Unplug connector to lock actuator and use meter to check for power and ground toggle as you use the door lock button. If you see power and ground toggle, then the problem is the actuator. Replace it/them. If no power/ground toggle, you've got a wiring problem in the traveling cable at the bottom of the door. VERY VERY common.
SOURCE: dodge caravan sliding doors
First, keep in mind that as you begin to remove these doors you run the risk of causing serious scratches to the paint and glass, so put some masking tape and/or plastic sheeting around both sides of the door (rear quarter panel and rear glass, front door and front door glass)
I would get a Haynes repair guide since that's what I have to work from and it will tell you step by step with pictures, what to do. It's not hard, but you need to get all of the attach points unhooked to be successful. Suggest you have a helper working with you to keep the door steady.
SOURCE: 2000 Dodge Caravan Rear Door Latch
I had the same problem and fixed it using the following steps. I am not an expert or even very mechanically inclined, just desperate to get this fixed without spending any money. This was done on a 1996 Dodge Caravan. Similar steps should apply to a number of years of the Caravans and Voyagers.
Two people will make removing the panel easier. To do this, you'll need a phillips screwdriver, penetrating lubricant, and pliers.
First, if you cannot open the door at all: There is a small plastic disc plugging a hole just above the latch on the inside. Pop out that disk, and use a screwdriver to lift the latch mechanism. It should not take a great deal of force to move the latch. When the latch moves, push the door and it should open.
1. Remove the plastic panel on the inside of the van. You need to remove the handle and several screws on the perimeter of the door.
2. Disconnect the interior door lights by gently pulling the wiring harness (two of these).
3. Looking at the door from the interior, there is a small electronic plunger mechanism on the right side with an "accordion" (this is the electric lock). There is a rod that goes from the to the middle of the door, just above the lock mechanism. Another rod goes from the key lock to the latch. This rod, threaded on one end, snaps into a small bracket on the latch. It may need to be snapped back in. There may also be a rubbery/tar-like sticker near the locking mechanisms that can be removed (it can interfere with some of the moving parts).
4. Manually operate the plunger on the electric lock several times using pliers. Mine was extremely stiff. It should move the rod at least a full inch.
5. Spray lubricant on the latch, the back of the key lock, and the back of the exterior handle. Also spray lubricant into the key lock itself (where the key goes). Do NOT spray lubricant on the electronic lock mechanism or plunger.
6. Just above the latch, there is a small hole (only about 1/8" around). Carefully and liberally spray lubricant into that hole in every direction (this is where the rods from the key lock, electric lock, and latch meet). There is a white plastic post that comes out through another nearby hole. Spray lubricant liberally into that hole, too.
7. Again, manually operate the plunger on the electric lock several times using pliers. It should be considerably smoother to operate.
8. Put your key into the key lock and pull it out several times.
9. Spray lubricant into the key lock again, then carefully operate the lock with the key. If it didn't work or was stiff before, it should operate much more smoothly. Operate the electric locks several times.
10. When operating the lock, you should see the plunger on the electric lock move to its extents (at least an inch). Watch it when using a key and using the electric lock.
11. Check the movements of the rod and plunger when operating the lock, and the movements of the latch when operating the handle (when unlocked). If anything is still really stiff, use some more lubricant and operate the lock and handle again.
12. When reassembling the door panel, remember to plug in the two wiring harnesses for the interior lights.
I hope this helps!
SOURCE: 2005 Grand Caravan power door lock quit working.
The lock actuator is probably broken in that door. We got one of the internet for 80$ and replaced it outselves and it solved this problem. IOD fuse is very temporary fix as system is sensing problem and flipping to protect itself like the breaker switches in the house.
134 views
Usually answered in minutes!
×