7.0
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- No data
- Average Mileage:
- 65,100 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 2 complaints
Most common solutions:
- possible bad grounding in door (wiring) (1 reports)
- replace wiring harness (1 reports)
This problem first appeared several years ago. When it first occurred I assumed the contacts in the switch assembly were dirty/corroded so I removed it, cleaned it and applied dielectric grease. This seemed to work for a bit. When the problem appeared several months later my above "fix" did nothing.
The problem is this. On the driver's side the only switches that work control the sliding door windows and the rear vent window. The door switches can not control the mirrors, either front window or the door locks. When I mentioned this problem to an independent mechanic he knew immediately what the problem was. It is a too short wiring harness in the door.
This makes sense. When my door is near full open the switches operate everything. When the door is closed, I have this problem. This is a huge PITA.
A while back I brought my GC in for a plethora of recall work. Go figure. While there I mentioned my problem and asked if there was a recall for a wiring harness issue. Negative. Yet there is a recall for the GC model with an electrically controlled sliding door due to chaffing. None for the driver's door.
This is interesting because the Dodge Journey has the exact same problem (too short of a wiring harness) and yet there is a recall. Read the following:
http://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-journey/313857-buttons-on-driver-s-side-door-trim-panel-not-working.html
Got a quote from my local Dodge dealer to fix said problem and when I was quoted nearly $400 my response was no thanks. Look, the 2008 was a new redesigned model. Problems are bound to manifest themselves. Dodge should own up to this problem like they did with the Journey and replace out wiring harnesses. Luckily when I got the quote the parts guy was kind enough to provide the part# on the form. He said by the part and do it yourself if the dealer is not going to help. I listed the part# as 4869307AF. If you can remove the door panel you should be able to do this repair yourself for under $125. But then again, why should WE have to pay for a defective design???
BTW, I have yet to order the new wiring harness. Having to cough up $125 at present is a tough pill to swallow for me. Thanks for reading this rant.
- v65, Chicago, US
The wiring connection may need to be cleaned and re secured under the door trim. Removing the fuse can often reset the door locks and get them working again, but may me a temporary solution.
- jjeffries, Denver, US