Sliding Door Lock

[sneddi]

Hello All,

Details of my Astro Day Van are below

1996 Astro day Van
Vin #: 1GNDM19W5TB108021
Engine Size: 4290
Number of Cylinders: 4 Cylinders
Drive Train: RWD
Transmission: Automatic
Number of Doors: 4 Doors

The sliding door has always been temperamental regarding locking.

When closing recently the catch in the door remained firmly up and the door would not close at all. I took it to my local garage as I thought that it may be something simple. They sent the lock to an american car parts company who say they can get the lock to work intermitantly only.

Has any one any advice or can they direct me to a parts company that may be able to help

Thanks

Sneddi

[Phantom]

Are you referring to the locking mechanism that holds the door closed or the lock mechanism that locks the door so you have to use a key to enter ?

Are you sure you have a 1996 with a 4 cylinder engine?? 96 came with a V6 4.3l engine
If you have a good salvage yard around you can find a van that has a good working latch mechanism for cheap $ , a new one may be expensive ,
rockauto.com is a good place to get parts , a GM dealer can provide you with part numbers

[RECox286]

Hey Sneddi,

Get thee to a Junk Yard, Pronto ! You will most likely find that the lock assembly for the sliding door is pretty much the same on all models. However, to be sure, take your lock assy with you to match up.

Bob

[Phantom]

I can say from experience that the sliding door latch /lock mechanism on a 96 only matches some 94 all 95 ,96 models and very early production year 97 , as in 97 there was a design change that is different and the mech has changed , when looking for a new sliding door outside handle rockauto.com showed to be the best place to get a good quality handle as this handle design fits only the years noted above. Very few places carry it,

['cudapaul]

Gonna take a guess that the sliding door latch is flipped shut:

1. Have the door unlocked, open, and someone holding it;

2. Locate the latch at the rear of the door and place a phillips screwdriver or round rod in the hole that grabs the strike on the body;

3. Have your helper pull back on the outside door handle and it it there;

4. Pull the screwdriver out of the latch towards the inside of the van causing the strike to open.

The door should now shut properly and remain latched closed when shut.

Don't slam the door. Ever.

[Leeann_93]

According to the 8th digit of your VIN, you have an CSFI engine. Which is the GM 4.3L V6 'Vortec' with Central Sequential Port Fuel Injection (a spider that fires sequentially instead of all at the same time, like my CPI).

If you let us know where you're located (not in North America is my guess since you call it a Day Van), it would help us.