2000 drivers side sliding door jams up

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On my 2000 the drivers side sliding door (not motorized) suddenly started getting stuck about an inch after opening it. I can get it to open after yanking out on the back of the door. Are there any known issues with this door? I'm posting this from my cellphone so I haven't tried searching the forum yet, it's a hassle from my phone. Thanks.

[____]

Awww nuts. I guess I'll just have to dig in and try to figure it out.

[garync1]

I had a pine cone from a pine tree got in the way once and from plain view it looked ok once I crouched down I saw it. You may just need to get a rag and wipe down area and spray lube to see if you may have a bad roller. Also make sure nothing looks bent or broken.. hope this helps..

[frostie]

Are you sure that your gas door is completely closed? There is an interlock that prevents the driver side sliding door from opening all the way if the cover is not closed (or else you would rip it off!).

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Originally Posted by frostie

Are you sure that your gas door is completely closed? There is an interlock that prevents the driver side sliding door from opening all the way if the cover is not closed (or else you would rip it off!).

I would like some more info on this. I have looked in the gas fill area and don't see anything. Maybe I need to look with a small mirror to see it. The door opens abouit 1/2inch then jams.

Thanks!

[tripletdaddy]

Frostie meant that IF your gas fill door is not fully shut, the van won't let you open the door open. For me, I get a lot of gravel and other debris in the lower track area. Hopefully that's al you have. That gas door interlock may be out of adjustment and incorrectly not allowing your door to open. Or you have a broken roller.

[____]

Looked at it closer today. The little lever inside the gas fill area that disengages the door safely mechanism was broken. Ford really dropped the ball on these windstars... it seems like just about everything on them is poorly engineered and breaks. Heaven forbid they use "metal" for a mechanical latching linkage device, "Lets use plastic to make this lever that has to operate in sub 0 degree weather in the winter."

Anyhow, I was able to stick an allen wrench in there and got it to wedge into a position where it doesn't keep the door from opening, therefor bypassing this safety device.

Windstars are the worst vehicles I've ever owned. I shoulda learned my lesson on the 98 I had before I bought this 2000.

I do my own vehicle maintenance and my 90 Cherokee, 95 Saturn Wagon, and 96 Aerostar are awesome, reliable, and easy to work on. This windstar has had so many failures and every one is a PITA to fix.

[tripletdaddy]

Actually, the EPA forbid, our government, gas prices, pollution, global warming, environmental groups, auto big wigs. Plastic and plastic like materials are a necessary evil. It cuts both ways. It is a wonderful material, but it has limitations that clearly you have found. I can assure you, I share your frustration with its lack of integrity. Unfortunately, in this age where every ounce seems to count, engineers get a bad rap when their bosses push the design limits to the verge of failure to meet more and more impossible expectations. For you, they were too close to failure. Engineers actually hate design imperfections, flaws andfailures. However, they are more and more working with a "gun" at their head. I would find it very difficult working for someone who required me to deliberately "under-engineer" something. But that is what they essentially are doing. They are also trying to keep the price down to make vehicles competively marketable. I've also not found a vehicle that didn't have problems. Sorry.

[4Winds]

I have the same problem with my 2000 LX Windstar - driver side sliding door is jammed. I was able to yank hard to open, but now it is impossible. I suspect the rear u-shape latch is not fully disengaged to allow door to open. Did you have to mechanically open with your allen wrench? I see that it is fastened with three star-shaped screws. I could only got two out and the 3rd bent my torx screwdriver. Thanks for your time and reply.