Driver SPower Sliding Door Must be Opened by Hand

Power sliding door on driver side 03 LTD will not open with FOB or overhead switch on console. It only opens by hands. After that I can close it with FOB or console switch. Passenger side works fine

Any suggestions or help please.

TIA

Wouldn't an 03 still be under warranty?

Power sliding door on driver side 03 LTD will not open with FOB or overhead switch on console. It only opens by hands. After that I can close it with FOB or console switch. Passenger side works fine

Any suggestions or help please.

TIA

Over 36,000 miles.

Here's the list of possible causes, some you can eliminate since one door is working fine. Simple things first, have you checked the overhead console on/off switch? The fuel filler door circuit also jumps out since your passenger side door is working.

1 - Battery at low state of charge
2 - Pad and Plunger - Dirty
3 - Fuel Filler Door Circuit
4 - Parked Signal Open Circuit
5 - VSS Signal Open Circuit
6 - Pad and Plunger - Ground Return
7 - Detent Switch Signal - Always on
7 - Detent Switch Short to Ground
7 - Detent Switch Open Circuit
7 - Short to Battery on Detent Switch
7 - Pad and Plunger Internal Continuity
8 - Latch Actuator Circuit Open
9 - Latch Actuator - Stuck Open
10 - Console On/Off Switch Open Circuit

Check the plungers for the contacts in the door. Just had mine replaced on passenger side and it is like a brand new door. My problem was intermittent, but it fixed the problem.

Here's the list of possible causes, some you can eliminate since one door is working fine. Simple things first, have you checked the overhead console on/off switch? The fuel filler door circuit also jumps out since your passenger side door is working.

1 - Battery at low state of charge
2 - Pad and Plunger - Dirty
3 - Fuel Filler Door Circuit
4 - Parked Signal Open Circuit
5 - VSS Signal Open Circuit
6 - Pad and Plunger - Ground Return
7 - Detent Switch Signal - Always on
7 - Detent Switch Short to Ground
7 - Detent Switch Open Circuit
7 - Short to Battery on Detent Switch
7 - Pad and Plunger Internal Continuity
8 - Latch Actuator Circuit Open
9 - Latch Actuator - Stuck Open
10 - Console On/Off Switch Open Circuit

Thanks for the suggestions. Not sure where to start but I did notice that the gas filler door seems a bit cocked, not lining up properly.

Check the plungers for the contacts in the door. Just had mine replaced on passenger side and it is like a brand new door. My problem was intermittent, but it fixed the problem.

Thanks. Can you clarify? Not sure what to look for.

Chalky
I think you are on the right track with the gas door alignment.

There's a switch under there that is suppose to prevent Junior from opening the LH door while Mom is gassing up.

One final question: I bought a Chilton Windstar handbook for $17.00 . Not of much value. Any suggestions as to what literature I can buy to assist in troubleshooting my WS?

Much TIA for the help.

Go to helminc.com

for my '99; the elect diagram book was $50
the shop manual(s) were $350.

...worth every cent.

If you look at the "fingers" sticking out of the sliding door (8-10 they are black with gold tips and look like the bristles of a large hairbrush for lack of a better term) you cann see if they all look straight or if they are bent. They match up with the contact plates in the door pillar.

The comment about the gas filler door were good too, since it will disable the door if the door is open.

My pad and plunger needs frequent cleaning, usually just with a clean rag. It really takes very little to dirt or grime on those contacts to make the doors malfunction.

Thanks. It was the gas filler door.

Really appreciate the help and feedback.

My pad and plunger needs frequent cleaning, usually just with a clean rag. It really takes very little to dirt or grime on those contacts to make the doors malfunction.

Do you spray them with any kind of lubricant?

Do you spray them with any kind of lubricant?

Mine never have needed it, I've just used a clean cloth.

Thanks. It was the gas filler door.

Really appreciate the help and feedback.

Problem turned out to be the gascap cover. Door was out of alignment. Gas door cover evidently has a switch that keeps the door from opening when refueling. (Makes Sense)

Mine never have needed it, I've just used a clean cloth.

On a side note, where is the switch for the hatchback located to shut off the interior lights?

On a side note, where is the switch for the hatchback located to shut off the interior lights?

Can someone please answer the above question?

Here's the list of possible causes, some you can eliminate since one door is working fine. Simple things first, have you checked the overhead console on/off switch? The fuel filler door circuit also jumps out since your passenger side door is working.

1 - Battery at low state of charge


This advice recently helped me as I was having the same problem with the drivers side passenger door not opening.

Has worked everytime since replacing the battery.

Thanks man.

They are located at each lower corner (when the door is closed) One of mine was frozen and kept setting off the 'door ajar' message and turning on the interior lights. If I remember right, you take off the panel from inside the door to get to them. I think I had to actually break them apart by twisting, cleaned out the switch and detent, then twisted them back together and sealed them with RTV.

Can someone please answer the above question?

They are located at each lower corner (when the door is closed) One of mine was frozen and kept setting off the 'door ajar' message and turning on the interior lights. If I remember right, you take off the panel from inside the door to get to them. I think I had to actually break them apart by twisting, cleaned out the switch and detent, then twisted them back together and sealed them with RTV.

Thank You. Mac2002.