I opened the back end of the 96 Grand Caravan to unload some stuff, but now the latch is actually closed, and I can't get it to open so I can close the door again. The power locks seem to work, and the key does too, but the latch won't come open. I can push it farther closed, but it will not open beyond where it is in this picture. I've taken the door apart and pulled the latch assy, but there is no way to take it apart any further. It doesn't seem to be sticky, but is instead maybe hitting a stop in the mechanism. Any ideas on how to fix this thing? I can't close the door, and the dealer probably can't look at it until Monday.
Dave, how did it get in the closed position? Did the kids poke their fingers around in the latch and "close" it? There is a release mechanism on the latch....activate it and pull it open with your finger or a dowel rod similar to how it would open with the striker being in place as you open the door. Try thato No:
Adam, absolutely nothing happened to that door from the time I opened it fully, to when I tried to close it. I pushed it down, and knew the latch was stuck closed, from the sound it made. I did try pushing the latch open with a flat screwdriver while operating the release mechanism, with no luck whatsoever... so I decided to reassemble the rear door, and have the dealer look at it Monday. Guess what happened? I operated the release mechanism while putting it in place in the door, and it released! ou: Must have been the "hammer taps" I applied while I had it out :spank: Anyway, it seems to be working fine now. I'm curious what the power wire does that attaches to the latch? I'm guessing it is the "door ajar" sensor. It is not tied in at all to the power lock mechanism, so must be the sensor. Maybe the PB Blaster I shot in there will keep the latch working for a while... :rant:
