$1519.00 Sliding Door Repair ?

[richamer1]

Took my 00 Montana to the Pontiac Dealer to look at my passenger side sliding door. Works then doesn't work messed with it back at the motor once started working again for about 2 months. You hit the button and you can hear the motor run for about 5 sec. but the clutch does not engage. I think they must be replacing the entire unit. Part were over $1000.00. May make it a manual door. Any suggestions? Thank You

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by richamer1

Took my 00 Montana to the Pontiac Dealer

First mistake Doesn't surprise me that the stealership would charge that much, given their charges for parts and labor rates. This is a common issue with the power sliding doors , so much that I would think some independent shops may also have experience in diagnosing and repairing the problem. Have you called around your area to see if there is anybody else who may be more reasonable?

May make it a manual door. Any suggestions? Thank You

That is a good option (and cheapest) if you don't mind having a manual door. Given the age of the van,( 9 years old) may make the repair cost extremely high when compared to it's value and the potential lifespan remaining. I had a '97 Chevy Venture, a sister to the Montana, and within 4 to 5 years started having similar issues. After looking at it and my options, I made mine a manual door with no further issues. I really didn't miss having that option, and got used to it being manual. ( In fact the vehicle I replaced my Venture with, the Uplander does not have power sliding doors.) I didn't want to risk the chance of the problem coming back and infecting this van. I live in an area that sees extreme weather, along with road salt and high moisture, factors which work against a properly operating power sliding door. Many shops in my area have seen similar issues and a lot of the problem can be associated with outside conditions.

[1Bradymichael]

Originally Posted by richamer1

Took my 00 Montana to the Pontiac Dealer to look at my passenger side sliding door. Works then doesn't work messed with it back at the motor once started working again for about 2 months. You hit the button and you can hear the motor run for about 5 sec. but the clutch does not engage. I think they must be replacing the entire unit. Part were over $1000.00. May make it a manual door. Any suggestions? Thank You

Ditto to the other post, tell the dealer thanks, but not thanks. OEM parts are a complete rip off, and probably not wise to stick that kind of coin into that old of a van. I have a 00 as well, and when/if the door, that has also acted up in the past, quits for good, I will cut the cable and make it a manual. Until OEM parts come down in price to a affordable level, they can keep em.

[handy-tom]

Hope u haven't waste your money yet!
I have a 98, like everybody else, same problem. Did a lot of research, found the solution in the 'owner's manual - you have to reset the door by uplug the radio fuse.... the whole process taking 30 sec which the dealer will never tell!
Check the manual, follow the instruction and I am pretty sure u'll be ok.
Good luck.
Handy-tom

[spike88]

.

If pulling the radio fuse doesn't work, I'd convert to a manual sliding door as well.

My one buddy has an older Montana and his "power" sliding door stopped working as well. After multiple attempts to fix it (properly), he converted to manual system as well. During our long chats about GM vehicles, he told me to avoid as many "power options" on future vehicles (any brand) as well. With this in mind, converting to manual slide door sounds like a good "easy fix / low cost" choice to me as well...

.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by handy-tom

Hope u haven't waste your money yet!
I have a 98, like everybody else, same problem. Did a lot of research, found the solution in the 'owner's manual - you have to reset the door by uplug the radio fuse.... the whole process taking 30 sec which the dealer will never tell!
Check the manual, follow the instruction and I am pretty sure u'll be ok.
Good luck.
Handy-tom

Hi Handy , welcome to AF!
Sometimes the fix that handy-tom suggested may not work. Don't get me wrong it is worth the try and the procedure is in the owners manual.Thanks for mentioning that I do remember it from years ago and it was suggested in a thread a long time ago. If that doesn't work after attempting it then the manual only option would be the cheapest fix. I've noticed the "fix" recommended has a less chance of working as the van gets older as other factors come into play that affect operation of the power sliding door. Also living in a part of the country where weather extremes are common seem to increase the chances that one will eventually have issues with their power doors. ( Items like road salt, high moisture etc. In fact, harsher weather can also be blamed for many other power options failing or giving you problems down the road like wipers, power windows,power antennae, and on the older vehicles those power operated headlight doors.)