhook battery and try again. I'll let you know.
@ivanleslie9583
2 жыл бұрын
@@bruceadams7119 thanks! I'm having the same problem I believe. Once closed I can't open it. But if I push in on the trunk a bit and squeeze the handle and wait for the mechanism to unlatch it does open.
I had this same problem, but when I closed the manual handle to open and close the trunk. It opened it right up!
I tried this on my 08 after Changing hydraulic arms. And I can't find any spring loaded latch using a long screw driver. 🙃
On my 2011 Town and country looks exactly like that bottom side mine has access pop out small panel interior of door . Using long screw driver can also release lock mechanism ... I inadvertantly closed a blanket in latch another utube guided me to pull up unlocking lever takes 30 * driver to remove complete latch assembly had to physically bend that lever back over round unlatching rider under release that lifts lever acting release pivot (those 3 30* bolts are quite tight used 1/4 drive ratched to remove lock asm)
@mjspiess
2 жыл бұрын
I agree. Far easier to just remove the latch and physically move both arms with your fingers. I was done in less than 5 minutes. Working as it should now.
I have a 2000 dodge grand caravan. And my lift gate is manually. And it's won't lock and close.
Well my rear latch on my 2012 Dodge Durango tries to close 3 times and gives up. On the way home it poped up 2 times. This made for some interesting driving as the cars behind me didn't know how to handle the situation. Luckily I pulled over with the flashers on, pushed the open/close button on the overhead console and have it cycle another 3 times. When the latch broke or whatever it did the check engine light came on. Things like that seem to come in two's or three's. Yea, the low left rear tire light also started flashing telling me that it decided to show low :-(. The reason the check engine light came on was the computer(s) in all it's wisdom said the thermostat was not opening up like it should have. Lucky I had Mo-Par Max Care warranty. The dealer put in a new hatchback latch (450.00), new thermostat Cost ??. I don't know how much the labor for all this would have been without the Mo-Par warranty. I paid them $ 100.00 and was back on the road in a day or so. The warranty does cover parts, labor and rental car. These vehicles these days are nothing but computers on wheels. The Mo-Par Max Care warranty comes in 3 flavors: 1. No Deductible (higher initial cost) 2. $ 100.00 deductible (what I have) 3. $ 200.00 deductable If you are going to keep your vehicle over 5 years it's worth the cost.
quietcorona33 and johnhowington, I tried your way and it didn't work. His way did. Can the snark, jerks.
my 2013 power liftgate is stuck in closed locked position. any advice on opening it?
@ryanrayano1132
2 жыл бұрын
me too
@CraigNickoloff
2 жыл бұрын
Pop off the plastic panel on the inside of the door, near the latch. Shine a light down in there and you’ll see a metal rod on the left side of the opening, below the level of the opening. Push down on that rod/lever to open the door
I had a similar problem with my 2012 caravan. The lift gate would not open. If you tried to open, it would open one inch and then close automatically. Turned out to be Brocken glass ( from when rear glass was broken by vandals) caught in the mechanism. I removed the assembly, tapped it lightly with a small hammer- and the glass came out- and gate works perfectly now.
@SchizoMedal
6 ай бұрын
You’re a SAINT for posting this comment. Seriously. I too wasn’t helped so much by this video but I decided to go through comments to see if someone else had further problems. Saw yours about broken glass and remembered I came across broken glass when cleaning and sure enough, I shook and banged like 6 pieces of glass out. Only one was the main culprit and took about 30 minutes to get out. But then it still didn’t work. 😂. Turns out the whole assembly, which is kind of L shaped, had gotten bent and wasn’t engaging that second lever. A pair of channel locks and some body weight got it back into place and BOOM. Works flawlessly now. So thank you SO MUCH for making that comment. I never would have considered broken glass jamming the mechanism. ❤❤❤
Que dijo???
put the key in lift gate turn key keep it turned .................. you should be able to reposition the latch...........
My 2018 Durango when I’m opening the tailgate at half way it’s stops like gets stuck and then continues to open but after that it won’t close.. anybody has that problem? Sometimes it closes out of 10 one time will work. Please help.
@martingosek4903
5 жыл бұрын
Did you find the fix? ...I have a 16 Durango with a liftgate problem...
@Acrazyfamily
2 жыл бұрын
I got an 18 durango too, tried to do the same but no luck. I guess I’ll be ordering the part instead.
So mine i had back glass broken by my bone head dealer during oil change. 2 weeks later i get it back with lift gate bad and dead battery. (Gate never closed and left interior light on) They “FIXED IT” and got it back for i not to close. Found this out Saturday after hours and of course they are closed Sunday. So i watched this vid and he mentioned lining up correctly and….Mine was more the alignment and I guess sensitive sensor to make assembly click Into place. I noticed that when I pushed the whole gate over manually by muscle lol to the left and it made the assembly latch happy to close. Hope i dont have to keep doing. I feel like of I bring it back to dealer they will do more damage!
I just pulled the handle and got the latch back by pushing down with a screwdriver
Okay, but I can't even open the hatch because the latch it's not opening
All you have to do to free up the latch is squeeze the handle to free it up.
Ummm can't you just pull the handle on the back to pop it open? That's what I do. I have a strap that is meant for that catch and it just pops when you pull the handle.
@johncornharvester
8 жыл бұрын
+quietcorona33 gotta love a video where he sounds like he knows what he is doing but its really just a fail video. in my case pull the handle which actuates then simultaniously pull down on the latch and it freed up.
@tommywaddle
6 жыл бұрын
Yes, just lift the handle and it will work!! I broke off a piece of plastic trying to pry it with a screwdriver.
@johnbengtson3599
4 жыл бұрын
Manual handle will release this.
WHY NOT JUST PULL THE OUT SIDE HANDLE AND FLIP THE LATCH DOWN?
Pull the plastic clip out from the door latch and move the white switch one turn. Then close door as far as it can again and hold the latch open with one hand and pry it down with the other
This helped me with my 2018 jeep Cherokee I watch tons a videos on the side of the rode this was the only one that worked 🫶🏾🤲🏾🥹
Thank you!
Thank you