After searching the forums, I am unable to find a thread addressing a problem I am having with the door lock. If the window is up, I cannot close the drivers door as the door latch remains closed. If I lower the window manually about an inch, the door closes. Also when I open the door, it doesn't look like the window is fully retracting. Once inside I can put the window all the way up by pushing the door switch.
I have replace both the door latch mechanism and the door control module as well so am not sure if there is something I am missing. I don't know if the window mechanism has its own micro switch. I suppose its possible the replacement door latch has a failed micro switch, but am not sure that's even the problem. Anyone know if the window control is part of the door control module or is related to a micro switch failure.

 

Have you reset the limit switches that make the window auto drop to clear the rubber as the door is opened and lift after it is closed?

To reset the window limit switches if they have lost their position memory.
With the door closed, hold the down switch until the window is all the way down. Keep holding the button until a faint, almost inaudible click. Power the window back up and hold the switch until you hear another faint click. You will need to do this to both windows.

Graham

 

Thanks Graham, Yes I ran through the reset operations again just to be sure and no luck. The window only does a partial retract of about a 1/4" which is far less than the passenger door. Am wondering if the problem could reside in the door window regulator. If not, is there a micro switch in the door latch responsible for this operation.

 

Did you have the same problem before you replaced the door latch?

 

YES - a micro switch controls this door handle/glass movement. However, I'd expect the auto lift either works or doesn't work. The drop should be 12mm and if it's only half this then the guide runner adjustment screws may be loose.

Graham

 

Yes, this is why I replaced the door latch . When that didnt work, I replaced the door control module.

 

I think you have no choice but to open the door back up and (if it were me I would do this) try and operate the door to see jus what the devil is going in in there.

If I understand,,,, the window being all the way up, or partly down, has an effect on the door locks and the the striker clasp engaging and disengaging? That's a new one.

Maybe the window is coming into contact with those two punky door and lock handle linkage bits? Or, like someone said the window flipping around in the cavity making contact with things OR,,,,

Are you sure you have the correct control module?
Have you tried the old one, again?

 

Friend, are you saying the latch is somehow connected to window height / movement? Please don't be insulted but I don't think that's possible.

OTOH

After living with a drooping drivers door for a while, I've seen this:
Driver door closing, latch strikes the post at the same time the out of aligned window edge strikes raised rubber on rear window edge causing a spring backwards effect.
Now door isn't latched to the post, but the latch tripped closed as door was sprung back by window misalignment.

You quickly learn to unlatch the sprung door latch with screwdriver while pulling on inside handle to open. Technically you can use your finger but be careful

Friend, if my Hypothesis is correct, you've got a window misalignment. How to test?
Lower roof, lower rear windows. Nothing to bang against that way. Fingers crossed that window isn't tilted forward hitting front rubber, but that'd be really unusual. Try closing the door now. Works OK?

Are you 100%, absolutely positive the battery is fully charged? Window reset issues are so often tied to this, its worth checking.

Reset procedure. Roof closed. You in driver seat, all windows closed. Start engine. Press left right front window open buttons. Hold. Hold for window open + 5 seconds or until you hear both thermal breakers trip. Repeat to raise windows hold at top +5 seconds or breaker noise.
Repeat at least 1 more time!

I hope this helps.

John

 

So I decided to carefully measure the drop in both windows using tape and micrometer. The passenger door drops 11 mm. When I tried this on the driver door, I discovered something I completely missed. When opening the door from the inside, the door drops 11mm when I pull on the latch. When I release the latch, the window goes up immediately instead of staying down which prevents the door from closing. I have to drop the window down to close the door. Am thinking this must be a microswitch in the door latch?

 

Hahaha, yes. Micro switch! You got it
Well, most likely

 

You and Jay may be right. But I've seen this to be battery / window travel reset so much more frequently.

Let's think this through. If bad microswitch (ms), car can't tell if door is open or closed. If the car thinks door is open you'll get Driver door open message on your display ALL THE TIME, ALL THE YEARS!!
IN 1997 1998 & (maybe 1999?) Years the puddle light is switched through this microswitch. It is on when the car thinks the door is open as per the microswitch. I remember that they changed that in one of the early 2000 years, doesn'tswitch throughthe microswitch. Not sure about 1999.

Open the door
Is door open message showing? Yes, car thinks door is open. Puddle light should be on.
No message? But the door is open? = proved to microswitch.

What does display/puddle light show with door closed? Probably same thing, just checking.

John

 

Good points... Interested in the answer.

 

OK, so this was a good test. I checked with door open, no puddle light on when driver door opens and no driver door open message as well. The passenger door does work. So it sounds like your correct in that the door micro switch in the door latch has failed.

 

100% agreed. Nice job!

I think Jay and Graham called it 1st, go Jay / Graham!

John

 

1. You know the switch is available from retail electronics supply stores for less than $10 right?
I use DigiKey.
2. If you don't know the part # its here in many posts.
3. Don't be intimidated by the job. Lots of steps, but nothing too complicated. More of a pita job.

John

 

Thanks John, yes I have seen the video posted on this so will look into it. I want to thank everyone on this site for their help. This is one of the better car forums for sure. Mark