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.

@cassiemathias2574

4 ай бұрын

My door is stuck and I am not mechanically inclined 😫😂.

@OnlineMechanicTips

4 ай бұрын

@cassiemathias2574 What year is ya van? Also are you subscribed to the channel?

@cassiemathias2574

4 ай бұрын

@@OnlineMechanicTips It's a 2019. I am now!

@OnlineMechanicTips

4 ай бұрын

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

@michaelkettman3097

2 ай бұрын

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

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.

@schnellerfuchs13

2 жыл бұрын

This is exactly what I did. It's really easy to unlock then.

@1090RPM

2 жыл бұрын

I tried this and it didn’t work for me. Good tip tho. ‘17 driver passenger lock stuck in the middle

@jacoblopez989

2 жыл бұрын

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

@brianparnell9043

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@harrybee6468

2 жыл бұрын

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

Thank you for showing the entire panel removal and great job doing it all one handed while recording. 🎉

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! 🙏

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.

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.

@WonderKidWunderkind-ig1ms

Жыл бұрын

This worked for me! Thank you so much!

@delitatactics6721

8 ай бұрын

Omg you are my hero. This worked !!! ❤❤❤❤

@pandaloves17

3 ай бұрын

Not working for my piece of crap 2016 Dodge caravan 😢

Mine's stuck, and there was no noise prior

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!!

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.

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!

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

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

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?

@StupidRalph

Жыл бұрын

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.

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. kzread.info/dash/bejne/qouoq8eYqLiXZpM.html

@wikid4948

Жыл бұрын

That is awesome! I just bought one. Thanks for posting. I didn't want to go through this nightmare.

This brother is now the voice of all my how to do it yourself videos

@OnlineMechanicTips

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for tuning in Don

@chedizl

Жыл бұрын

@@OnlineMechanicTips don’t worry I’ll be back this van is a piece of crap

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.

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

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..

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.

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.

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

Curious, what year is your van and how many miles on it? Also are you subscribed to the channel?

Awesome! Just what I needed to know to fix my Town & Country. Thank you!!!

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

Wait John, hold on, what year is your van? Also are you subscribed to the channel?

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!

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

@OnlineMechanicTips

4 ай бұрын

Lol, thats whats up. Thanks for tuning in.

@JuniperMeatCompany

4 ай бұрын

@@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!

@OnlineMechanicTips

4 ай бұрын

@@JuniperMeatCompany O cool, I didn't know you had a channel. Thats whats up

@jonboy1981

Ай бұрын

Do you know if this would be the same process on a manual sliding door?​@@OnlineMechanicTips

@OnlineMechanicTips

Ай бұрын

@@jonboy1981 I wanna say yes. If it has electric sliding door lock the mechanics are the same

Thanks for the video. Got my door open. Big job but I saved $$$. Keep them videos coming

@OnlineMechanicTips

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, please remember to thumbs up the video and subscribe to the channel, thanks

I just did mine yesterday. I wish I saw your video first. You solve this problem better than me. lol Great job sir.

@OnlineMechanicTips

Жыл бұрын

Lol, thanks for watching

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.

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.

Sir! Thank you so much! Your video on this saved my bacon...keep up the great work!

@OnlineMechanicTips

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Dan. Please remember to thumbs up the video and subscribe to the channel. Thanks

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.

Thanks a lot for showing us the problem with the door. Good job!

@OnlineMechanicTips

11 ай бұрын

No problem!

You did an excellent job at showing us the process

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.

I have a town and country that has done this. You've made a very informative video. Thanks

this is one of those things where i think id rather pay someone to do. thanks for the tips.

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

Hey bud, what year is the van and how many miles?

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)

@OnlineMechanicTips

Ай бұрын

Yes, that way works great to free it up to allow it to open.

Just found this and it worked to open my door. Thank you so much! 👍

Enjoyed your video, down to earth explanations.

This was very helpful! Thanks!

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.

Great job explaining this!

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 KZread, 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.

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 explaining this in detail..

@OnlineMechanicTips

10 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Excellent video, thanks for the info.

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. Please remember to thumbs up the video and consider subscribing. i do minivan videos all the time, thanks

Thank you so much for explaining this process so well! You gained a subscriber.

My friend ur awesome thank u for this video

Thank you, gonna go try this now.

Thank you very much for this video!! 🙏

Wish me luck, Y'all. I'm about to watch this video several more times and attempt it this weekend. 🤞🏻

Thank you for posting i will try that my town and country to unclock

Always great content

@OnlineMechanicTips

3 жыл бұрын

And I always appreciate you watching the vids my friend.

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.

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.

Thank you, your a life saver thank you.

Good video, thanks!

Just had mine seize up. Not looking forward to fixing it. Thanks for the info, sir.

My door was working just fine, no noise at all. Now it will not open

@OnlineMechanicTips

Жыл бұрын

What year is it? Also are you subscribed to the channel?

Fantastic how to video. Great job! Helped a lot.

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

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?

@burntheobedient4473

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

@@burntheobedient4473 Awh my friend, they extended the warranty but not on the 2012 models...sorry

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

@@burntheobedient4473 good, but keep in mind, if they seize in certain positions, it could lock you out and the door not open at all

@burntheobedient4473

2 жыл бұрын

@@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. 🤣🤣

You are awesome well explained content.

Nice video JT, I was thinking the harness was busted... do you have the part # of the exterior trim?

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

My door opens and closes fine. It even opens and closes when you press the open button on the overhead counsel. The problem I'm having is the actual lock button is stuck will the door will not lock and I am unable to manually move the lock. Do you think I will need the same part that you just replaced. Thanks for your help.

Excellent video.

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.

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.

Good video! Thanks...

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?

Thanks for the video took me under than a hour

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

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.

I've owned 2 of these vans, they are terrible. Thanks for the good video!

Thank you man!!!

Mechanic replaced the actuator but now button for passenger to close/open door doesn't work. Any suggestions?

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.

Thank you i finally see it how to unlock the sliding door my driver side

Do you have any pointers for replacing the lock actuator on the rear driver door? It makes a buzzing noise when locking.

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?

@marshallnmoonshine

Жыл бұрын

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! At least I know what is wrong. Mine gave no warning signs. I think I’ll have to take it in for this repair.

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.

@OnlineMechanicTips

Жыл бұрын

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.

When you get it unlocked, can it be used without changing the part? (Manually?)

Great video

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

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 .

I found that when I broke the actuator loose manually it didn't stick again until I used the power lock.... strange. I'm running into this in the body shop

Great job explaining! Thank you so much, this just happened to us. Much appreciated and lots of love from Germany!

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

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?

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.

@AshBrax

2 ай бұрын

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.

@1090RPM

2 жыл бұрын

Which scan tool would you recommend

@falconadv1481

2 жыл бұрын

@@1090RPM I use a Matco Maximus 3.0

Both sliding doors on my 2016 caravan are messed up. Driver side is stuck and passenger side is buzzing everytime I unlock 🤦🏾‍♀️

@marciamatthews6780

2 жыл бұрын

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.

Hi what is the part calld ?

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?

I have a 2004 Dodge Gran caravan Handicap accessible Van side entry and the side that my ramp is on the door will not close please help I have no income and am disabled wheelchair for live

Is this the same process with a manual door? We have a 2000 Dodge caravan. The drivers side sliding door will absolutely not open. Also for the passenger side sliding door, the panel is loose, when you try to open the door from rhe inside the panel is pulling off 🤦‍♀️

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 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!!

Thank you

My car doesn’t have automatic should that be easier?

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.

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

Hey bud, curious what year and how many miles on ya van?

@DH-is6oj

2 жыл бұрын

@@OnlineMechanicTips 2018 roughly 70000 miles. My driver door and passenger sliding door won't lock with fob but work manually

@DH-is6oj

2 жыл бұрын

@@OnlineMechanicTips ..and yes I am subbed

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

@@DH-is6oj O wow, The warranty extension only covers the 2015 - 2017 models my friend, sorry.

@DH-is6oj

2 жыл бұрын

@@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?

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.

@OnlineMechanicTips

8 ай бұрын

Yes totally agree. Thanks

@theOzz13

8 ай бұрын

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.

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 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.

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

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?

Fucking amazing . Saved my life with this video

@OnlineMechanicTips

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Criss. Remember to thumbs up the video and sub the channel for me, thanks

Is it not possible to just pull on the rod really hard to unlock it?

Does the actuator have to be from the dealer, or can I order it from Amazon?

@OnlineMechanicTips

2 жыл бұрын

It does not have to be oem

Had a bad day on model t tour today, flat tire, broken brake lever,and broken generator but made 75 mile trip