My wife's '05 Caravan has the power liftgate. The van has about 85k miles on it and has developed an issue with the power liftgate in the past year or two.

In colder weather (say, below 40 degrees), the power liftgate sticks open and you can not manually pull it closed...you can tell it's binding on something (probably gears?). This problem goes away in warmer weather and it behaves normally. When the problem exists, you have to push the liftgate button on the overhead console (or keyfob) TWICE to get it to close. It's like the first time you push the button it cycles just a little bit (and possibly enough to get past the point of 'binding') and gets to it's completely open position...then the second press allows the gate to close.

Any help would be appreciated. My biggest fear is that it gets stuck in the open position and we can't close it! Thanks.

 

Welcome to DF
You may want to have the dealer check for stored codes in the power liftgate module. The motor maybe bad and may need to be replaced.

 

#1, Check the Prop rods, sometimes they develop Rust on the edge and bind, Get some fine sand paper and clean it.
#2 I think there is a software update for ur Vehicle, maybe you can ask the dealership about it.
#3 Listen to maste tech, check for Code at the dealership.
#4 If you don't feel like paying, and can live without Power lift gate, you can remove the P/L motor.

 

Thanks guys. Will the dealer charge me just to check codes?

 

Yes they would, But i don't know how much. You may want to call them first.