2005 driver door sluggish
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 4
From: Baytown Tx
2005 driver door sluggish
Is anyone having a problem with their driver door becoming sluggish to open when handle is engaged? Is something getting worn out, what is it and how much to get repaired?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,464
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
Take it apart and clean the contacts. Pretty common problem. Only takes about 15 minutes. There are several videos showing how to do it but if you have some mechanical skills, the videos are not really needed. If I recall two screws to remove the assembly and 4 screws to take it apart. Clean the contacts, put it back together and then put it back on the car.
Last edited by HBsurfer; May 6, 2017 at 03:18 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 359
Likes: 47
If you go that route, be extremely careful.
The rubber part (where you squeeze) has a number of tiny nubs which secure a very thin metal plate with multiple "fingers" which serve as contacts. The tubber part is flexible, the plate is very delicate and easily bent, and after many years the nubs become brittle. I was having a similar issue and took the unit apart, only to find someone had apparently already tried cleaning the contacts. The plate was bent and loose where a couple nubs had broken off.
The good news is, a brand-new replacement from a local Chevy dealer was around $20 and change. Only the inner part needs replaced, not the handle frame. And it's 2 screws and one electrical connector, about 30 seconds work to r and r.
The rubber part (where you squeeze) has a number of tiny nubs which secure a very thin metal plate with multiple "fingers" which serve as contacts. The tubber part is flexible, the plate is very delicate and easily bent, and after many years the nubs become brittle. I was having a similar issue and took the unit apart, only to find someone had apparently already tried cleaning the contacts. The plate was bent and loose where a couple nubs had broken off.
The good news is, a brand-new replacement from a local Chevy dealer was around $20 and change. Only the inner part needs replaced, not the handle frame. And it's 2 screws and one electrical connector, about 30 seconds work to r and r.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,266
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
A new outside door switch is extremely cheap. I just bought a brand new GM one for less than $15 shipped. You can take the old one apart and clean the contacts, but replacing with a new one is a no brainer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 29
From: Mount Pleasant SC
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,469
Likes: 1,150
From: Wayne Township WI
Great advise offered, easy & cheap fix, ideal DIY.
Just one thing, a couple members reported it's all-too-easy to accidentally lose grip on wires allowing 'em to slip inside door.
This happens door panel has to come off, an unnecessary PITA.
FWIW taping wires to door after pad removal, prevents this happening. G/L
Just one thing, a couple members reported it's all-too-easy to accidentally lose grip on wires allowing 'em to slip inside door.
This happens door panel has to come off, an unnecessary PITA.
FWIW taping wires to door after pad removal, prevents this happening. G/L
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 783
Likes: 224
From: Chilliwack BC Canada
I followed a similar thread on this forum and someone suggested putting outward force against the door before pushing the button and it worked allowing the door to open completely.
After doing that many times it now opens completely with a single push of the button and minimal pressure against the door.
Last edited by Icecap; May 7, 2017 at 02:38 PM.
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