power sliding door

Sliding door will not work Pontiac Montana with passenger side power sliding door. About a week ago the door stopped opening automatically. All three buttons (one on the key, one on the column next to the door and the over head panel buttos) could not activate the door to open it. The auto open would activate one I started the process manually and I could subsequently close it using the power mechanism.
To rectify this problem I found a reinitialing procedure for 1999 Montanas and tried to use it. This involved removing the radio fuse etc. Unfortunately, after I performed this procedure the power sliding door stopped functioning altogether. My dealer would like to charge me anywhere between 100 and 1000 dollars to fix this. I was wondering if I could rectify this using some simple steps.

The PSD has a set of diagnostic functions that may tell you more. To enter Mode 1 Diagnostics, "lock out" the door using the switch. Then press and hold the door open button (nothing should happen). While holding the button down, toggle the lockout button 10 times in a row. Then release the open button. If you successfully enter diagnostic mode, a buzzer will sound for about 3 seconds.

At that point, the buzzer will indicate what codes are currently stored. If you ever pulled codes from an older GM vehicle watching the flashing check engine light, this is similar. The buzzer will beep X number of times, followed by a short pause, then beep Y number of times. The code is then XY. For instance, if it went: <beep><short pause><beep><beep><longpause> the code would be 12. 12 just happens to be the "all clear" code. This is what you want. If it's anything else, post the code and I'll look it up.

You know,
I always wondered what happened to all those genius minds that designed the original digital watches for Texas Instruments in the 70's. The one's that were impossible to program without the book.
GM must have them all holed up in the basement with "the Gimp!" waiting for the unveiling of the next Montana...
I hated the automatic lock sequence on the doors for years until I found out it could be changed with a similar electronic contortionist act.
I used to bleed codes out of my Fiero with a paper clip - but that was simple compared to this.
Thanks very much for the informative post and once again giving me reason to excercise my neck as I shake my head about this van and GM in general. This coming from a life long GM head.
(but, No, I never had a Calvin sticker...)

I used to bleed codes out of my Fiero with a paper clip - but that was simple compared to this.I agree with you that the procedures could be a little bit more simple. But you also must consider that vehicles have become more complex. I bet your Fiero had a few dozen codes that you could pull with your paper clip. Our vans have a few hundred. Reading 4 digit codes by watching a flashing light would be an act of futility.

Remember that the procedures needs to be complex enough so that "reprogramming" the system isn't accidentally preformed during the course of use.

Either way, did you figure anything out?

Chris,

Thanks for the information about the diagnostic code. I will try that and post the code I obtain.

I followed the instructions and found that the diagnostic code was 12 which is all clear. I then went through the process of resetting the power door as specified in the manual. I have also checked the fuses they all seem to be ok. The power door still does not work. Looks like I might have to go to the mechanic after all.

I followed the instructions and found that the diagnostic code was 12 which is all clear. I then went through the process of resetting the power door as specified in the manual. I have also checked the fuses they all seem to be ok. The power door still does not work. Looks like I might have to go to the mechanic after all.


I found with mine that I had to pull the fuse from under the hood, not the fuse on the passenger side of the van to reset my power door.

Sliding door will not work Pontiac Montana with passenger side power sliding door. About a week ago the door stopped opening automatically. All three buttons (one on the key, one on the column next to the door and the over head panel buttos) could not activate the door to open it. The auto open would activate one I started the process manually and I could subsequently close it using the power mechanism.
To rectify this problem I found a reinitialing procedure for 1999 Montanas and tried to use it. This involved removing the radio fuse etc. Unfortunately, after I performed this procedure the power sliding door stopped functioning altogether. My dealer would like to charge me anywhere between 100 and 1000 dollars to fix this. I was wondering if I could rectify this using some simple steps.

I have just experienced the exact same problem and was wondering if anyone has any advice of fix for this. The dealer said he had not seen this problem before and that the cost would be min. $200 and up to determine problem and parts. I'd be willing to open door panel myself and replace whatever if anyone has any advice would be appreciated.

Resetting (pulling fuse) does not solve this problem. The dealer tried all these things and cleaned contacts but could not fix. They need to have car for a 1/2 day just to figure out whats wrong..$$$$$

jnarasimhan if you're still around did you get yours resolved?

My dealer wants me to leave the van with him for half a day too. He expects that after diagnosis, it could cost up to $1000 to actually fix the problem. My door was opening automatically though it had to be closed manually. I tried the reset proceudure and since then it neither closes nor open automatically. I am living with the problem presently. One of these days if time permits, I will have it repaired.



I have just experienced the exact same problem and was wondering if anyone has any advice of fix for this. The dealer said he had not seen this problem before and that the cost would be min. $200 and up to determine problem and parts. I'd be willing to open door panel myself and replace whatever if anyone has any advice would be appreciated.

Resetting (pulling fuse) does not solve this problem. The dealer tried all these things and cleaned contacts but could not fix. They need to have car for a 1/2 day just to figure out whats wrong..$$$$$

jnarasimhan if you're still around did you get yours resolved?

My dealer wants me to leave the van with him for half a day too. He expects that after diagnosis, it could cost up to $1000 to actually fix the problem. My door was opening automatically though it had to be closed manually. I tried the reset proceudure and since then it neither closes nor open automatically. I am living with the problem presently. One of these days if time permits, I will have it repaired.


I went through all of the above, several times before giving up and was just about to take it to the local dealer, which I hate to do unless I can't figure it out. For the heck of it I decided to investigate the rear area by the door motor/cable assembly. I found the harness going to the control box was loose. After checking it all out and putting back together it works great. The door can be tested before putting the trim back on which I would reccomend.

Not only will the power sliding doors not work, but the passenger side sliding door is locked and I cannot open it whatsoever. The Child Door Safety Switch is likely on and the inside lock cannot be opened manually, nor can it be opened from the outside.

The power locks open and close all the other doors except the passenger sliding door.

I presume I'll have to remove the inner panels to try and access the lock mechanism to see whether I can open it.

It seems likely that there must be a wiring problem as this door has been acting up for several weeks prior to it freezing in the locked position.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The posts say that the all clear code is 12, but I'm getting code 13. Can anyone tell me what that means. I was able to get dooor working again by obtaining code and reinitializing, but the door does not latch fully in the closed position (98% closed, but not 100%).
Before reinitializing the door would close 100%, but then after about 2 seconds would back-off slightly to an "ajar" posiiton about 98% closed & not fully latched.
I cleaned the contacts & silicone sprayed all latches & sensors. Thanks.