Power sliding door roller has always been sticky?

2004 CHEVROLET VENTURE
90,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD
Avatar
DOBBY007
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I bought this van and the power sliding door has always been sticky I press the button an the door wont open but if i open it slightly then press the button it works. I found out the roller wheel was damaged really bad and the other one was barely working so i ordered a replacement and took apart the rear quarter panel trim to change it out. I have replaced the part but cant figure out how to adjust tension on the cable.

It seems loose no matter how many times i try to tighten it.
Oct 2, 2024 at 8:35 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,233 POSTS
Yep, there is a procedure that needs to be followed, here is the instructions in the images below. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Oct 2, 2024 at 11:08 AM
Avatar
CAROL.SOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I need to step by step direction on how to remove and return cable on the right automatic sliding door. how do you get enough slack to connect the cable ends?
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,233 POSTS
Hello,

There are two different methods of adjusting the sliding door cables here are both in the diagrams below. . Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
MIKKO HAMUNEN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Just installed new (used one) Power Sliding door motor with cables on My 2002 Montana. I can't move the door roller but 10-15 cm? Is this due to cable tension system of what?
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,233 POSTS
It sounds like the cables are not adjusted correctly, check out the third diagram on the post above, also can you shoot a quick video with your phone so I can see what's going on? You can upload it with your response.
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
MIKKO HAMUNEN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Tried to decrease tension, wire cable still stuck!
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,233 POSTS
I would remove the cable hookup to see if the door moves freely, if so, replace the cable/motor assembly. Please let us know how it turns out.
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
MIKKO HAMUNEN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
As you can see my second pic, the door is not connected on the roller. So obviously door moves freely but the roller does not move but 10 cm.
Maybe my decreasing tension was bad idea, I should do increasing tension instead?
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,233 POSTS
Yes, I would give it a try, but it still sounds like the cable and motor are the problem.
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
MIKKO HAMUNEN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Problem with motor... can't be because manual use is possible as well.
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,233 POSTS
is there a chance you can shoot a video with your phone?
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:37 AM (Merged)
Avatar
MIKKO HAMUNEN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Video inside. no moving parts to see, video outside. same as previous picture?
I don't understand what you could see in video.
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:38 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,233 POSTS
I see, check my post on the from August 19 it shows how to set the tension on the cables, let me know how it goes.
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:38 AM (Merged)
Avatar
DOBBY007
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hey Mikko! did you ever find out what the problem was? I am having the exact same issue and would love to know how to you fixed it thank you! :)
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:38 AM (Merged)
Avatar
DOBBY007
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I had to replace the sliding roller mechanism as well and now I cant get the cables to stay tight anyone who can help me please
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:38 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,233 POSTS
It could be the cable motor itself. Did you follow the instructions above? There must be some reason the cables keep coming loose. How do the cables look? Are they starting to come apart at the ends? Do you have an image or video I can look at?
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:39 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,233 POSTS
It could be the cable motor itself. Did you follow the instructions above? There must be some reason the cables keep coming loose. How to the cables look are they starting to come apart at the ends? Do you have an image or video I can look at?
Oct 3, 2024 at 2:39 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.