I just bought a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan, and the power sliding doors (both sides) and the hatch will not open or close via the button or remote. I looked at the fuses and they look like all the rest. I have no idea what to try next. Help?

 

Welcome to DF
I would have the door modules checked for codes.

 

do the doors make any noise like unlatching but don't actually open?

 

I haven't checked for a code, but the check engine light isn't on. I have found that the hatch will function with the remote, just not always with the button on the overhead console. The sliding doors will unlatch, but will not open. The driver's side will unlatch and I seem to hear the motor trying, but no motion. The passenger side door just unlatches, and nothing else.

I'll try checking the code tomorrow morning, thanks for the help!


I tested today for a code and nothing came up (I only used my little Black and decker code tester.).

 

Interestingly enough, I drove the van today and when I stopped, I began playing with the buttons. The overhead buttons did not work what-so-ever, not even the hatch button that worked yesterday. However, the remote buttons still functioned, and the passenger side rear door worked just fine-- where it didn't work at all yesterday!

As a side note, none of the buttons on the steering wheel work at all- not even the horn (darn it!). The cigarette lighter in the console between the seats doesn't work either. There seems to be a relay and a fuse missing from the box, but I don't know what they go to...

 

Look on the bottom of the distribution cover and post what fuse relay is missing. Sound like you have multiple problems. Here is some info on fuses relays and how the sliding doors work. You will see lots of different things could go wrong with hatch and sliding doors.

try moving the sliding door fuse


How doors work

 

Can you post this in the tizzy's and others sticky?

 

Done, did you want me to delete it from this area?

 

The fuse and relay that are missing are for features that I do not have on my van. I have found a tutorial on how to pull the door apart and the diagram of the components inside. I am thinking that the problem with the driver's side is the motor. I'm going to pull the door apart and try to see what the motor does, and go from there. The passenger side, I'm thinking is the controller module because it will work intermittently.

I think the problem with my steering wheel is the clockspring. Has anybody heard of that mechanism causing that problem?

 

No, Leave it here.