How do you replace tailgate lock actuator of a 2001 grand Cherokee?

Answer 1

mine is out right now i know how to get it out just having problems finding a new one aftermarket it is located inside the rear hatch panel there is 6 screws you take out and then then unhook the 2 wires for the rear window defrost and then the panel just pops off the lock motor is the really big one in the middle of the door it has a manual another easy way to identify it is it has a manual lock lever on the driver side of the actuator... as far as removal make sure you have the new one handy and take out the old and replace the same way hope that helped some Grinding noise inside the liftgate when using the locks. Either won't lock or un-lock (Mine won't lock. Broken drive gear, broken axel on switch gear. Bad design.) Removing the trim: - 5 screws, 2 defroster connectors. Grab the handle at the bottom and pull to remove the 10 trim fasteners. You will break a few of the yellow fasteners, maybe the green. The trim panel is pretty tough, pull forcefully, but carefully... Last are the top 4 white fasteners. Pull back the rubber waterproofing panel halfway, carefully (if you are clean, it may re-stick OK, otherwise, use adhesive when reapplying). One torx screw to remove the actuator. Locate a new actuator and enough new clips to replace the ones you broke. Reinstall actuator. Start trim at the bottom yellow clips and work your way up.

See the Related Link below for photos and instructions. The best site I found for this problem.

Answer 2

1. YOU NEED TO REMOVE PLASTIC COVER OFF TAILGATE FIRST (REMOVE 4 SCREWS AND POP OFF COVER HELD ON BY CLIPS) THEN BLACK PLASTIC SHEET COVERING ACTUATOR. 2. UNSCREW CABLE GOING TO RIGHT SIDE LATCH. 3. REMOVE 3 SCREWS HOLDING TAILGATE ACTUATOR BRACKET TO TAILGATE. 4. REMOVE SMALL SCREW HOLDING LOCK ACTUATOR (BLACK MODULE) TO TAILGATE ACTUATOR BRACKET. ACTUATOR HAS A BOOMERANG SHAPED PIECE OF PLASTIC THAT SWIVELS TO LOCK AND UNLOCK TAILGATE. THAT PLASTIC PIECE NEED TO BE TURNED 90 DEGREES TO BE ABLE TO COME OFF BRACKET. 5. REPLACE LOCK ACTUATOR AND REINSTALL BRACKET. SCREW BACK ON CABLE FROM RIGHT SIDE LATCH. PUT BACK ON PLASTIC COVER AND 4 SCREWS.