Sliding door won't open

[ivan8r]

I just bought a '96 Astro, and recently the sliding side door became stuck shut. It was working just fine, and then one day I couldn't open it. Before the problem started, I noticed that I couldn't open the door from the inside. I didn't think much of it since I knew the door was equipped with a child safety feature. I was planning to disable this feature, but before I could get to it, the door decided to stop opening from the outside. When I pull on the handle, I can hear movement inside the door, but I have no idea what's inside.

I could use some recommendations on where to look for as possible problems. I could also use some instructions on removing door panels, etc. so that I can figure out what's wrong. I'm afraid I'll do some damage to my new van if I just start pulling stuff apart.
Can you help?

Ivan

[teresahornburg]

Had the same problem with my 96. Did bring it in to have it fixed because my husband is alittle too intimidated to get into that stuff on his own as well. It cost nearly $325 here in AZ. Turned out to need the entire locking mechanisim replaced and sylonoid. Sorry not too much info but im sure it is the lock, it seems to be a very common problem.

[88bronk]

The door handle is broken. I had to replace it and also the rear door handle. Go ahead and do it. Just remove the encoupment from the inside handle, take the screws out from the inside panel, lift inward on the bottom of the panel and up. Wiggle it some. Just don't try to muscle it out and you won't hurt the panel ( which is about all you can hurt ). Use the transmission linkage to open the door. Take a good look and remember how the broken part connects to the linkage before you remove it. Remove the nuts from the broken door handle and start calling junk yards and parts stores. Aftermarket would be better cause these original parts are obviously inferior. Teresa you probably got ripped off for the locking mechanism. Good luck, igw.
P.S. On re-reading your problem, you have something different than just a door handle. Your problem may be with the latching mechanism or the linkage connection to it.
Also you may have plastic panel attachment plugs ( for lack of the correct term ) holding your door panel on instead of just screws. My van has been customized and those panel plugs may have been removed and replaced with button screws. I have to pull the button tops off with my fingers and just remove the screws. The way to get the panel off with the panel plugs is to insert a levering tool directly behind the plug and pry it off the door. A flat tip screwdriver will work or one of those 1 foot long flat prybars would be great. They sell a tool for this at parts stores. You will need something more than a screwdriver to do this with the door closed. To find each plug you have to get your fingers behind the panel and pull it out and feel for the plug. If you have to take it to someone else for repairs just leave the panel off. Good luck, igw