Help! 2004 Chevy Venture door stuck closed (Page 1/2)
Csjag JUN 15, 04:34 PM
I have a Venture van with a stuck passenger side sliding door. Its stuck closed but the power lock works, the door handles seem to work but the door will not unlatch, it is a manual door not a power sliding one. I have the inside panel off but I can't see where to release the latch. Anyone know? Thanks
carnut122 JUN 15, 10:04 PM
We had a 94 Transport. It seems that mine did that once and I had to push (bump it with my shoulder) outwards real hard from the inside while I had the door handle in the open position.

[This message has been edited by carnut122 (edited 06-15-2014).]

Csjag JUN 15, 10:18 PM
Okay thanks ill try that, I think if I can open it and lubricate the latch I can get it to work better
carnut122 JUN 16, 10:14 AM

quote
Originally posted by Csjag:

Okay thanks ill try that, I think if I can open it and lubricate the latch I can get it to work better



You might also want to clean and silicone the door weatherstrip as that might be what is sticking.
Csjag JUN 16, 12:55 PM
Well I tried that but door wouldn't budge, is there something I can press inside the door that will release the latch?
carnut122 JUN 17, 08:02 AM
Mine was the plastic bodied Transport, so I'm guessing yours is different. But, I had both front doors on mine have issues where I had to pull their panels and insert a longer bolt and there was also some JB Weld involved. Not sure if that has anything to do with yours. So, neither the inside handle or outside handle is functional? Or, is it the door doesn't unlock? Do you see/hear the solenoid moving when you hit the unlock button? I would assume that if it's a solenoid problem, you'd be able to grab the rod with needle nose and give it a tug. Likewise, if it's a handle issue (not like as you apparently tried both of them), you should be able to manually activate it from inside the door. Can you post pictures of the mechanisms inside of the door?

[This message has been edited by carnut122 (edited 06-17-2014).]

James Bond 007 JUN 17, 10:29 AM
Try a spray can of STP or spray Lubracant, the type with the skinney straw. Maybe you can spray it between the door or if the window retracts, put the straw between the window rubber and glass,then spray twards the latching mechanism. Then try bumping the door again.
Csjag JUN 18, 09:06 AM
I have the inside door panel off, this is the passenger side sliding door so there's no window to put down. Its not a power door, Both the inside handle and the outside handle are connected and are moving the rod/latch mechanism. I even trying prying the door out while working the handle and still it wouldn't budge. I guess the piece that hooks over the striker latch is stuck. I wonder if there is something on the backside of the latch I could press to release it. The mechanism seems to be moving when I work the door handle.
James Bond 007 JUN 18, 10:27 AM
Your probubley not going to like my next sugestion....Quite often metal from the door is covering the area you need to look at. You might have to butcher the door with a angel grinder and cut off wheel, only other option, I can think of, would be to take it to the dealer.
Monkeyman JUN 18, 10:33 AM
Have you tried pushing IN on the door (like you were going to close it) while messing with the handles? This might take pressure off the latch.