tailgate not functioning

You have tested the motor by its resistance in windings? Or you have jumped 12v to it? I would test for power available during liftgate closing, right at connection to motor. 10 way on release motor. fused eng. comp. 32-40 amp. ok

I connected just the motor to 12v and it turned freely. I am not sure how to test the HALL Effects sensor. I would assume that it only gets power for about a second after the tailgate unlatches from the closed position. It turns one way for about a half second then turns the other way for about half a second. When the button is pressed to close the tailgate nothing happens.

"10 way on release motor. fused eng. comp. 32-40 amp. ok"

I am not sure what you mean. Do you mean a 10 pin connector?

Yes, I am referring to a 10 pin connector. I always forget what it is called. I always say 8 way or 10 way meaning connector. This is very good that our information matches. Unlatch, and lift/release are seperate motor circuits.
And yes to the fuse number 32 in left side power panel(interior fuse box).
The whole motor has all 10 connections that are for 5 seperate items. Two motors, two switches, one hall effect. This is all called the motor assembly. If each part has a Chrysler part number, good. There is a module on the left pillar, which does the logic. It has stored codes to start the body diagnostics. The tan wires are one motor and two orange for larger motor with clutch. If it turns and reverses, whether it is a hall effect problem or another input or motor load problem, the logic will tell. I'm thinking the same as yo. The best and fasted way to diagnose is a scan tool for all body functions on this van, DRBIII. Or equal. It will operate and sense the inputs, both motors, plus have a way to reset the logic to a start mode, afterwards. Does it chime? See if it can be serviced seperately(motor assembly), it could be this or its controls.
One winding is for just unlatching and the other takes over. I will look at another if I can. ok sir or maam.

Hi,

Does your power liftgate work in warmer weather but not in cold ?

Many people seem to have this issue and not much luck at getting it remedied. For us, whenit gets below 60 degrees here in south Fla, the liftgate just blinks and whirrs but will not power open or close.

As soon as it warms up some, it goes back to working perfectly. The manual states there is a temperature settingof Minus 12 degrees where it won't work. Seemingly, the sensor(s) get out of calibration in some manner which prevents normal power liftgate operation in colder temps.

Sadly, you may have to live with this annoyance.

I bought a 1999 Caravan last year with some pre-existing damage to the rear bumper that I assumed was only cosmetic. Upon further inspection, I found out the rear hatch did not open and the rear window flaps do not run either. I assumed it was a lock and fuse problem, but after making sure the lock is able to disengage and all fuses were changed, I still cannot open the rear window flaps nor open the tailgate (which is very inconvenient with 3 kids under 6 years old). The other problem I am having with the tailgate is I need to change out the brake light and cover (they are broken) and I cannot do that until I can get my tailgate open! Help me please!!

How bad is the damage? If I had to guess, I would say the linkage to open the hatch is either broken or disconnected from the accident. However, the only way to check is to remove the rear inner door panel. Reove it and check the linkage. Even with the door closed, you can remove it. It may be a pain, but can be done. THere are a few screws that will need removed and there are clips between the panel and the door itself that will pull apart after the screws are out.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

On a caravan that was caused by a hit and run. The gate has a lot of damaged and smashed in and glass is broken. Unable to open gate now

Tail gate has extensive damage. What tools would I need to take off gate.I am not able to open it with a few tugs but will try with several people.

The tail lights still work but where the lincense plate is it is smashed in pretty good from where it was hit from behind. Any suggestions on any latched to release the tail gate or what might help to take off the gate. Thanks

body work is a different animal. it will have to be cut open since the tailgate is trashed. once you get it opened, the areas around it must be pulled and straightened.

how will you pull it to straighten it?? do you have body tools??

Roy