Power Liftgate System: Latch: Description

Fig 1: Power Latch Orientation

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The power cinch/release latch performs the same features as a manual liftgate latch as well as the power cinch and/or release capability. A second type of power latch can also be found on some vehicles, this latch is designed to perform a power release only. The power cinch and release capability is accomplished by an actuator mounted to the leading edge of the latch assembly. The latch is located in the lower center of the power liftgate assembly and contains integral pawl and ratchet switches. The ratchet switch also acts as a liftgate ajar switch. The power latch assembly can be serviced as a complete assembly, latch without actuator or just the actuator. See Fig 1.