'02 Caravan power door lock actuator problem
#1
'02 Caravan power door lock actuator problem
Hi everyone,
I have a 2002 Caravan Sport (short wheelbase version) with the 3.3L V6. Recently the driver's side power door lock began making a very loud (as in, could wake the dead) groaning/grinding noise when I used the key fob or inside switch to unlock it electrically, though no noise when locking. After about a week of this, it has now started making the noise when I lock electrically as well. Also the actuator doesn't always fully unlock or lock the door now, though everything still works fine if you operate the lock button manually or use the key in the lock.
I assumed there was probably some kind of stripped gear inside the power lock actuator, but I took mine out of the door and then took it apart and didn't see anything obvious wrong.
Two questions: (1.) Are these actuators rebuildable? If yes, where would I get parts for it, and what is it likely to need? If no, (2.) Are they available anywhere from the aftermarket, or is the dealership the only option? I checked with Advance Auto and they only listed one part number for a Dorman-branded universal actuator which I'm guessing won't work since the assembly I removed pretty obviously requires different parts for left and right.
I'm attaching a couple photos of my actuator/latch assembly if that is helpful.
I have a 2002 Caravan Sport (short wheelbase version) with the 3.3L V6. Recently the driver's side power door lock began making a very loud (as in, could wake the dead) groaning/grinding noise when I used the key fob or inside switch to unlock it electrically, though no noise when locking. After about a week of this, it has now started making the noise when I lock electrically as well. Also the actuator doesn't always fully unlock or lock the door now, though everything still works fine if you operate the lock button manually or use the key in the lock.
I assumed there was probably some kind of stripped gear inside the power lock actuator, but I took mine out of the door and then took it apart and didn't see anything obvious wrong.
Two questions: (1.) Are these actuators rebuildable? If yes, where would I get parts for it, and what is it likely to need? If no, (2.) Are they available anywhere from the aftermarket, or is the dealership the only option? I checked with Advance Auto and they only listed one part number for a Dorman-branded universal actuator which I'm guessing won't work since the assembly I removed pretty obviously requires different parts for left and right.
I'm attaching a couple photos of my actuator/latch assembly if that is helpful.
#2
#3
If I can get a new replacement for $40, I'd be very happy. I've looked through the parts listing on dodgeparts.net and can't find the right part.
The part I see listed for $39.96 is only described as "Lock, All Models Left, with Power Locks" and it's listed in the Body Hardware section... Do you think that's the latch/actuator assembly I'm looking for? Maybe I'll give them a call.
Thanks for the help.
Last edited by daviddeep; 01-06-2011 at 11:10 AM.
#4
#5
Got an email today from Cherry Hill Dodge, the dealership that runs dodgeparts.net. They say the original part number for the door latch/solenoid mechanism has been "superseded" by a newer part number from Chrysler and that the part now costs $57.16 instead of the $39.96 still listed on the site. Not a big deal, but I guess this means you need to take the listed prices with a grain of salt. Also it would have been nice if they'd informed me of this when I ordered the part last Thursday rather than waiting over the weekend and placing my order on hold. Oh well...
#6