I have a 1996 Dodge Grand caravan and the driver's side sliding door is stuck
shut it will not open from the outside or inside it doesn't matter if the
door is locked or unlocked it still will not budge. I have taken the inside
panel off and tried to release it from there with still no luck. Does anyone
know of another way to release the latch? Is there a release somewhere on
the latch assembly inside the door?
maxpower - 27 Mar 2006 21:15 GMT
> I have a 1996 Dodge Grand caravan and the driver's side sliding door is stuck
> shut it will not open from the outside or inside it doesn't matter if the
> door is locked or unlocked it still will not budge. I have taken the inside
> panel off and tried to release it from there with still no luck. Does anyone
> know of another way to release the latch? Is there a release somewhere on
> the latch assembly inside the door?
That all depends on why it is stuck. if you have power door locks the lock
actuator may be seized up and wont unlock it. you would have to disconnect
the rods and unlock it that way.
If the torx screws came loose at the latch assembly and causing it to stick
you got serious issues then. you would have to reach way back and try to
hold it while opening the door.
Once again without seeing it would be hard to say what is wrong, and there
is no special release.
Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech
jap292 - 28 Mar 2006 07:37 GMT
Its not the power door locks they work fine and like I said I had the inside
door panel off. I also tried disconecting all teh rods from the lock and
handle assembly so I could just pull the rod that releases the door and that
did not work. I don't know if the torx screws came loose I had not noticed
the door sticking proir to just one day it would not open. But without a
release of some sort it does look like I'll be taking it to a dealership to
see if they can get it open without damaging the door.
Thanks for the info.
Justin
>> I have a 1996 Dodge Grand caravan and the driver's side sliding door is stuck
>> shut it will not open from the outside or inside it doesn't matter if the
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>Glenn Beasley
>Chrysler Tech
mcd - 29 Mar 2006 06:31 GMT
Had the same problem with mine. The problem is related to the gas door
on that side. Our door was slammed shut extra extra hard one day and
that actually bent the rod that actuates the gas door - it's a safey
mechanism that prevents you from opening the sliding door when you are
gassing up.
Low tech solution: Remove middle seats from van - you'll need the
room. I was kidn of laying on the floor of the van and had someone
else push the button on release handle as if I was opening it then as I
lay there on the floor of the van I gave the door (the rear portion
closest the gas door) a swift kick and it popped right open. Of course
I immeditately closed it again and got it promptly stuck again. But,
another swift kick got it open. Once it's open look on the rear of the
door closest to the gas door and you will see a small rod that goes in
to that panel. I think there were two bolts (might have been torx
heads) and I took the rod out. Door works great now.
Good Luck!
Martin
> I have a 1996 Dodge Grand caravan and the driver's side sliding door is stuck
> shut it will not open from the outside or inside it doesn't matter if the
> door is locked or unlocked it still will not budge. I have taken the inside
> panel off and tried to release it from there with still no luck. Does anyone
> know of another way to release the latch? Is there a release somewhere on
> the latch assembly inside the door?