How to install a 2013 Grand Caravan (Chrysler Town & Country) Sliding Door Lock Actuator without losing your mind.
Пікірлер: 595
@jsopala7 жыл бұрын
Here's the link for the piece: www.1aauto.com/1A/DoorLockActuators/Chrysler/TownCountry/1ADLA000
@SpamburgerHamburger6 жыл бұрын
This part says it fits an 2001 - 2007 Town&Country. Will it also fit the 2013?
@vdominato5 жыл бұрын
How about a 2012
@marionikospiro5 жыл бұрын
My 2013 is not a power door , I can open and close the door manually do you think it’s still the same part ?
@JonEhBee4 жыл бұрын
@@SpamburgerHamburger Yeah, they are the same.
@JonEhBee4 жыл бұрын
@@marionikospiro This part fixes the power locks for when you press lock and unlock on your key fob. If you are having door trouble, opening the door up is your best bet to have a peak around to search for the cause.
@laymanboyd91015 ай бұрын
Very good video, I’m impressed not one cuss word for such a over engineered mess of a door actuator. This is the guy you want for your neighbor !!!
@josephsopala76425 ай бұрын
My neighbors think the same. Thanks pal.
@dporrasxtremeLS36 күн бұрын
I was cussing and spitting just watching, and I don't have to do this YET!
@recon5320025 жыл бұрын
I have worked in the industry for 32 yrs and have never work on such a bad cluster flop in all my life It took me 5 hours to do this door lock actuator I would love to have the engineer do this himself I would have never invented such a creature.
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
That is hilarious! I thought the exact same thing. Whoever designed this door should be the one who has to repair it when it fails. All they needed was a little access door to the actuator and life would be great once again. What were they thinking?!
@njautodetail6634 жыл бұрын
@@jsopala If I had an autoboy shop I would cut the metal in the back and use some water proof flex tape. Your right that would make it 1000 times easier to have an access door in the back. remove two bolts swing the door open a bit with some support on the bottom and viola. They have to engineer the tight down small torx bolt on the inside of the door as well. What a complete nightmare this is to do. We got very lucky and the door got stuck closed before even attempting to remove anything. Break and then found some used door panels at the salvage yard. Thanks for the video. best one yet on youtube.
@clicketysplit18174 жыл бұрын
@@njautodetail663 what's even worse is that these vehicles are becoming less and less user repairable. I went to an electrical specialist to diagnose the rear power inverter in my SXT and was told that they won't touch it because Chrysler wants too much for the programming manuals. Other day I went for an alignment and was told if my vehicle it's equipped with RCC (Radar Cruise Control) they won't be able to do it because shop does not have the programming that costs them 10K from Chrysler. I sighed when I found out it does not have RCC.
@elphi43214 жыл бұрын
I've noticed from looking at similar videos, that the sliding door locks seem to be an issue (bi***) from the earliest models. Thanks Chrysler 🤥
@easierthisway44313 жыл бұрын
Don't need to pull the whole door apart: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rr2kfMiQ3buVZmQ.html
@brianpellow73433 жыл бұрын
2016 T&C. Great video. I just did this myself and found the easiest way was to remove the door and lay it on a table and do pretty much everything as you described. 7 screws and power connecter to disconnect. This makes it much easier to access those troublesome spots with out having to open and close the door and your not in an awkward position all the time. You don't necessarily have to block the window in position either. I put a support under the door and removed the 7 bolts that held the door to the upper, middle, and lower tracks. My wife helped me move it to a table and off to the races.
@DMWDEADMAN3 жыл бұрын
Lol I was thinking of doing that but wasn't sure if there was a spring on the door that would be a pain to bend back and try too put on
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped. Congrats!
@tpcshadow6 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Just performed this invasive procedure on my 2012 T&C, and man do I hate whoever designed that thing. Also thank you for the info on the lock actuator; that saves a lot of money. After doing this, here's what I would say: - I had my laptop in the garage with this video up so I could reference the steps as I went - watch part of the video, perform the step, repeat. - Give yourself a lot of time. I did this in the Texas heat, so with breaks, etc, it took about 3 hours start to finish. - Having a helper would be very useful for things like operating the window controls, holding the door in position, etc - Move all the middle seats out of the way and push the front seats all the way forward to give you as much room as possible - I used blue painters tape on the outside of the glass and up over the top of the door. Held really well. - Take lots of pictures of the routing of all the cables, wires, and the lock rod so you can put it back. - Use something to keep all the screws handy; I used a cheap $1.50 fishing lure box to keep the different bolts separate - Be careful running the window regulator up and down without the window. It can over-travel and break the brackets on the window tracks. - Everything in the door is sharp; my arm looks like I lost a fight to a feral cat
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
You're welcome. Glad I could help and thanks for all the tips.
@vdominato5 жыл бұрын
Yes, I too have a 2012 unit. My RH slider is U/S too. I am about to dive into this once I have the part. My unit just jammed. I cannot move the manual slider switch at all. The only blessing is that it jammed in the unlock position.
@vdominato5 жыл бұрын
Nice Video. My son works for FCA. He sent me the R&R Docs on this. Not as good as your video. It is giving me the courage to dive into this on my own. The dealer bill could be huge!!!
@clicketysplit18174 жыл бұрын
@@vdominato good grief... Mine jammed in the unlock position and now I'm frantic and sleepless over the security of my 2017 Caravan.
@dknollRX73 жыл бұрын
All good points. I just did this for my friend...BOTH slider doors. What a nightmare haha. The engineer who designed this must be into masochism. The only thing I’ll say about your post and this video is that there’s no need to operate the window motor once you have the glass loos. Simply slide your hand inside the vapor barrier area and push upward on that side and your other hand on the inner face of the window that’s above the door. Have a second person tape it and wedge it. That way you don’t have to worry about operating the regulator without the glass installed. Also, when taking off the Bowden cable for the inner door handle pull, I just pulled the 2x T20 torx that hold the door handle to the vapor barrier. It made removing and attaching that Bowden cable MUCH easier. After all of my fun helping my buddy with the left door...we went and did the right door. The left door took up about 3 hours with figuring it out and hesitation. We knocked the right door out in about an hour.
@torquedtoe4 жыл бұрын
jsopala - this is the best video yet on this repair. I did my right slider about 3 years ago on my 2011 - and it took me about 8 hours to figure it out. Today I did the left slider and it took me about 4 hours. Your method seems best -- it is much easier to fit the rear piece (window channel, accuator, 1/2 the assembly on the plastic frame) before installing the door panel. 3 years ago I tried all sorts of gymnastics trying to get the damn thing back together. I did not separate the two plastic frames though -- somehow I was able to wiggle this thing back together. I wish I did it your way! Great instructional.
@davidnelson4783 Жыл бұрын
Great video! It took me about 2 hours to do mine on my 2014 Dodge GC. I left the whole inner assembly all together rather than taking the cables all apart, but to each his own. Thanks much!
@roadrunners20144 жыл бұрын
I just wanted to voice my appreciation for this repair guide. Hands down the best resource for this repair. I repaired our 2017 G/C GT about a year ago and now the door is stuck in the lock position and I cannot open that door now. I know it’s the poor quality actuator I purchased however I have done the job before. So now I will be proficient in doing it again lol. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!!!!!!!
@clicketysplit18174 жыл бұрын
Better to be stuck in the lock position then unlock, it's always open. Besides, you can always use the other door.
@jsopala4 жыл бұрын
So glad it helped! Crazy job but the car is worth it!
@davidbarthel17713 жыл бұрын
Oh man this project nearly broke my will to live. The swear count was so high. Definitely huge thanks to the poster as this video made all the difference in the world. At first it seemed to be going well and even after taking out the actuator part I was a little cut up and pretty frustrated but again the video helped. Was he right that you had to push down and twist it out? Yes. Did it happen easily? Absolutely not. It's like wrestling a cactus and is just as fun. So then I change the actuator lock and try to get the actuator part back in.... major swearing was involved and I am thankful my kids were not around. Then at 17:14 it instructs you to just slide the panel into the plastic groves.... oh man... I tried for 40 minutes and the process took a year off my life. I ended up taking the whole thing back out (😡) and attaching it. Then wrestling the whole thing back in. I would have recommended to keep as much together as possible. Great video but terrible project. This man is a saint for keeping so calm cause I cursed every engineer ever involved with the design of this door. Took me 6 hours and am glad I saved the money but man I would not recommend it.
@anonymousanonymous-bd1be3 жыл бұрын
I ran into the same problem. At 15:35 he tightens up the three bolts for the latch. My solution was to do that then back them out far enough that they are only engaged by a few threads and then remove the two bolts on the inside of the door. You will have enough play then to line up the mechanical insert and slide it onto the latch insert. Tighten the three bolts and reinstall the two inside door bolts and tighten. I have a feeling that many tragedies have occurred in the engineers personal life since he designed this door insert due to the fact that this repair's difficulty is a crime against humanity.
@leestewart36905 жыл бұрын
I am having this problem no lock open.... I knew right away I was not going to attack this problem, I watched your whole video as you are awesome at making videos!!!
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
Thanks. It's not an easy job at all!
@daviddameron62745 жыл бұрын
I just finished this on my 2016 Town and Country. I actually broke the plastic bracket that the lock actuator assembly and the window track fit onto. $11 from dealer. I also didn’t rejoin the assembly to the window regulator panel. No need to and will make a future job a lot easier, just be sure the piece slides behind the window track. Feeling proud as dealer quoted me $800 to replace it and I was in it for $60.
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
Sweet! Very satisfying right? And hopefully there won't be a future job. Glad I could help.
@hammondjones3 жыл бұрын
I was having trouble getting the assembly to snap back on, wondering if I left it un attached (since it is bolted very well) if it would impede the window at all..... you never had trouble with that?
@440-6pakroadrunner2 жыл бұрын
I referenced this video, and I must say that taking the window out makes everything so much easier! That rear bolt for the window guide on the door lock actuator is almost impossible without removing the window. Other than the exterior trim panels on the door. And removing the entire sliding door is also another way to make your life alot easier lol
@motoxjosh293 жыл бұрын
After watching this, i realized im more than willing to pay someone now to do this hahaha. my van isnt failing in the lock actuator but the motor the pulls the door closed once you shut the door. thanks for the video.
@nathanespinoza4052 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. Helped a lot. Two other things that helped. Popping the outside trim off of the c post to adjust the window slide. Then placing the actuator assembly in place, backing it out slightly to connect it back to the door panel assembly. I couldn't get them to connect together otherwise, and couldn't get the whole thing to slide in already connected.
@thomasswidler301925 күн бұрын
Thank you. I repaired many items but I will skip this one being scared by your video.
@josephsopala764225 күн бұрын
It was not an easy endeavor. I always enjoy a good challenge.
@victordominato37835 жыл бұрын
Did my R&R on the RH door. Took it out and in as a complete unit. Was not easy. Outer door hand cable and the lower door cable was the only cable disconnect to do. A lot of pushing and pulling to get the dam thing in and out but possible ...Lubing the aft window guide helped to get it back in. Thanks for the video. Your hints and the pictures of the guts of this thing gave me the courage to do the job. Thanks, jsopala!!! Saved some buckaroos! Still took 6 hours total to do this.
@russellkime92605 жыл бұрын
This was a great and detailed video on this fix. One thing I would add is the description of re-attaching the cable to the outside door handle. You said just feel around for it. It is much easier if you can see what you are doing. If you pulled the rubber piece from the bottom of the window, you can look down inside the door from there and see clearly the cable you are taking off the outside door handle and later re-attaching. But thanks again...working great!
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped.
@littlebill26013 жыл бұрын
I am going to add this bit of help, I struggled for a while trying to put it back together. I put it back together in separate pieces like the op did. I initially could not get it to lock the 2 pieces together, and I tried for hours. The secret? after you put the window up and wedge it, power down the window motor so that the 2 mount points that you unbolted for the window at the bottom, drops about 2 inches. Once I did this, I was able to snap the large panel back into the plastic 3 tab door actuator/window rail on my first try, in 5 seconds as you get a ton more room to work as the window is not stopping you. I hope this saves someone hours.
@davidbarthel17713 жыл бұрын
Still couldn't do it. Most frustrating part of the entire process....
@UCFKN1GHTS3 жыл бұрын
This worked for me except I had to go up an inch!!! Holy sh1t. Thank you!
@darnelljordan26448 ай бұрын
This is an awesome video. Did it in 1 hour and 40. The grommets on the right side, you don't have to mess with. But he was on point with the whole video. Kudos points to him. I took the two silver bolts out on the left side of the handle that opens the door so I can get the cable out easier. And then I bolted it back afterwards and then pulled the whole assembly out
@eldersmithhernandez78095 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this instructive video. I was waiting for good weather here in Ontario Canada and finally the day arrived. It brought me some pain to out the internal system but it is worthy in terms of money. Work made with the same recommend actuator for Dodge Grand Caravan 2011. To hold the glass I use two Silicone spatula spoons $3... It is safer! Warning: Avoid close the door completely while you are working on it... Then you have to guess what steel cable you have to pull manually in order to open it again.
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
You're welcome Glad I could help.
@-intube82274 жыл бұрын
To be honest, it is so complicated for me, too many cables, bolts, and wires, but you did great work with one hand only 👍
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
I agree. It's an insane do it yourselfer. Thanks for your comment though.
@Glowbetraveler3 жыл бұрын
Diving into the a project and no looking back. Thanks for the video. I was stuck disassembling the cables not even knowing the actual place of the actuator. I think you just saved be 2 hours of what ifs.:) Still not a simple task. I'm sure there will be a left over screw at the end. Cheers
@josephsopala76423 жыл бұрын
Good luck! It’s a challenge but what isn’t now days?
@Glowbetraveler3 жыл бұрын
@@josephsopala7642 I finished this morning. It works. So I have a static window. And that window guide is useless except It is connected to the internal bracket. Getting the repaired unit back in the window was impossible. So I cut 4” off the bracket top. And the unit went in with ease. And still had the support. And bolted it in securely. And only one extra screw. 🤣
@josephsopala76423 жыл бұрын
@@Glowbetraveler Wow. That was fast! Good job on the improvised cut. Whatever works right! Glad I could help. Take care.
@Glowbetraveler3 жыл бұрын
@@josephsopala7642 Yes u did a great job on the video. Thanks a million.
@cj_guinn6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Joe, just performed this weekend! I greatly appreciate the video you provided. I don't know how you kept your cool in some of those tricky situations! Our door completely quit working no manual operation or anything. But got the part off eBay for 16$ took me a while but also saved 800$ plus. Thanks again.
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome! I'm glad I could help.
@andybody75423 жыл бұрын
READ THIS - IF YOUR SLIDING DOOR IS STUCK AND UNABLE TO OPEN. I was unable to open driver side sliding door for months (no buzzing noise from lock mechanism on this side). The manual lock actuator for this door was stuck and could not be forced. The tip about pressing the unlock button and forcing the manual door lock at the same time worked to release the actuator!! KEEP IN MIND... This did not work when using the unlock button on the remote... I had to use the unlock button on the driver door. Now the door lock on this side works fine (like it was never broken). Not sure how long this will last but at least I can open the door currently.
@MrGrizzlyXiong Жыл бұрын
For anyone who is attempting this there is a more simple way to remove and install the door latch/actuator assembly. First you want to remove the window by removing the outer trim on glass. Remove the 2 bolts holding the window track and slide it over then the window will come out. You'll have much more space to work with and you can remove the whole door card along with everything that is attached to it. And to install it is alot easier to get the window channel over the brace with the window out.
@josephsopala7642 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info. If you have a video of this simpler way please do post it. I’m curious to see what you’re talking about.
@MrGrizzlyXiong Жыл бұрын
@@josephsopala7642 I wish I had one. I work at a shop where we change these too often so I figured I had to share to help out the community because I was in a stress trying to finagle that whole assembly in. Lol
@jpformwschick63646 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Got it done, and can confirm that the recommended part from 1A auto does work on a 2013 T&C. Difficult and frustrating project, your video made it much better. I had to refer to it several times during the install.
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
Sweet! Glad I could help. Almost a year after install and opening and closing the door a thousand times a day and mine still works!
@christinaporter80287 жыл бұрын
this video is the BEST ever!!! I tried to take apart my door without watching this and failed. Then, step by step I followed this video! It worked! BTW... Advance Auto does NOT sell the actuator for the 2010 T & C. You must ask for the 2007 one which they had in stock for $63. Only problem for me was the window regulator came apart on me, probably from my first attempt of repair. I damage the regulator wires by trying to repair it. Had to go to the junk yard to get one off a Dodge Caravan. Now I'm back in business. Can't thank you enough!
@jsopala7 жыл бұрын
Noooo! Not the window cables! Good thing I didn't have to deal with that. Thanks for watching I'm glad I could help! BTW it was 1A Auto that has the part for $25 in the link below.
@JonEhBee4 жыл бұрын
Hey, that's true! I went to a few auto parts stores and they either didn't have one for 2013 or it was about $150! I heard the 2007 actuator was a perfect match and ended up picking that one up for only $60. Crazy!
@JonEhBee4 жыл бұрын
And yeah, it was Advance Auto Parts, too.
@Roadworn125 жыл бұрын
jsopala thank you SO MUCH for posting this video. With your help I was able to tackle this in about 2 hours...I was prepared for 6. I totally shocked myself. You took all the unknowns out of this job with your video which was a huge help. I wound up taking it out as one assembly and putting it back in as one assembly. I lubed up that rear widow channel good and got someone to help maneuver the panel assembly in and up while I found the holes for the bolts of the actuator sub assembly at the back of the door and bolted it up. I did find that there is one slight difference between the 2007 actuator and one for my 2011 and later. That is there is a tiny tab on the electrical connection of the actuator that secures the electrical plug of that harness to the actuator. The 07 would slide on and off and not lock onto anything while my stock one locked in. To secure it I used a small zip tie because I sure did not want vibrations to make the electrical connection come off the actuator over time necessitating me to go back in there. Thanks again for posting this!
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
That's great. Glad I could help.
@radioboyjr Жыл бұрын
2017 Grand Caravan owners - this issue is covered under an EXTENDED WARRANTY! Call your dealer first to check. I found my letter from FCA after completing this repair and was pretty bummed that I did all of this myself with no method for reimbursement. If yours is not covered here are my lessons learned: unscrew both latches from inside the door, and disconnect the cable from the door handle inside the door. Do not disconnect any of the cables or rods from the plastic door assembly itself - it will not help. Finally and most importantly, the assembly with the lock actuator is foam taped to the inside of your C pillar! The plastic trim on the c pillar (outside rear pillar of the sliding door) must be removed. Not only does this make install a breeze, it has to be resealed anyways to prevent water intrusion into the door. I spent hours fighting this before I figured out what was going on.
@josephsopala7642 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for posting this information. I may add that my 2013 was not covered and every model, year and manufacturing plant puts these doors together in a slightly different way so no two doors are the same. Thanks again for the news flash.
@jc16363 жыл бұрын
Man, this ate up an entire weekend, but it’s done! And everything works as it should. Couldn’t have done it without this vid. Thanks a million!
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
So glad I could help! Good job!
@TheAlonzo2204 жыл бұрын
Just completed this job, could not have done it without this video - so thank you! This job is not for the weak minded.
@jsopala4 жыл бұрын
Congratulations! Not an easy job but I had so much fun doing it.
@helixfunger6423 жыл бұрын
the coolest thing in the world is that you showed your own music. the internet has become a place that is no longer friendly to the people uploading and finding new music. it has become another means of throttling us all back where we are all listening to corporate ran media from iheartradio, formerly known as clear channel communications.
@jspitler203 жыл бұрын
Dude, this video saved me $978. Local dealership quoted me on labor for this. Lock only cost me $28. Took me a Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and a few hours on Sunday. It sucked. Like really bad. I would have rather wrestled an alligator. But thanks to you and this video I was able to save some $$$ and learn that automotive engineers can suck at their job and projects.
@matt21813 жыл бұрын
I’m just starting to tackle this now. Only problem was I started following another video and my window cables fell all a part. I’m dreading this project already. This video seems extremely good and the comments support this. At this point I gotta fix it or my wife is going to kill me.
@craigaguiarwinter52083 жыл бұрын
Great video. I did the left door with the assembly all in one piece which required removing the window, and finding new clips to replace the ones I broke removing the exterior trim panel to do so. Then I found your video when it came time to do the right side door. Two pieces is the way to go for sure. Full disclosure my panel was not a simple “rotate counter clockwise and pop it out”. The plastic connector that joins the two pieces together broke when I rotated the door. Now Ive realized that because the lock assembly/window track bolts in with 5 of its own bolts, and the main panel had its own bolts, that connection between the two isn’t even required. First one took 6 hours (including finding a body shop with clips). This one took me 1:45! Thanks again.
@autobike19 ай бұрын
that connection between the two isn’t even required... very informative Thanks
@clicketysplit18173 жыл бұрын
If, like in my case, the door ceased in the lock position you will not be able to take the inside panel off unless the door is open. If this is the case, take the outer cover off where the door handle is (it easily prys off with a flathead screwdriver) and force and hold the lock latch beyond it's normal unlock position (it may snap back) and pull on the handle -presto!. Was so nervous that i would never be able to get the door open to take the interior panel off, but this little trick worked like a charm without damaging anything.
@yourcourtcasevideos Жыл бұрын
This is why my local dealer wanted $1,800.00 to fix. 4 hours..... and done. Thank you.
@josephsopala7642 Жыл бұрын
Crazy right?
@sonicbluezx37 ай бұрын
$1800??? That's ridiculous
@fperez2nd3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video; it definitely help guide me through the process. I just completed this repair on my 2019 DGC GT. The outer trim panel on mine was a bit more difficult to remove due to additional clips, velcro, a window shade, and very tight fits that were difficult to pry off. I was able to remove the entire inner panel without disconnecting most of the wiring and cabling or removing rubber grommets. I was even able push the entire panel back up in one shot. However, the guide wasn't properly seated around the glass. The trick to fixing that was to remove a trim panel on the outside of the door. This provided easy access to adjust it properly.
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped.
@BoobieTubes2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video. Just finished replacing it on my 2015 caravan. Saved me $800! Had to watch another video to figure out how to open the door.
@rubengallegos62516 жыл бұрын
It was going to be an $800+ job, but thanks to you and time on my hands it was done with just the cost of the actuator. -$71.00 at Auto Zone. Thank you for helping me save my money for rent next month Cuz!!!!
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
Sweet! Glad I could help.
@robbrito83253 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this detailed video. Even though this repair is a major hassle, your video and instructions saved me a lot of money. Thank you again.
@josephsopala76423 жыл бұрын
Hassle is putting it nicely. So glad I could help!
@Udvaros3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the uploading, it helped me very much. For the second time I succeeded in 2 hours... OK, the whole thing is more sophisticated if you have manual sliding doors (like me) and only two hands... :) By the way I used duct tape to hold the window in the upper position. Best regards from Hungary!
@brookmitchell58852 жыл бұрын
Great video. Just did it on a 2016 grand caravan. Parts are different when it comes to the window slider, but mostly the same. Make sure to check your child lock mechanism while you have the piece out. Turns out mine got broke off where is comes into the main mechanism and the actuator was fine.
@wereeves4 жыл бұрын
Thank you - used this to get through the same repair on our 2014 Town & Country.
@josephsopala76424 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
@rayspencer50096 жыл бұрын
Thank you!!! Just replaced this on my 2016 Dodge GC and it took me about 2 hours. Probably would have took twice as long or more without this video. Don't be intimidated, you can do it too. Just follow the steps and get r done!
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
Sweet. Glad I could help.
@cindycampbell-gillies3855 жыл бұрын
Our 2016 dodge door is jammed. Can you share where you bought the part from? Also, how did you get the door open?
@@cindycampbell-gillies385 About opening the jammed door...once you get the cover panel off you'll have access to the lock latch and door cables which may get it opened. Good luck!
@patrickanglim48073 жыл бұрын
@@jsopala This was my problem also, couldn't get the cables to release the lock..still trying..thanks bud!
@clemonsjw Жыл бұрын
I could not have done this without your video. Thank you!! Best on KZfaq for this type of thing. It took several hours over three days, but its finally done and working!! In hindsight, I might have just paid someone the $800. It may not be an engine teardown, but it's close!
@josephsopala7642 Жыл бұрын
Glad I could help. I enjoy taking things apart and trying to figure out how they go back together. This was definitely a challenge but fun nonetheless.
@kevinmoe1003 жыл бұрын
Great video work... Your descriptions were great and I love your sense of humor. I had my tablet in the van playing your video over and over again. Just like having a good buddy with you helping. I also like your music. 😁
@josephsopala76423 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad I could help and be your portable personal assistant. Have a great day.
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
You're very welcome buddy! Glad I could help.
@christophercoupe5006 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for doing this! I broke the rear plastic section trying to remove everything so I'm off to the wreckers for a good one. I'm giving myself most of the day to do this job!
@josephsopala7642 Жыл бұрын
Have fun and good luck.
@iambrian816 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this. Saved me a ton of money hiring someone to fix it. For anyone wondering I can confirm this works for a 2016 also. Just replaced my passenger side one last night. Luckily I don't have power windows so it came apart and went together a little easier.
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
You're welcome. I'm glad I could help.
@patrickanglim48073 жыл бұрын
I have the power windows...yuck!!!!!!!!!!!
@ericridout55244 жыл бұрын
Wow its an absolute jig saw puzzle it would be quicker to just weld my door shut
@jsopala4 жыл бұрын
That thought did cross my mind...lol
@ashtondukart88407 ай бұрын
Thank you for the video, there is no way im paying 800 for this. Im sending this video to my wife, so she understands why ill be in the shop for a couple hours. Lol
@josephsopala76427 ай бұрын
Funny.
@richcampbell61186 жыл бұрын
Was a lot more difficult than even the video. Taking out the panel required pushing with a thin putty knife against the track while wiggling the inner door panel. Sprayed some silicone on the track to reinstall, made it easier. Overall, difficult but satisfying project.
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
I would say INSANE but satisfying but you're right it ain't easy!
@danmiller68806 жыл бұрын
Hi Joe, Thanks so much for the assist here. My boys and I were able to get this done in an afternoon. Price went up slightly to $28. ;-) What a huge help using that part reference from a 2007 Caravan. One thing I would recommend, though, would be to *start only* the two window guide bolts at bout 16:00 - and do not install the three latch bolts. This gives that latch assy a lot of room to move. Otherwise, getting the actuator assy to engage properly with the door cover (@17:15) is a *bitch*. We fought with that for some time. Once we removed the three latch bolts and seriously loosened the window guide bolts (just start them in), the actuator assy snapped right in with the help of a screwdriver to pry it forward while pushing the cover back. Just a hint of the rectangular hole of where those pins engage is showing, you can again put a screwdriver in there and pry the actuator assembly backwards now and you will hear it snap into place. Then it's a simple matter to tighten the window guide bolts and reinstall the latch bolts. I didn't try it but I wonder if removing the window and inserting the whole unit together might not be easier. Next time, eh? Anyway, thanks again for the help!
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help. Thanks for the suggestions. About that last comment: since the window is larger than the panel opening you will have the darndest of times getting it out. Believe me, I tried.
@JonEhBee4 жыл бұрын
I also had trouble connecting the panel as you mentioned. I'm really not sure if I got it in or not but I really had a tough time and it's all together and working so I won't mess with it further.
@michaelm96235 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the source. Every place I looked wanted $100+ for each actuator. Compared to your 2013 my 2006 T&C is a piece of cake.
@josephsopala76425 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help. And you're right the door got a serious makeover soon after yours.
@przemyslawrudzinski89154 жыл бұрын
Yesterday I fixed this lock actuator according to this movie. I can only thank You for this movie! Without it, this wouldn't be possible at all to replace this... The person who designed those door was a son of devil.... It took me 6 hours and I wasn't alone as I was fixing this with my brother in law... I have no idea how the author of this movie did it alone and with one hand busy with camera :) good job!
@jsopala4 жыл бұрын
I'm glad I could help. You see us Polacks ain't so dumb!
@przemyslawrudzinski89154 жыл бұрын
@@jsopala so You come from Poland?
@jsopala4 жыл бұрын
No but my grandfather did many moons ago!
@przemyslawrudzinski89154 жыл бұрын
@@jsopala :) thx for the answers. I have one more question. Do You know if this car (2012) has a timing belt or chain? do I have to replace it and when? I can't find this information anywhere...
@jsopala4 жыл бұрын
@@przemyslawrudzinski8915 My 3.6 has a combp of 3 chains but each model has different specs. It depends on your engine size I think. 2.4s have belts and other 3.3 engines have chains.
@KFahmawi4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the video, very helpful. The job was painful! It took my five hours to compete
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help. You did it faster than I did. It took me 6 hours. Good Job!
@nickcastillo29526 жыл бұрын
MAN you just saved my life posting this video!!
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
Awesome! I'm glad I could help.
@cb84capri3 жыл бұрын
@@jsopala This video saved me so many times, words can't express my gratitude. That window track fought me hard and almost caused tools to fly. I owe you some beer.
@user2023c Жыл бұрын
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.
@clintwylie80213 жыл бұрын
Sir, If I ever meet you in real life, I'm buying you a beer 🍺. Took 8 hours but finished. Oh and you walk through worked for my 2017 model
@geocacher19806 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the video. I ordered the part from A1 auto and it works. My door would not lock, manually or automatically, the manual lock wouldn't move at all. It was a giant pain getting it all back in and then the door wouldn't open so I took it apart again. It turns out as I was putting it back in, I engaged the child lock so i wouldn't open from the inside. Once I figured that out it went back together and it works great. Thanks again for the video.
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help! Mine is still going strong!
@geocacher19806 жыл бұрын
Well the door is not working again, I guess I will be taking it apart again I'm guessing the part failed but I won't know until I take it apart. I am going to try the same fix again considering how much more affordable it was.
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
That's too bad. Before you take everything apart make sure the (ridiculously long) lock latch is freed up and not bent or pressed against anything hindering its function. Good luck!
@clicketysplit18174 жыл бұрын
LMAO! Sounds like something I would do, -take the whole bleedin thing apart again to find that it was something as simple as the child lock on the back edge of the door. Thanks for your honesty, I can definitely relate.
@hammondjones3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much. I will say, that for the 17:22 mark, I could not get the actuator assembly snapped back in from that side. However, I was able to slide other arm through larger opening on the other side of the panel (inside the door) and finally get them to fit together.
@GrantSR5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for convincing me that it is totally NOT worth the trouble to try to fix this. I don't use the passenger side sliding door much anyway.
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
LOL! I know it's a crazy job!
@jsopala4 жыл бұрын
@hello hh probably try with a handle grinder.
@833psz4 жыл бұрын
jsopala Hey what size do you think the hole would have to be? I’m strongly considering the angle grinder...
@jsopala4 жыл бұрын
@@833psz Re-thinking the hole idea. You would actually have to cut a hole on the outside of the door to get to the screw in the actuator and release the latch properly. If you have vinyl adhesive like mine it wouldn't be a problem covering it up. The hole has to be at least 4x4 inches. I'll give it a little more thought to see if there is a better way.
@833psz4 жыл бұрын
@@jsopala I took the panel off and looked, the actuator is too far over towards the latch to cut the hole with the door attached to the van. The door would have to come off, unless you wanted to use a smaller cutting tool like a dremel... but you would be cutting with the door open very close to the paint... which you would need to cover. And the dremel is gonna take a few discs to cut that steel lol. I don't see it working without a lot of trouble. I will try it the way Dodge does it, removing the outside window trim and then pulling the whole sub-panel out in one piece.
@reamonlinnabary97492 жыл бұрын
Excellent video!!! Well thought out and executed. Couldn't have done this without your help and advice.
@josephsopala76422 жыл бұрын
So glad I could help and thanks for the compliments!
@Jeremy-go8mp4 жыл бұрын
I'd like to say thank you to this creator! What a huge pain of a project! Just got the actuator switched only to break something on the window arm (
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear that. Hope it all worked out.
@airric166 Жыл бұрын
Just did one today, I've been a tech for 26 years. What a pile of engineering cluster f@!(k. I swore like a sailer. Got it done but geez. Besides that book time showed 1.7 hrs. Glad I saw many posts on the actual time.
@josephsopala7642 Жыл бұрын
Glad I could help.
@taywazo Жыл бұрын
I did this repair on a 2018. Thank you for taking the time to make this.
@SouthernCarnivore6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great video! We have 2010 G. Caravan making the horrible buzzing noise when unlocking. Now we know for sure what it is and what to do. I think I see why the dealer would charge so much for this repair, geez! I will be attempting this repair in the near future.
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
I'm glad I could help. I actually really enjoyed the challenge. Good luck.
@SouthernCarnivore6 жыл бұрын
Just wanted to say thanks again for the video. Worked on it a couple of hours last night and all morning long. Everything works well!! 2010 Grand Caravan
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
You got skills!
@manuellopez80865 жыл бұрын
This video was the best help in resolving the problem with the replacing of the actuator. did the job jsut as shown and saved mucho money. Thanks
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
@chito6044 жыл бұрын
im amazed how you put that thing back together without taking a pictures.
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
It's probably the only thing I'm really good at. Taking things apart and putting them back together. Strange but true. I'm glad you were amazed.
@mikerodriguez19636 жыл бұрын
Dude ... you saved my ass!! Great video. Wells part from Rockauto for 2007 worked great in my 2013 T&C. Didn't have to remove the little orange clip, either. New one came with a better one. Three thumbs up!
@jsopala6 жыл бұрын
Sweet. Glad I could help.
@jc16363 жыл бұрын
I had a tough time because my door was stuck closed. I figured out a couple things. The metal bar is the door lock. If it isn’t moving correctly, push it INTO the actuator to get it to unlock. Then, I had to pull the cable that unlatched the front of the door while pulling the cable that triggers the door open. My old actuator wasn’t entirely burnt out, apparently. The door opened like it’s supposed to. I’m wondering if it wasn’t just a timing of all these pulley cables that caused the problem, and obviously, the jammed lock.
@briandass5988 Жыл бұрын
The reset on the relay worked thank you!!
@adamwest49872 жыл бұрын
Be sure you sliders are lubed. My door was stopping half way then reversing. I lubed it up with penetrating oil by simply spraying it in the upper slider and that fixed it. It closed/completed the cycle after that.
@sellerbee5560 Жыл бұрын
Great work!, and much gratitude to you Sir! Thank you for creating and sharing the video! It is informative and to the point on both big picture and the details...with some great words of encouragement (and tunes) along the way! Just did my second door lock actuator with your instructions...did my '11 DGC 3 years ago and this past weekend, did one on the '17 DGC.... Projects like this make us all better for future projects to come....but sometimes, I'm tired of getting better! :) and....why isn't Stellantis using parts with longer life times?!?
@josephsopala7642 Жыл бұрын
Glad I could help. They really should build things to last. You are right about that.
@jascatt334111 ай бұрын
Incredible video! thanks for helping me take it apart and put it back together, hopefully the actuator was the problem! Symptom was it would close but if it was hot out, door would continue to try close but wouldn’t?? Just kept hearing the motor trying to close if you bumped it would sometimes help!
@flakoHuertas9 ай бұрын
Thanks bro!! It took me 5 hours to get it done!!
@josephsopala76429 ай бұрын
You’re welcome. Glad it helped.
@nathanstephenson79173 жыл бұрын
Most informative video I can find on this subject. thanks for posing your adventure!
@juliocesar-mg5kp Жыл бұрын
Thank you, knowledge is timeless. Help me big time today!💯
@josephsopala7642 Жыл бұрын
Glad I could help!
@vanlife4256 Жыл бұрын
Awesome job of explaining! Thank you for sharing Joe!
@sivart7314 жыл бұрын
Just used this video a second time. Thanks!
@josephsopala76423 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help a second time!
@BittyVids5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the video. Saved me so much headache. Got it fixed in about 3 hours.
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
Nice! It took me six. Glad it helped.
@kamiljezierski76585 жыл бұрын
Hi. I have 2014 t&c w/power sliding doors. I need it for rear passenger side like yours. Is it the same for this model and year?
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
@@kamiljezierski7658 Yes it is.
@Andrei-jh5fx4 жыл бұрын
😂 Better than Netflix comedy show, Thank you!
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
Thanks. That's hilarious.
@TheCelticGoldsmith4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for posting this vid, I will be doing this to my 2010 basic one. It's a totally common problem on all models from 2007-2014.
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
You bet. Hope it helps.
@jobnewton21523 жыл бұрын
I watched this a month ago and thought ehhh no problem. Watched it again today and I won’t try it seems way to complicated 😂. The designer of the town and country door lock actuator and it’s placement should be shot in the town square 😂
@jjmarshik43242 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I never would have been able to do this without the video. It's done and it all works.. EXCEPT the inside door handle will not open the door. Outside handle and all the auto open/close buttons work. What did I miss???
@josephsopala76422 жыл бұрын
The cable probably came undone . This is an easy fix . Take off the handle cover to see if you can work it back in from there:
@maggiealena2 жыл бұрын
Mine was not as easy. Mine was stuck shut. Since I couldn't see anything, it was a very long process. Lucky for me I videoed everything when I took it apart. I will never buy another Chrysler. I have had nothing but problems out of my SXT. Just poorly manufactured parts in it. Thanks for video.
@madluvr3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for posting. I am going to need to tackle this issue, but I don't know if I would have attempted without your vid. Thanks. Ill let you know how it goes.
@josephsopala76423 жыл бұрын
Good luck!
@StruggleBusAqua5 жыл бұрын
This video was helpful in many ways man thanks. I had to perform this job on two different vans. But I did them with the door off the vehicle.
@StruggleBusAqua5 жыл бұрын
Having said that the first one had no power window guess you could figure which one I’d rather work on.
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
You're welcome. I can imagine taking the door off first and how much fun that was.
@billhowe72 жыл бұрын
I just did this to a 2019 caravan. I got all the way to putting the door panel on when that actuator lock arm fell off and I had to start over. Since I had already made every mistake you can make even with the video I was able to do it pretty quickly after that big mistake.
@mhaddadi7 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the video. I found your video when I was stuck around 7:32. Will continue work after watching again. I think its over engineered.
@jsopala7 жыл бұрын
It might be a little over-engineered but also a work of genius. The only problem is that Chrysler put a cheap motor in the actuator to save a little money on production, otherwise it would have been a masterpiece of a door.
@racingdreamz8021Ай бұрын
Most definitely a job I NEVER wanna run into again, I had to replace both sides
@karlzrli4 жыл бұрын
great video, thanks a lot for making it easy to follow
@andym99552 жыл бұрын
great video. I need to start on this project, and your video is very helpful. Thanks!
@josephsopala76422 жыл бұрын
Good luck. I saw somewhere on the comments that there is a bypass device that does the job in minutes instead of hours. Definitely worth looking into.
@robertuchman6947 Жыл бұрын
I think you should update your video as to the situation of taking the plate off installing the window guide and reattaching it to the panel there seems to be a flange of plastic preventing you from pushing it towards the back of the van at least another half inch so you can lock the plastic flange from the guide into the plastic panel
@robertchavez67933 жыл бұрын
Your the man! Got major brownie points for this fix.
@Cru-JohnNicholson5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the extremely detailed video. Honestly, I can live with the electric locking actuator not working as long as I can manually lock and unlock the door. 1) is there an easy point where I can disengage the actuator so the manual lock is not frozen? And 2) will the door then still open and close as it should when manually unlocked? Right now the door is locked shut.
@jsopala5 жыл бұрын
You could try to wiggle the lock latch and see if that frees it up a little. Just take panel cover off and you'll see the super long latch link going from the handle all the way to the back of the door. It may just be stuck. Good luck.
@clicketysplit18174 жыл бұрын
This seems so complicated of a job. Wish there was an easy workaround to just disengage the actuator and manually lock the door with the latch..
@Engahmedamin19884 жыл бұрын
Did this end up working? I am having the same issue with my 16 GC and at this point, I just want to be able to manually lock/unlock the door.
@Irony58 Жыл бұрын
Just a comment that these instructions won't work in every situation. In my case, I can't open the door at all, thanks to Dodge/Chrysler's defective actuator design. My door is locked shut and part of the instructions here say to open the door to get the panel off. Thanks for putting it together. It looks like quite a few people were helped - just not me 😞.
@josephsopala7642 Жыл бұрын
There are actually 2 actuators one unlocks the door and the other one pulls it shut. Try disconnecting your car battery for 4 minutes to reset the relays. That might get things working again. Good luck.
@Irony58 Жыл бұрын
@@josephsopala7642 Thanks. I was able to remove the panel without opening the door. After I did that, I was able to unlock the door just by sliding the bar that connects the lock lever to the actuator. When I did that, the door worked like it should .... for an entire day 😞. So now I think it really is the lock actuator, but I don't think I want to tackle replacing it. More power to you and anyone else who goes through this!
@springermusicnet4 жыл бұрын
Best video I've seen... too bad I have to do it.
@JonEhBee4 жыл бұрын
Haha, too true, man. I feel really bad for anyone that's about to do this.
@shilow74063 жыл бұрын
Jonny B p
@jsopala3 жыл бұрын
I know what you mean.
@advancedsuperpaper19474 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, thank you for posting this. What do I do if the door actuator is stuck on lock and i am unable to open the slide door to reach the rest of the screws?
@travisnever70254 жыл бұрын
Im in the same position
@clicketysplit18174 жыл бұрын
Complain to Chrysler that you demand a safety recall! They're probably already aware of it but based on their cheap factory installed actuator I doubt they are willing to fess up to the expense of this job and a recall.
@geneticsequence4 жыл бұрын
You can force/push the lock lever inside the door into the open position and while holding it there, press the lock and unlock buttons on the keyfob. This will release the lock and maybe buy you some time while you source a new actuator / new van
@AlexJuanOrtiz3 жыл бұрын
What a nightmare but I did it thank you.
@salowist4 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video! I was able to replace mine in a 13 T&C as well. The only issue is that when I put it back together the power sliding door would not shut all the way. Everything was connected properly as far as I could tell. I reached out to a friend that is an engineer at Chrysler and he thought it needed to be reprogrammed. I took it to the dealer, paid $50 for the reprogramming. The PDS would work properly when activated by the handle but not the key fob or interior buttons. Just got back from my 2nd trip to the dealer and they are now saying its a problem in the rear latch assembly and needs to be replaced. Any thoughts on that? They estimated $1,000 for that so its probably not going to happen. I found the assembly for $450 on a mopar site but its still pretty steep.