99 Ply Voyager / Door Lock Problems & Brake Issues

[texastransplant]

My 99 door locks make the most obnoxious noise. It is as if the automatic locking mechanism gets stuck while trying to engage. When you accelerate and reach 15mph, the door locks automatically engage. It is loud and embarrasing. It is so loud people turn and stare. Has anyone experienced this? Can I change a fuse or something, or is there a way to turn off the automatic locks without going to a shop?

Also, a couple of weeks ago I started hearing a shrill high pitch squeal coming from the driver side front tire. It happens when the car is in drive and in motion. When you apply the brakes, the noise stops. I've changed the brakes on this car about every other year, so I recognize brake sounds. This is different. It is almost as if there is something rubbing against the tire. Obviously, I know very little about cars. I am afraid that if I take the car in they are just going to say "New Brakes" and I'm thinking maybe I don't need new brakes necessarily. I'm hoping for some education, so when I take my car in, my car stupidity won't set me up to get taking advantage of -AGAIN!!

[Bear]

Sounds like the door lock actuator (solenoid) mine gave a annoying loud buzz until I fianally replaced it.

[texastransplant]

Thank you for your reply. Do I need to take my car to the shop for this, or is it something that we can do ourselves?

[Bear]

I would first try and isolate the actuator (it is usually just one and on my Caravan it was the passenger side sliding door actuator). With power on try locking and unlocking the doors using the drivers door power switch and see if you can dtermine which actiuator is making noise. After that it is a matter of removing the door panel and replacing the actuator (some are pop rivited in and you need to drill out the rivet) the replacement comes with a nut and bolt retainer package. I did my own, howvever I do not know how mechanical you are, but at least you can, hopefully isoltate the bad actuator.

[teepster]

As far as the door locks automatically locking at 15mph this can disabled. Your owners manual describes this. My 98 Gran Caravan manual says turn the key "off" then "on" 3 times. After the 3rd time press the power door lock button. You'll then hear a chime indicating it was accepted. It took me a couple tries to get the chime. This will at least eliminate the noise when you first take off.

[RIP]

One posible source for your squeal would be wheel bearings. Securley set the parking brake, block the back wheels, make sure the steering wheel is locked, jack the front up and put it on jackstands, put the gear selector in neutral. Now rotate the wheel by hand. Any grinding noise is an indication of trashed bearings. Grab the wheel on left and right sides then top and bottom and try to wiggle it without turning it. If it wiggles the bearings are bad.