What is a Power Sliding Door Motor?
Many vans today feature power sliding side doors that open and close at the push of a button. Operated from inside the vehicle, or from the key fob, these doors can be convenient when they work properly. They can be difficult or unruly when they do not.
How do Power Sliding Door Motors work?
When activated by a button inside the van, or with the key fob, power sliding doors move on their own to open and close. The button signals the Body Control Module (BCM), a small computer that monitors and controls dozens of vehicle body functions, and the BCM organizes the operation of the door. The door unlocks and unlatches. Then the sliding door motor uses a mechanized system of cables, chains, and rollers to move the door along tracks in the side of the van. When the door has opened or closed all the way, the motor is switched off and the door is either locked open or latched shut.
What are the symptoms of a bad Power Sliding Door Motor?
If a power sliding door motor is going bad, it might make a clicking or knocking noise. It might also sound like it is grinding. A bad sliding door motor might also cause the door to partially open or close. Or it may not allow the door to move at all. In some cases, a power sliding door can still be operated manually if the motor fails, but in others, the door might be stuck in place. Some vehicle manufacturers have had recalls for power sliding doors that open unexpectedly.
Can I drive with a bad Power Sliding Door Motor?
If a power sliding door motor is broken and the door is stuck open, the van should not be driven. Otherwise, if a door motor is bad - in most cases - the door can still be operated manually, though with some difficulty. If the door still works manually - or if it is closed - the problem is one of inconvenience and the van can be driven. It should be evaluated by a trusted repair shop as soon as is reasonable. If a door opens unexpectedly, not as a result of any driver action, the vehicle should not be driven.
How often do Power Sliding Door Motors need replacement?
With repeated use, a power sliding door motor can break down. There is no regular maintenance interval for replacement. It is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, and, on some models, it does. This is not always the case, though. Some vehicle models have been subject to recalls for faulty power sliding door mechanisms.
How are Power Sliding Door Motor issues diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a bad power sliding door motor can be tricky. The system that includes the door motor can be quite complex, with all sorts of possible faults. And there are several ways the motor and drive system can break. A technician will attempt to cycle the sliding door with the switch. If it works, but there are strange noises coming from the door or the rollers and tracks, the technician will disassemble the door to locate the source of the noise. If the door does not work, and depending on the symptoms, the technician can use a scan tool to check the BCM for faults, manually open the door and remove the trim panel for access to observe the system of door mechanisms, and remove door components to be tested with a multimeter. Sometimes, a problem that seems to be a faulty door motor, is actually another component in the system that is keeping the motor from engaging, such as a failing actuator for the lock and latch. The drive system - cables, chain, rollers, and track - will also be inspected for debris or damage.
How are Power Sliding Door Motors replaced?
The procedure to replace a power sliding door motor will vary depending on where the motor is located in the vehicle. It is found inside the sliding door on some models, and inside the quarter panel of others. A technician will open the door and remove the interior trim panel, and remove the interior quarter panel trim inside the back of the van if necessary. With the interior panel(s) removed, the technician will disconnect and remove any other components that are in the way, such as the door glass, rear seats, or the rear heater fan assembly. The inner door shell may include a mounting panel to which the motor, actuators, cables, window regulator, and other components are attached. This panel will need to be removed also. Once the sliding door motor is accessible, the technician will unplug the motor from the wiring harness, detach the drive cable, and remove the fasteners holding it in place. The new motor is mounted and attached, and all of the surrounding components are restored.. The technician will run the door through a relearning procedure and finish reassembly.
RepairPal Recommendations for Power Sliding Door Motor issues
RepairPal recommends that a driver become thoroughly familiar with the operation of a power sliding door to prevent injury to passengers and to avoid a trip to the repair shop for normal functions of the system. There are some normal circumstances that might make a power sliding door motor seem to malfunction. For instance, on some vans, if the fuel door is left open, the sliding door on the same side of the vehicle is disabled so that it will not strike the fuel door. And, if a van with power sliding doors is shifted out of park, the power sliding feature will not work. In this case, an alarm tone is usually heard to signal the driver that a door is still open while the vehicle is moving.
What to look out for when dealing with Power Sliding Door Motor issues
Malfunctions with power sliding doors can lead to injury. Symptoms will generally worsen with time and further damage can result if the problem is left untreated.
Can I replace the Power Sliding Door Motor myself?
Due to the complexity of a power sliding door system, replacement of the door motor on most vans should be left to a qualified technician at a trusted repair shop. This repair can be expensive, but more damage - and cost - can be incurred if the repair is not completed properly.
