I have a 98' grand caravan se and the front passenger side door lock hasnt been working. When I press the lock or unlock switch I can hear the motor work but it just sounds like a buzz as if the motor is just free spooling. But the lock will work about once out of every 20 times. If anyone has an idea what I need to do to get this working please respond, any information will be useful.
RickMN
03-30-2008, 10:08 PM
Replace the actuator.
lolskim2008
03-31-2008, 05:49 PM
is there any way to just repair this, because i can hear it work it just doesnt catch all the time, so maybe i was wondering if there is anything i could just tighten up or readjust
RickMN
03-31-2008, 06:39 PM
If the motor is free wheeling the gear mechanism is probably stripped. This part isn't that expensive to mess with trying to take it apart and fix it. You can't get replacement parts it anyway. Looks like you can buy the whole actuator for less than $30. Try this link: Discount Chrysler partshttp://tinyurl.com/22kuds (http://)
lexisdad1201
04-01-2008, 10:09 AM
Could you relist the link? It doesn't work right. Thanks
yeah this is a known problem with the lock motors in these vans
another dumb design using plastic gears inside the actuator, they strip out frequently and have a whirring sound when they (don't) operate
only fix is a replacement actuator
lexisdad1201
04-01-2008, 06:52 PM
Do all front and sliding doors use the same acuator? All of mine work except the passenger side sliding door. It sounds like a grinding starter motor when I try to unlock and lock the doors. Chris
donald7150
04-01-2008, 07:12 PM
nope, the front door lock motors are built into the latches
but the sliding door motors can be swapped from left to right side
the rear hatch lock motor may fit the sliding doors as well, but not entirely sure
RickMN
04-01-2008, 11:51 PM
By the way, Chrysler isn't the only company that has problems with door actuators. You haven't spent money until you buy a replacement HONDA door actuator....they go for $175!!!! Plus, when they go, they have a habit of unlocking then locking all the doors. If you take one apart you'll see a a motor and rack and pinion gearing, along with limit switches on each end of travel. At the end of travel is a rubber bumper that prevents the rack from traveling too far. The rubber bumper wears out. No replacement parts are available--you have to buy the whole assembly. At least the Chrysler motors are affordable.
lolskim2008
04-04-2008, 05:56 PM
how do you get the door panel off? I almost get the panel off but it seems as if theres another screw around the electric switches on the door by the handel but I can't see one
