Replacing rear hatch latch on 2001 Chrysler T&C

[rvp986]

I recently had our 2001 Chrysler Town & Country mini-van (w/ 3.8 engine & auto trans.) at the local Chrysler dealership. The rear hatch is one of those that go up and down manually, automatically either by means of a key/remote control, or by pushing in on the latch button on the inner ceiling panel. It was working part of the time and part of the time not. They explained to me that the electronic latch needs to be replaced. The latch was going to cost me $120.00 plus $75.00 labor. All toll with tax, a cool $220.00. I have located a latch at a salvage yard and want to replace it myself. The salvage yard tells me it is not that difficult to replace it, but it might have to be programmed for my remote after installation. Can somebody give me the details on replacing this unit so I can save the bucks and do it myself? Thanks, Randy from Nebraska.

[DanD]

Sorry but I don’t have any info on programming the lift gate. All the replacement instructions say is to remove trim panel and latch retaining screws and then the latch.
But this is from a Mitchell repair manual and at times they seem to omit certain things.
Maybe one of the others will be of more help.
Dan

[way2old]

I am with Dand. Mostly Ford and little info on anything else.

[rvp986]

Guess what I did today, guys? I removed the rear hatch panel by removing the two screws first that are around the inner pull handle, popped off the plastic panel, removed the three star head bolts, which hold the latch in place. There is a linkage arm between the keyed slot and the latch. Obviously, that came off as well. Next, I disconnected the wiring harness...a little tricky, as a screwdriver was needed to disconnect the male and female snap on the harness. I then blew air on all the connections, put it all back together and guess what?....It all works fine. I have tried it several times before and after reinstalling all removed parts and it is like a new one. My theory....Dust on the contact terminals. Somebody should have slapped me. Better yet, somebody should slap the technician at the Chrysler garage. Boy! Did I save some $$$$$$. Live and learn. That's why we're here on this earth. Thanks for your help. I learned something, again, today!

[way2old]

Thanks for the fix post. There is one other thing you may want to consider. If you have di-electric compound, put a small amount on the connectors and it will help the contacts last longer. Thanks for the fix and we hope you keep coming back.