Tailgate Wiring

[Thomas792]

I was curious today and decided to look into my non-working tailgate switch. The switch on my dash makes the window go up and down, a little slow but at least it goes all the way (I'm sure I just jinxed myself!!!) The switch on the tailgate that uses the key does nothing. I took the cover plate off of the tailgate with the tailgate in the down position, put the tailgate back up, then ran the window up. I was poking around inside and I saw two broken wires. I traced them and confirmed that they attach to the rear window and are most likely the rear window defogger wires. The big questions where do the wires attach on the other end??
There is also a small metal box with 4 flat posts sticking out of it. Orange and purple wires connect to 3 of the 4 posts but I don't know what would attach to the 4th post.
I've basically figured out that my tailgate switch is not working and that I have to remove nearly everything inside to replace the switch (PO gave me a complete working tailgate so I have another switch.)
Any help in identifying where the two broken wires attach and confirming my suspicion that I have to gut the tailgate to change the switch would be appreciated.

[jsinajeep]

You need to make sure you have a good ground wire from the electric motor frame to the tail gate for the key to work. If you have or had the rear defrost windrow in there that is what the two wire look like they were for.

[shimniok]

Originally Posted by Thomas792

I was poking around inside and I saw two broken wires. I traced them and confirmed that they attach to the rear window and are most likely the rear window defogger wires. The big questions where do the wires attach on the other end??
There is also a small metal box with 4 flat posts sticking out of it. Orange and purple wires connect to 3 of the 4 posts but I don't know what would attach to the 4th post.
I've basically figured out that my tailgate switch is not working and that I have to remove nearly everything inside to replace the switch (PO gave me a complete working tailgate so I have another switch.)
Any help in identifying where the two broken wires attach and confirming my suspicion that I have to gut the tailgate to change the switch would be appreciated.

Defroster wires SOLDER to the strip of copper on each of the window's lower corners.

Small metal box is a relay for the defroster, as far as I am aware.

I think you do have to gut the tailgate ... I was going to look into mine, as it tends to stick on sometimes... and promptly gave up, realizing how much has to come out. Maybe when I install the tailgate wiper...

Michael