Sliding door fix

My power sliding door has never worked reliably for over 2 years now. The symptoms are typically that the thing will be just about closed, then reverse again and opens. You could always tell when it wasn't going to stay closed. The typical sounds of the latch grabbing on to it to keep it closed would not happen. The other day I got sick of it not working so I first made sure there was nothing in the way of the rollers in that lower track. Looked clear. Next I oiled all the bearings in the rollers. That didn't fix the problem. I was going to pull the inside trim panel off when I noticed the switch in the rear of the door jam. That little rubber boot that keeps the weather out was loose. So I started to think maybe over time a lot of moisture got inside the switch and the contacts are corroded. I then got out my electronics miracle cure Deoxit, removed the switch and sprayed the stuff into every opening I could find. Let it dry for a while and put it all back together. The thing has worked flawlessly for 2.5 weeks now. Knock on wood this will last for a while.

Nearly 20 days later and it's still working perfectly. Deoxit is worth its weight in gold.

which Deoxit did you use? the web site has many diferrent ones.
thanks for the info.

thanh

I was just wondering where to buy that. :) My 97 has the same problem.

You can use any electrical contact cleaner for the job. They all work.

If the protective rubber boot over the switch is loose or damaged you may need to spray two or three times a year, or replace the cover.

While you're spraying the switch you may consider also spraying the contacts on the leading edge of the sliding door and the post contacts as well.

In some cases when the door won't close and lock tight you may need to adjust or replace the actuator cable (behind the panel).

Thanks for the reply. I do have a can of contact cleaner so I will give it a try. I hope that takes care of it.