rspahn

Driver's side sliding door sticks when opening, and they say it's the switch for the gas door - some kind of safety lockout. They tried lubing it, but that made it worse. They say it'll cost thousands to replace - they can't really say how much. Any ideas what you call these things, or where it is or what I can try? I can't even find it on a google search, repair manual search. Tried gas door, sliding door sticks, sliding door latch, etc.
Thanks.

Bert

What year is it?

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Bert

rspahn

Sorry - new to the forum and don't know the ropes. It's a 2002 Windstar SEL.

Bert

It must be the power sliding door you're talking about. When does it stick? Does it seem like the latch or as it starts to move? There are a lot of components that are involved on that type of door. You could also try reinitisalizing the door. Check page 84 for directions. Does it open okay manually?

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Bert

rspahn

Thanks for your reply, Bert. Yes it's a power sliding door. It seems to hang up the moment it opens, as though there is interference from a latch or release that can't let go.

The handles engage the power feature, so there really is no manual mode unless maybe I turn off the overhead switch to disengage the power feature. I will check that tonight when I am home.

As I said earlier, the dealership mechanics told me the thing hanging up is the gas cap safety switch, and that is what I am looking for - going through the manual and repair documents that I can find (signed up for $29.99 online repair manual) I cannot find a reference to a gas cap switch or sliding door gas cap safety switch. If I could locate it and the associated documents, I might have an idea of where to start looking for the problem. I was hoping to connect with someone who has serviced or replaced one of these, or at least someone who has had the same problem.
Thanks again.

Bert

Is the online repair manual Alldata? It's a good one. They have the diagram for it. The gas door switch won't even let you open the door at all, it acts like it's locked. Try manually when the gas door is open.

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Bert

rspahn

I signed with eautorepair.net - don't know how to rate it yet, but haven't found that switch. We did try leaving the gas door open and pushing the rke, and the sliding door did not move. It's just sticking an the wrong position when not engaged, or not fully retracting, I think. Do you know what they call it officially? So I can look it up?
Thanks.

Bert

The switch is called "fuel door interlock switch". If the door operates different with the fuel door open, it wouldn't be that switch.

All data is the best in my oppinion. Alldata shows it in the wiring diagrams not sure about eautorepair.

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Bert