96 caravan back hatch lock won't work

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urabus - 22 Feb 2006 06:51 GMT

my dodge caravan back hatch will not unlock. My power locks won't unlock
it, and the key won't even turn. I have tried de-icer, and WD 40, but the
key won't budge. Should I attempt to take the panel off to get to it? And
if I do some how manage to get to the lock, can I disconnect the auto lock
to it? I really don't mind not being able to lock the hatch, I just want to
use it and know it will stay shut going down the road.

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maxpower - 22 Feb 2006 09:44 GMT

> my dodge caravan back hatch will not unlock. My power locks won't unlock
> it, and the key won't even turn. I have tried de-icer, and WD 40, but the
> key won't budge. Should I attempt to take the panel off to get to it? And
> if I do some how manage to get to the lock, can I disconnect the auto lock
> to it? I really don't mind not being able to lock the hatch, I just want to
> use it and know it will stay shut going down the road.

It sounds as if the actuator motor has locked up and wont allow the key to
turn. I have seen this before and in order to open the hatch you will have
to take off the trim panel from the inside. Its a pain if you have all the
seats in the van too.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

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acameron - 22 Feb 2006 21:12 GMT

I have the exact same problem in my 96 grand caravan. I found that if
you hold the hatch handle out just slightly whiile trying to turn the
key it will work, i just move the handle in and out a little bit while
trying the key, it works 80% of the time. Another way I get it to work
is by hitting the power locks button to "unlock" (just unlock....NOT
lock then unlock then lock) multiple times in a row (5 or 6) this
seems to work most of the time.

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maxpower - 22 Feb 2006 22:18 GMT

> I have the exact same problem in my 96 grand caravan. I found that if
> you hold the hatch handle out just slightly whiile trying to turn the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> lock then unlock then lock) multiple times in a row (5 or 6) this
> seems to work most of the time.

If that actuator locks up completely you will not be able to open the door.
Now may be a good time to replace the actuator

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

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corkann - 26 Feb 2006 13:17 GMT

We had this problem also.......there was a bunch of insulation like
stuff that had fallen away and had to be cleaned out, that and alot of
wd40.......now works fine.

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