How to open a stuck closed Sliding door on your Caravan. How to fix a sliding door lock on a Dodge.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024
- This Chrysler Dodge Grand Caravan sliding door stuck closed. Here's why
Thanks for viewing an Online Mechanic Tips video with JT the Car Guy. As always ask any questions you may have but please consider subscribing to the channel because I speak about a lot more.
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#DoorStuckClosed
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This isn’t for the faint of heart. This project requires patience and you need to be mechanically inclined. I am sooooo sore but I couldn’t have done the job without this video. Thank you.
My door is stuck and I am not mechanically inclined 😫😂.
@cassiemathias2574 What year is ya van? Also are you subscribed to the channel?
@@OnlineMechanicTips It's a 2019. I am now!
O wow,. They have a free warranty extension repair on that but it's for a different year. Because the van nit that old, they still might cover it. It's worth a try
0😊
He's NOT kidding. This is a huge challenge. This video is the EASY part, he doesn't show you the nightmare it is to take the inside part out and then get it all back together. DO NOT attempt this unless you are very mechanically inclined
Thank you for showing the entire panel removal and great job doing it all one handed while recording. 🎉
Hi fellow mechanic here.
From inside the van take your thumb and push and hold the stuck lock to the unlock position.
Now with your other hand press the unlock button.
This will force the module into the unlock position so you can open the door for easier disassembly.
This is exactly what I did. It's really easy to unlock then.
I tried this and it didn’t work for me. Good tip tho. ‘17 driver passenger lock stuck in the middle
The lock on mine is stuck in the middle this would have been much easier if I could move it
Gonna try it this weekend
Thankfully, I only had to remove the handle cover and move the rod by hand. I don't know how long it last for, but your video is very good.
I tried this too on our 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan but it doesn't work for me.
I did the same what Brian Pamall did and this works for me too (Thank you Brain for the hint ;-) )
The sliding door on the left side works now as expected, we will see how long it works
Greetings from Germany
Thanks for the video. I pulled the panel off and put vice grips on the rod and gave a good wack with a rubber hammer and the lock freed up. Works fine for now without having to go in depth having to remove or replace anything.😊
That's what up. Please remember to give the video a thumbs up and consider subscribing to the channel. And for the record, they issued a recall on those actuators, depending on the year and mileage.
IMPORTANT!!
Try forcing open the lock on the sliding door while pressing the unlock button on the driver 's door it may clear the jam in the actuator and fix the problem. Try it several times if it doesn't work from the first time.
This worked for me! Thank you so much!
Omg you are my hero. This worked !!! ❤❤❤❤
Not working for my piece of crap 2016 Dodge caravan 😢
JT, I hope you're getting a phatty youtube check at the end of each month for this video alone. Life saver and entertaining. Keep grinding man and thanks for the effort you put into this
Lol, thats whats up. Thanks for tuning in.
@@OnlineMechanicTips My lock actuator is in the mail. I hope to drop a video of my install and I'll reference you and your vid. Thanks again man!
@@JuniperMeatCompany O cool, I didn't know you had a channel. Thats whats up
Do you know if this would be the same process on a manual sliding door?@@OnlineMechanicTips
@@jonboy1981 I wanna say yes. If it has electric sliding door lock the mechanics are the same
Just finished rest of video. (Watched in 2 parts due to my viewing schedule) Your brute “Incredible Hulk” strength is amazing! Good tip about the outside plastic trim that will probably break as you access the bolt.
This video showed me 1 thing.......this is gonna suck. Lol.
No seriously though, this was what I was looking for. Have the same problem with my door lock. I'm hopeful to get through to at least unlocking it and then get my parts.
Ain't no reason to knit pick this video either. You pretty much explained all you gotta do.
Much appreciated. Thanks
Awhhh they not that bad, but you may be in luck. What year is your van and how many miles on it? Also are you subscribed to the channel?
JT what mean he may be in luck? Suppose he had a high mileage '08 w/ 190k. I hope u was going to mention a recall or something lol.
Thank you! This video helped me so much. Lots of videos showing how to get at and replace this when the door is unlocked, but this was the best one for when the door is still locked.
I am replacing my 2nd actuator on a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. Used this video as a refresher on how to remove the door panel when the door is locked in the closed position. A few pieces of advice just meant to help make life easier. First if the door is stuck in the locked position as the one in this video is. You can free the mechanism without having to take everything apart. This may help you while you wait for a part you purchased or just need the door opened until you can get it fixed or while replacing the actuator. Once you have the door panel off take a pair of pliers and grab the metal locking rod close to the back of the door near the actuator. With a little force push the rod toward the actuator until the door unlocks. The door can now be opened manually, with the button or the key fob. You can also lock and unlock the door as well but you will here the buzzing sound referenced in the video from the broken actuator. Next piece of advice is that this is an advanced repair and will cost you most of the day if not more. I found an alternative method that took 30 minutes to complete and cost was comparative to a new OEM replacement actuator. I am not affiliated with this product or the makers of the video. Just found this alternative much easier than the OEM actuator replacement method.
th-cam.com/video/xWtIe_xU160/w-d-xo.html
That is awesome! I just bought one. Thanks for posting. I didn't want to go through this nightmare.
Good video. And yes, take your time and if you have to take a break and regroup do it. Something like this that doesn't effect the performance of the vehicle you can get the panel off take the bolts off and even wait till the next day and go at it fresh. I did my AC evaporator and did it in three steps so I didn't mess it up. Again thumbs up on the video.
Thanks my friend. It def takes some patient and re-grouping. Good job on that Evap job, ive done a few, now that bad but again, patient..
Thank you so much for taking the time to create this video. People like you are angels to me! I love doing everything I can myself, and if not for these types of videos, I wouldn't be able to. This was very well done. You showed and explained everything needed! 🙏
This brother is now the voice of all my how to do it yourself videos
Thanks for tuning in Don
@@OnlineMechanicTips don’t worry I’ll be back this van is a piece of crap
I just did mine yesterday. I wish I saw your video first. You solve this problem better than me. lol
Great job sir.
Lol, thanks for watching
I Have to give you credit JT, for the one-handed camera filming & the other hand repairing! Both jobs tough enough to do with two hands free! Thanks for the video, I have to do one on a buddies van later on. So far it’s not seized, but it’s for making the noise! Knowing my buddy, he will wait until it seizes! Lol!
Did this job 2 days ago. Job wasn’t hard except for lining up the window rail. That took me 5 hours, could’ve finished the job in 4 hours if it wasn’t for that. Was about to give up and take it to a mechanic but glad I kept trying. Sadly like you said in the vid, the trim piece broke for me too. Crazy how it’s almost $100 though.
Wow, I just did this today and it is far harder than it looks. For anyone considering attempting this on their Caravan, save your sanity and just pay someone else to do it.
2014 caravan. Door stuck. Here’s what my husband and I did. He took the panels off. Purchased part for $65. I pull and push on silver lock bar at the same time clicked on the key lock and unlock several times
The door locked and unlocked but this is temporary. Once unlocked I took to a local repair shop. He charged me $120 for labor only. I was so happy tipped him with a gift card.
this is one of those things where i think id rather pay someone to do. thanks for the tips.
Hey bud, what year is the van and how many miles?
Yes
Thanks for the video. Got my door open. Big job but I saved $$$. Keep them videos coming
Thanks, please remember to thumbs up the video and subscribe to the channel, thanks
You did great at giving instructions. You recorded enough angles for me to understand. Thank you, but I got to tell you. I’m gonna need help 😫 So, I’m gonna have to hire a professional.
You can also pull really hard on the lock while hitting the button in the overhead dash. (for some reason hitting the button on the key or the by the door didn't work for me, but using this method with the overhead button worked while pulling on lock really hard everytime)
Yes, that way works great to free it up to allow it to open.
Mine's stuck, and there was no noise prior
Thank you for the info,
I just had to do this on our 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan GT, Driver Side Rear Slider door,
I opted to put Vice Grips on the "actuator" Rod and AGGRESSIVELY Push and Pull as the lock mechanism would have moved it... IF It had been working....
BAM, It unlocked / Moved the Actuator where the door would slide open, and I could access the 3 Bolts at the door lock assembly.
Great video!! JT is correct, it's very hard to find the latch, but I did and got the door open. What I couldn't figure out was how to get the panel off the door.
Thank you for this video. You totally nailed the explanation and removal process. At least I know what the hell happened and yes I did get the warning noises. Horrible design flaw.
Wish me luck, Y'all. I'm about to watch this video several more times and attempt it this weekend. 🤞🏻
I’m subscribed to your channel as I own a Chrysler Town and Country you are a Chrysler mechanic and make good videos. Thanks. I need all the help I can get. Btw, what happened to your old intro? It was a good one.
Anyways, the Chrysler dealerships are losing money by charging exorbitant fees on fixing the sliding door lock. They say they need to change the whole latch assembly, which costs about $800 cdn, plus about $400 labor and tax on top of it all. Even local mechanics are charging about the same. I would like to support local businesses and I was willing to pay about $500, but they gave me no choice, I had to do this myself. Now that I did it, I will do it from now on. I created a video which is posted on TH-cam, but the video is long, 42 min, it took me about 5 to 6 hours to do this job. I ended up breaking the same bracket on the appliqué that you did along with a wind deflector which added a additional work, cost and grief. I just removed and reattached the appliqué and window deflector last night using OEM 3m double sided tape, because I did not do it right the first time and used gorilla tape, which did not hold well.
I also take apart the lock actuator in my video if anyone wants to see it. The gear teeth are plastic and are sheared off. I think if they made the gears out of metal the actuator would not fail as often as it does.
Good video, you showed what needed to be done and it should be enough if you have a little bit of skill. Will be trying it this weekend on the wifes van.
I did a trick of on off with the key 4 times in the ignition and then within 10 seconds hit the lock and boom it was fixed and my door worked!! Nothing complicated at all and no geeting in the door and tearing apart anything!!
Awesome! Just what I needed to know to fix my Town & Country. Thank you!!!
Wait John, hold on, what year is your van? Also are you subscribed to the channel?
Thanks a lot for showing us the problem with the door. Good job!
No problem!
thank you online Michanic for the tips its a lot of help I done my actuator stock I just spay a w40 its work so I didn't change one again thank you more power!
Thanks for the vid. Ima try this this weekend on the company van to save us money instead of paying the body shop 1,000,000,000 dollars
fellow mechanic. Its been over a year since i did one of these that was stuck closed and I couldnt remember how i got it open last time. had my arm in there feeling around but couldnt get it open, But then i found this video and it helped me figure out what i was feeling for in there and i got it open thanks! also i found out the dealer has extended warranty coverage (not a recall) on these sliding door lock actuators to 15 years 150,000 on 15-17 model years of course the one im fixing is a 2018 not covered.
Sir! Thank you so much! Your video on this saved my bacon...keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching Dan. Please remember to thumbs up the video and subscribe to the channel. Thanks
I have a town and country that has done this. You've made a very informative video.
Thanks
Thanks for this video, guess I'm paying to have this done on my 2018 van.
Thanks so much for this. Mine made that noise but I had no idea what was to come. Now it's stuck. Thanks to you we know what to do.
Curious, what year is your van and how many miles on it? Also are you subscribed to the channel?
Just found this and it worked to open my door. Thank you so much! 👍
My door was working just fine, no noise at all. Now it will not open
What year is it? Also are you subscribed to the channel?
I've owned 2 of these vans, they are terrible. Thanks for the good video!
READ THIS COMMENT:
I read through all the comments and there are several people saying a couple helpful things that I want to summarize. Sometimes you can unjam the door by taking forcing the switch to the unlock position and unlocking and locking the door by key fob or the drivers seat unlock button. Others are saying that you can simply remove the door handle panel and grab the metal bar to push harder to the unlock position.
For us neither of these worked until we attempted both at the same time, many times. I used my thumb to force to the lock switch to the unlock position holding it there while my wife continuously pressed lock and unlock on the drivers door, then I forced the switch to the lock position and doing the same thing. Repeating these steps with a combination of that and grabbing the bar and shifting it to the unlock and lock position unjammed our door after about 2 minutes. I am sure my actuator is still broken and the door will jam again, but the door opens and shuts for now which bought us time until we can replace the actuator. I assume that if you try this method enough times it will work for you as well.
Just had mine seize up. Not looking forward to fixing it. Thanks for the info, sir.
I didn't get a noise or anything.
I'm the one that does all our vehicle maintenance. So I'm always listening and checking. I didn't get a noise of any kind.
Me either one morning it worked and the next morning it didn’t no warning or anything 🤦🏾♀️
On models with the power doors you can open the door with a scan tool. Door module -> actuation test -> latch motor -> release. Set to 6.4 seconds and be quick about it. This will allow you to open the door while still locked. Thank me later.
Which scan tool would you recommend
@@1090RPM I use a Matco Maximus 3.0
Thank you! At least I know what is wrong. Mine gave no warning signs. I think I’ll have to take it in for this repair.
this is the problem on our 07 grand caravan. Dodge never changed this problem for over 15 years, our door wont open from the outside or inside power or manual . I replaced the actuator before because the door would open manually, now it doesn't. I feel the lever to pull but its so much force to pull
You did an excellent job at showing us the process
Is tedious work, but it can be done. I used to do body work and jammed doors sucked, especially when you work on commission 😂 I’m glad I only work on my cars every now and then.
Instead of reaching behind to feel for the actuator you can take the rod that attaches to the lock button and, near the end closest to the back, force it horizontally to the back of the door. It should uncease. It doesn't fix the solution but will allow you to open the door.
Yes totally agree. Thanks
I really appreciate this video. I was able to get the actuator to work by forcing the bar but your video at least confirmed to me that I DONT want to tackle this project on my own 😂. I’ll have to leave this to the experts.
I have a 2010 dgc and my actuator was stuck in the unlocked position so nothing was secure inside my van. After reading some comments I opened the ps slider that's stuck sat down inside the van with feet on the ground & forced the lock switch into the locked position with my right thumb which is towards the back with some force & @ the same time hit the the door lock on the front door slightly adjar so I can reach with my left hand & it's now unstuck! The bad actuator does make a funny rattle every time it's activated I believe to signify that it's ready to fail.
Thank you for explaining this in detail..
Glad it was helpful!
I think your videos are great man! Keepem up!
Excellent video!
I was thinking of sound proofing the inside of that door.
Looks like an ugly job to remove that entire assembly to access the sheet metal.
I found a way easier solution on a forum. If the door and lock are seized on the sliding door, push the lock on the inside of the door as far forward as you can, and simply hit unlock on the key fob. Its that simple, mine opened right up and hasn't happened since.
After watching this great video I have decided this job (drivers side side door) is too much for me on my 2017 DGC GT. Any idea what you charge or what I should expect to pay to have the acuator replaced by a mechanic like you?
First off, you may be in luck. How many miles on this van? Also are you subscribed to the channel?
135k miles@@OnlineMechanicTips
There's a very very much easier way to do this take pliers to the wire leading to the rear part in the door clamp it and push it back versus to do all of that taking off and digging initially
There's multiple ways of doing anything/everything my friend. I just decided to video me doing it this way. I have to replace this lock actuator anyway.
Great video !!!
I have a big dilemma the sliding door was placed in its path (so that it would not collide in a small space) Keeping the button closed And an attempt was made to close it manually, forcefully. Now there will be no automatic And throws door indicator on the dashboard What should be done How do you have to coordinate the steel cable with the handle??? What moved inside? Please help!!
I replaced actuator but didn't get the locking pin for the latch in right. Now door will not open. Any ideas to get it open?
After fooling with it for an hour or two, you can get one hand in their. One finger raises the lock pin and another finger can release the latch. Feel for the pin and lift with first finger and then second finger should be able to hit the latch spring arm.
Wow, man! That’s EXACTLY the problem I have with my GC. It’s on both doors, actually. One doesn’t lock, and the other just jammed shut.
This video really helps, thanks.
Where do you buy the actuators from? Rock auto?
I bought a pair of them from Rock Auto, forget how much.
I did the one that opens first, and when I get a chance, I’m gonna do the hard one.
After that, I’m gonna start chasing down the heated seats. :) I saw you got another one on a Chrysler that should be close enough.
Thank you so much for explaining this process so well! You gained a subscriber.
Both sliding doors on my 2016 caravan are messed up. Driver side is stuck and passenger side is buzzing everytime I unlock 🤦🏾♀️
The noise is probably from the actuator. Chrysler reimbursed people for the cost of having to replace the actuators. Call FCA and ask because replacement cost a few hundred dollars. They sent out notices in January 2022.
Enjoyed your video, down to earth explanations.
This helped a lot. I live in my van, and I had this exact thing happen on that side. Even though it will seize again, I don't have to take anything out if I just manually pop it, right?
Great job explaining! Thank you so much, this just happened to us. Much appreciated and lots of love from Germany!
YW but they extended the warranty on some year models so make sure if yours included. What year is your van? Also are you subscribed to the channel?
Had a bad day on model t tour today, flat tire, broken brake lever,and broken generator but made 75 mile trip
Great video! I couldn’t have done it without your advice and direction. I put it off for 6 months and had to walk away for a bit. After the actuator was free, I was able to open it from the outside.
Thanks for the video took me under than a hour
Guys there’s extended warranty on this issue regardless you mileage!
Chrysler will fix this issue at no cost to you!
Unfortunately my dealership refused to fix it for me, they charged me about $150 for diagnostic, and ask for $1200 to fix the problem. They said it is door latch problem, not the lock actuator which is covered by extended warranty 😢
Now I bought used door (entire) and working on door swap.
July 8, 2023
Thanks for this. Mine did exactly this yesterday. Ours had the rear driver door go out. I have 2 other doors that won't lock or unlock automatically to fix as well.
Hey bud, curious what year and how many miles on ya van?
@@OnlineMechanicTips 2018 roughly 70000 miles. My driver door and passenger sliding door won't lock with fob but work manually
@@OnlineMechanicTips ..and yes I am subbed
@@DH-is6oj O wow, The warranty extension only covers the 2015 - 2017 models my friend, sorry.
@@OnlineMechanicTips all good. I'm a mech too. Learning always. Have you dealt with a 2018 caravan and the peice of the window track attached to the entire mechainsm?
Thank you very much for this video!! 🙏
Actuator was already pushed down I thought what am I going to do now so I took a vise grips push the wire opposite direction and the door open
Great job explaining this!
Fantastic how to video. Great job! Helped a lot.
Hey bud, im curious, what year is your van? They have just extended the warranty on some year models to get done free. Also are you subscribed to the channel?
@@OnlineMechanicTips Just now subscribed!
Its a 2012 VW Routan (Dodge/Chrysler clone).
I went out today and checked the locks and they were both siezed. I took it to my heated garage and was abke to get the locks to work a bit. They are working for now.
@@burntheobedient4473 Awh my friend, they extended the warranty but not on the 2012 models...sorry
@@burntheobedient4473 good, but keep in mind, if they seize in certain positions, it could lock you out and the door not open at all
@@OnlineMechanicTips Yeah. Thats the way both of them were today. Until I get time to fix it I told to wife to not lock the van. 🤣🤣
JT great video Where is the follow-up? I have the inside panel almost off but something holding it in. Do I have to release the window to get off? I believe I need to get open to get to the bolts holding the actuator assembly. Could use the continuation video. Also left window open when removed the window motor. How do I reinstall window motor motor receiver behind panel doesnt stay in place.
Its hard to tell what you talking about without being there. But yes, the window and the regulator assembly has to separate. Sorry the video missing pieces. It was hard to film.
Excellent video, thanks for the info.
Thanks for watching. Please remember to thumbs up the video and consider subscribing. i do minivan videos all the time, thanks
Thank you, gonna go try this now.
Just found tho video. The side that is frozen is not the side making the noise. Thnks for the information.
Man, I am facing the same problem right now, I went got me an estimate today, mechanic told me it will be $60 an hour, for 4 hours and the part you use will cost around $100, but he said if is different part, the bigger part got showing, he said that part is $600. I see how exactly you do it, I don’t think i can do it like you, so I might try different mechanics and check the pricing around town 🙄
Yes this job way more difficult than the showing on this video..lol..Not easy at all. Good luck getting er done buddy
Hell naw chile stay out there 24 hours the hardest part is getting it open once you get it open youre good i am a woman and i refuse to pay i just fixed my window regulator yesterday
Thanks. Doing this job now, but replacing the whole door. This is why I will never, ever buy a personal vehicle with power doors.
I have this problem but I don’t have an automatic door? Is this still the same process to fix it
Yes
Fucking amazing . Saved my life with this video
Thanks for watching Criss. Remember to thumbs up the video and sub the channel for me, thanks
I really really really hate doing this job, Mission complete but I hope I never have to again
Thank you, your a life saver thank you.
You are awesome well explained content.
I just did changed my actuator today. It was terribly difficult and time consuming! My problem with removing the latch/actuator is that it was seized on the window channel. Therefore, my window channel also came out! I could not get the window channel to go back in no matter what I tired! I don’t have power windows in the back doors, would it be ok if I left the channel out or is it absolutely needed to be put back in?
Thank you for posting i will try that my town and country to unclock
Mechanic replaced the actuator but now button for passenger to close/open door doesn't work. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Always great content
And I always appreciate you watching the vids my friend.
Thank you i finally see it how to unlock the sliding door my driver side
This was very helpful! Thanks!
Excellent video.
Great video
Why thank you my friend. Please be so kind to give it a thumbs up and sub the channel. Thanks
Yes theres a chance that you will break a few of the stabilizers but its nothing that wont make it not functional the door panelings may be loose that sucks and allll of these chrysler doors are made that way unfortunately .
Have a 2000 Dodge Caravan and I can't get the side door to lock it shut but it won't lock and I thought that it would need a fuse after watching this 💁♀️ Lord please help me ✝️🛐.
All u got to do is grab some pliers and grip the rod and push it towards the back
Yes that works as well
Just replaced my actuator everything is put back together correctly and the door will not open via handles. Lock and unlocks just fine, the auto button and button on key fob open door automatically without issue. Handle is the only thing that does not open door from inside and out. If anyone has any tips I’d appreciate it.
Its simple bud, you left something un attached. You gone have to revisit those hook up points. Thanks, also, are you subscribed to the channel?