Chrysler Repair: power door lock motor replacement: van, postal mail, xerox copy

Question
Hi Roland,

the power lock on my wife's '01 T&C Ltd has started wearing out. When she uses the keyless remote to unlock the door and then pulls the door handle to open it, the lock plunger drops and the door locks in an in-between state.

This doesn't happen when the door is unlocked by key.

I suspect the power lock motor is not operating as effectively as it once did and the lock is not unlocking all the way. It actually looks like the plunger comes up 80% of the way (compared to key unlock).

I've removed the door panel and tried spraying wd40 over the lock mechanism and this seems to have helped for a while in that for a few days it would allow the door to open but would lock when the handle was released. But after a few days it went back to its "lock when pulled" behavior.

I'm thinking I need to replace the power lock motor in the driver's door. I'm not sure where its located or how to replace it.

Any help appreciated.


Answer
Hi Jim,
I'm working with a '98 manual, which I assume applies to your '01 model. It appears that the power motor is part of the latch mechanism.  No specific separate procedure for motor replacement is given in the Chrysler manual, so once you have the latch off you should be able to simply replace the motor.
There are about 8 steps in the procedure and also the manual has a useful drawing showing the parts involved. I would find it easier and more helpful to you if I were to xerox copy and postal mail the information to you. If you would like, use the 'thank/rate' tab below where there is a comments section to enter your postal mailing address.
Roland