How to Disable Sliding Door Motors in a 2002 Dodge Caravan

The 2002 Dodge Caravan was equipped with three engines; a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder, a standard fuel 3.3-liter V-6, and a flex-fuel 3.3-liter V-6. The 2002 Dodge Caravan was equipped with power sliding doors on some models. The power sliding doors allow the passengers to open and close the doors automatically, with the assistance of a flex drive system and a power door motor. Safety issues may be a reason why some owners wish to disconnect their power door motors, as children can sometimes accidentally open or close the sliding doors.

Instructions

1

Open one of the sliding door you wish to disable the door motor on, slightly so that you can access the inner trim panels. Remove the six trim plate push fasteners on the upper door frame molding, using a screwdriver to pop the push fasteners loose. Gently pry the molding loose from the door frame with a trim panel removal tool. If you do not have a trim panel tool, you can wrap a flat-head screwdriver in electrical tape.

2

Remove the 13 push pin fasteners from the door panel, using a flat-head screwdrivers to disengage the fasteners. If you are working on the driver's side sliding door panel, remove the single mounting screw from the center of the ashtray on the door panel. Use a Phillips screwdriver or Torx bit hand driver to remove the screw and the ashtray. Pull the door panel off gently, using your panel tool or wrapped screwdriver. Remove the sliding door panel from the van, and away from your work area.

3

Remove the weather shield from the door frame, using a hair dryer to lightly heat the bonding element on the weather shield. Pull the weather shield down slowly, heating the bonding element, until you have completely exposed the power door motor and control module.

4

Disconnect the cinch release power connector to the power door motor, located at the bottom center of the door frame. Wrap the exposed end of the motor power connector in electrical tape, to ensure that there is no electrical contact between the connector and any portion of the door. Tape the exposed end of the the plug receiver on the power door motor. This will ensure no damage occurs to the exposed electrical receiver, in case you ever decide to reconnect the power door motor.

5

Install the weather seal back onto the door frame by heating the bonding element slightly, then pushing the bonding adhesive onto the door frame. Install the lower door panel onto the door and insert the 13 push pin fasteners into the door panel by hand. Install the upper door frame molding and install the six push pin fasteners into the upper molding panel. Install the screw into the driver's side ashtray bezel, and tighten it snug with your driver.