What is the Sliding Door Motor Assembly all about?

Most vans these days have rear doors on either side that will slide open with just a click from your key fob or press of a button inside. An electric motor is attached to a chain that pulls the door open or closes it along a track. The sliding door motor receives power from the body control module when the input signal occurs and stays powered up until the door reaches its limit. If the sliding door motor assembly is used excessively, it can wear out.

Keep in mind:

• If the sliding door motor assembly stops working, you may have trouble opening the door by hand.
• If your van has two sliding doors, it’s unlikely both will break at the same time, though it can still be very inconvenient even losing one.

How it's done:

• The sliding door is opened and trim panels are removed for access
• The defective sliding door motor assembly is removed
• The new sliding door motor assembly is installed
• The sliding door trim panels are reinstalled
• The power sliding door operation is checked to make sure it opens and closes properly

Our recommendation:

As it is an electrical component, the door motor doesn’t require a set service schedule. It would be prudent to grease the chain and track during an oil change to extend its life. If the sliding door binds or will not open with the power sliding door feature, have one of our expert mechanics diagnose the sliding door motor assembly.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Sliding Door Motor Assembly?

• Power sliding door doesn’t open with the key fob or inside button
• Clicking sound or a metal-on-metal noise can be heard from the door

How important is this service?

If passengers can’t get into the back of your van because the sliding door motor assembly isn’t working, it’s important that you get this fixed ASAP. However, how much losing a sliding door actually limits you is really dependent on your unique situation. Not having this point of access will never keep your car from working, but it will be inconvenient at times.