Chevy & GMC Vans

Hi Guys,

Button to open the dutch doors isn't always working ... sometimes I have to push like hell to make it work or I have to lock and unlock it several times to make it work.

Any suggestions to solve this very annoying problemo on our '99 Astro??

Thanks!

Had the same problem with Green, lubed the latches and the mechanisms in the hatch and it went away.

just did mine today. the winter seems to be hell on it, its amazing what a difference it makes! i keep the little pull strap on the inside off so i can spray lube on the inner mechinism easier also.

FYI - I already tried to lube the latches and mechanism several times - looks to me that it is the button itself that's causing the problem ... is that a possibility?

Anything is possible. You can check the electricals with a meter. Have you pressed the button while watching the mech on the inside? Maybe the solenoid is going bad. If so, new ones are available from http://www.rockauto.com/ for $30-35.

ihatemybike wrote:Maybe the solenoid is going bad.

How hard is it to replace the solenoid?

Not to bad, I had Green's out when I had the tumbler out trying to work it free. Never fixed the tumbler.

Well - I replaced the solenoid ... unfortunately, it didn't solved the "problemo"

I think the button is the culprit and it looks like it isn't a "do it yourself" kinda thing to fix . . .

I just wonder how much $$$ the stealership will charge me to fix it!

its only a momentary contact switch no big deal . you could even buy an aftermarket switch & wire it into the dash somewhere .

skippy wrote:its only a momentary contact switch no big deal . you could even buy an aftermarket switch & wire it into the dash somewhere .

Skippy, can you please give me more details how to make this work ...

Thanks!

BC-Astro wrote:Well - I replaced the solenoid ... unfortunately, it didn't solved the "problemo"

I think the button is the culprit and it looks like it isn't a "do it yourself" kinda thing to fix . . .

I just wonder how much $$$ the stealership will charge me to fix it!

Before you buy a new button, you may want to grab a can of Electrical Contact Cleaner from the auto parts store and try that. I keep a can around for general usage, you would be amazed what it will fix. It restored all the switches in my Astro when I first got it (windows, locks, mirrors). Most of the time the contacts in those switches just gum up from smoke, dirt, and spilled soda. (I have seen soda spills in the head liner, so I know it can get anywhere) This stuff will clean it out. Worse case, take the button apart with some small screwdrivers and manually clean the contacts. Could save you some money...

There is nothing you can't fix yourself. (proper tools may help tho)

-X
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Xephius wrote:[Before you buy a new button, you may want to grab a can of Electrical Contact Cleaner from the auto parts store and try that. I keep a can around for general usage, you would be amazed what it will fix. It restored all the switches in my Astro when I first got it (windows, locks, mirrors). Most of the time the contacts in those switches just gum up from smoke, dirt, and spilled soda. (I have seen soda spills in the head liner, so I know it can get anywhere) This stuff will clean it out. Worse case, take the button apart with some small screwdrivers and manually clean the contacts. Could save you some money...

I Already used electrical contact cleaner on the button and when I replaced the actuator, I was even able to use on the inside but unfortunately it didn't help ...
I figured that the button had to be removed from the inside but I was kinda reluctant to go ahead with it because it is kinda difficult to reach ... can someone please give me some information on how to remove the button without causing any further damage?

Thank you!

I don't have a button to look at so I can't help there... As a quick test, if you short the wires going into the button, does the door pop reliably?

-X
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Xephius wrote:I don't have a button to look at so I can't help there... As a quick test, if you short the wires going into the button, does the door pop reliably?

Almost impossible to reach ... maybe I should consider removing the doors completely and replace them with a curtain

Hi clan,

Maybe I can hotwire the button ...Anyone out there who can help me with this - pleazzzze?

Thanks!