QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1999 town and country van. The rear door lock is frozen and I can't unlock it. The key will not turn in the lock, and the power door lock tries to unlock it, but it won't unlock. I got the interior panel most of the way off. I can see the door lock motor push forward to unlock the lock. I can even pull on the rod that comes off of the door lock motor and it still won't unlock. What can I do to fix this?
ANSWER: Hi William,
This is a complex mechanical situation. The entire sliding door covers 12 pages in my '98 manual which is probably identical to your '99.
The best thing would be for me to xerox copy the 12 pages and mail them to you. When you get them if you would send me back four 41-cent stamps that would cover my costs. Use the "thank and rate" tab and enter your postal mailing address in the comment section. I can't post scans on this web site and I don't have a document scanner in any case but I can send you copies thru the US mail system.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It is not the sliding door that I am having a problem with. It is the rear hatch door. Please help.
AnswerHi William,
To deal with the lightgate latch mechanism I believe you would do well to remove the trim panel entirely.
Remove liftgate upper frame moulding
Remove upper frame side moldings
Remove screws holding assist handle to liftgate and fasteners around the perimeter of the lower trim panel
Pry courtesy lamp from liftgate trim (if equipped, using a trim stick)
Disconnect wire from lamp
Remove enter high mounted stop light cover and fasterners holdint the trim panel
Disengage hidden clips holding trim panel to lift gate from around the perimeter of liftgate.
Remove trim panel.
Once you do that it should be clear what is the problem with the power lock mechanism. That is my best information on the subject.
Roland
