Dutch Doors

[Bilbodotcom]

The top part of my 1993 Astro's dutch door refuses to open when the switch is pressed on the dashboard.

It makes an audible click at the door but doesn't release the catch (and it's a keyless entry.)

Has this happened to anyone?

Bilbo

[bertible]

I had the same problem with my 93, though I now have a 99 with conventional doors. I had to remove the inner door handle and upper door panel to gain access. Once I had done that, as I remember, I could open the door manually pushing or pulling on a connecting rod. However the problem was with the actuator. It clicked but had no oomph (aka power), so I had to replace it. No problems after that.

Good luck!

[brcidd]

my '94 has done this 5 times- I've got it down to a science to fix- including a diagram I drew on the inside of the door-- it happens when someone slams the door shut really hard-- the control arm slips out of its receiver on the latch end- to fix it-0 you remove the door handle from inside- then remove the tri, panel- then you will find the slot where the latch control arm resides- one end or the other will be dangling loose-- then it become a "fishing" game-- hold the control arm end with hook horizontal to try to pull on latch lever arm- eventually you will "catch it" and hear it click- and the hatch will open- now you have to put the control arm back in its nest- so I bend the arm back a tad- and seat it firmly- then put a rubber band around it to asure it doesn't come loose again-- but it probably will as mine has. The big secret is to never let it slam shut- or to slam it shut hard on purpose-- this can be death-- the last time I fixed it , it only took 10 minutes-- the first time was two hours.........

[Bilbodotcom]

Thanks for your help folks.

Brcidd - I wasn't the last person to close it, but my girlfriend is looking suitably guilty after reading your reply so I think I now know what the cause was.

I've just aquired my first Astro so I'm sure there will be other questions coming up soon!

[Bilbodotcom]

Ok - removed back trim to reveal locking mechanism. All the hooks were in place, so that wasn't the problem.

I lubed the solanoid and exercised it to and fro a few times and now it works every time.

[AstroVanMan]

I have the same problem with my Dutch Doors. How do I remove that Inner Door Handle?

[Bilbodotcom]

Originally Posted by AstroVanMan

I have the same problem with my Dutch Doors. How do I remove that Inner Door Handle?

On my door, the handle had two plastic covers at either end of it. These can be prised off to reveal the bolts.

Once the handle and surrounding plastic was off I then had to remove the upper door trim to reveal the locking mechanism.

Can you hear a clicking noise from the back when you press the release button?

[Johnnie888]

Originally Posted by AstroVanMan

I have the same problem with my Dutch Doors. How do I remove that Inner Door Handle?

My first day on sight sorry if I screw up
no juice to my doors right now ?
To remove Door Handle exacto knife, tech screw driver, tip of steak knife
pop off left and right plastic tabs covering two bolts.
Probably number 10 MM in your set.
Using a panel tool pop entire plastic panel all the way around
window, very carefull in top corners, you will snap in half
This will expose wiper motor and solinoid or actuator.
I'm no even getting a click from a new dash button.
I have no juice to the window struts, please help.
Johnnie888

[Johnnie888]

Originally Posted by Bilbodotcom

The top part of my 1993 Astro's dutch door refuses to open when the switch is pressed on the dashboard.

It makes an audible click at the door but doesn't release the catch (and it's a keyless entry.)

Has this happened to anyone?

Bilbo

Bilbo I have same problem 97 safari, also no juice to electric
window struts ? are they all on the same power line from
the dash button. Do you know?
Is it called an actuator on a 97 Safari also.
Is that the item with expandable rubber covers over
the arm?
First day on
Thanks for any help
I replaced the seized key and the electric button on dash.
Still no click

[Johnnie888]

I have replaced electric button on dash several months ago,
was working fine. Someone slammed the hatch window and
I have no click or juice to the window struts etc.
Checked fuses in box and under the hood
I'm currently replacing the seized key cylinder
Canadian Winters are too much.
I'm holding up the window with a 2 b 4
Please help

[K5ING]

I hope I'm not stating the obvious here, but have you checked the fuse in the panel near the brake pedal? The same thing happened to my 99 Astro, and after asking several dealers about it, I checked the fuse and found it was burned out. Replaced it and it works fine.