99 Grand Caravan rear vent windows
 

My right rear vent window died in the open position. I removed the actuator and found that the switch is indeed delivering both polarities. Thought it might be a brush problem but I see the actuator was not built to be repaired. It appears plastic pins were melted together with a waffle iron to hold it shut. Wondered if anyone has experience opening these things as it seems the ones at U Pick are just as likely to be bad.

thanx,

jh

My right rear died in the closed position....w/need it for summer here in Phoenix...<G>...where IS that actuator - how do I get to it? TIA.

You pull the interior trim panel back far enough to access the motor.

It is right by the window. The shaft coming out of the plastic trim is part of it. I popped that ball joint loose so I could close the window. Next I popped off the bottom trim across the back of van that is by the latch. Then the rear top piece that goes all the way across. I used s flat pry bar to pop out the large trim piece that goes by the door all the way up by the window so I wouldn't break the old brittle fasteners. \

Next I took two screws (as I remember) out of the blower duct and raised the bottom of it up and then wiggled it loose from the ducts at the top. Now you can easily get to the actuator, just pop the power connector off first.

When the linkage is fully extended I just force the elbow slightly closed to "unlock" it then push the window closed. If it's not fully extended I just push the window closed.

Update:

I drilled thru the waffle weld with a 3/16" bit just past the depth of the lid. Then pried the lid off using mini pry bar and screwdriver to work my way around. Looks like there is a bi-metal thermal overload near the motor. I hot wired the motor and it ran. So either motor had a dead spot which I can not find, the worm gear was jammed or the thermal was stuck open. In the process of opening it I 'fixed it'. I hate not know how. It is held together with tie wraps at the moment. I think I will drill the holes out with a 3/32" bit and put it together with some 4-40 screws. Oops, those are already moved to the new home, guess it will be tie wraps for now.

Now while I have the trim askew I will move on to the left side which quit in the closed position.

I really need that extra flow through ventilation with the dogs in the back.

jh