Component Description

Some vehicles are equipped with a power sliding door system. Vehicles may be equipped with only a right side power sliding door or a right and left side power sliding doors. The components of the power sliding door system are:

Key Fob:

- Door motor assembly
- Latch assembly
- Sliding door control module
- Lower drive unit assembly
- Flex drive assembly
- Wire harness and track
- Lower drive unit track and rack assembly
- Full open switch
- B-pillar switch
- Overhead console switch
- Key fob switches.
- Pawl switch
- Ratchet switch
- Child lockout and handle switches

Each power sliding door has its own door control module, located in the center of the door behind the door trim panel. The power sliding door motor is located in the front portion of the door, on the inner door panel sheet metal. The latch assembly is located in the rear of the power sliding door, near the body line. The lower drive unit is attached to the lower door hinge. The flex drive assembly connects the door motor to the lower drive unit. The wire harness and track and the lower drive unit track are visible with the door open in the lower door sill area. The power sliding door full open switch is located under the lower drive unit and is part of the hold open latch assembly. The pawl, ratchet, handle and child lockout switches are all located on the power sliding door latch assembly. The B-pillar switch is an open and close command switch located on the interior B-pillar trim. The overhead console switch, is an open and close command switch located in the vehicle's overhead console.

Software technology has enabled the power sliding door control module to detect resistance to door travel. This allows the power sliding door to stop and reverse direction any time an obstruction is felt or any of the command switches are operated (while closing only). Battery voltage is supplied to the power sliding door system through a 40 amp fuse, located in the Integrated Power Module (IPM) assembly. The child lockout switch prevents children from opening or actuating the power sliding door system when desired. In the unlikely event that the power sliding door system develops a fault, the power sliding door can still be operated manually from the interior or exterior door handle, just like a standard manual sliding door.

The power sliding door control module communicates on the Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) Data Bus Circuit. Therefore, the power sliding door control module can generate and store its own Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). A diagnostic scan tool, such as the DRB III (R) is used to read and diagnose these trouble codes.

NOTE: It may be possible to generate Sliding Door Diagnostic Trouble Codes during normal power sliding door operation.

WARNING: BE CERTAIN TO READ ALL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS IN POWER SLIDING DOOR OPERATION BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SERVICE OF THE POWER SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM OR COMPONENTS.

With the push of a power sliding door open/close command switch (key fob, overhead console or B-pillar mounted) a signal is sent out to the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM then sends a signal out on the Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) Data Bus circuit to the power sliding door module. The power sliding door module then signals the power sliding door latch to release the door to the unlatched and movable position. The motor then starts an open cycle.

During the door cycle, if the power sliding door module detects sufficient resistance to door travel, such as an obstruction in the door's path, the power sliding door module will immediately stop door movement and reverse door travel to the full open or closed position. The ability for the power sliding door module to detect resistance to door travel is accomplished by hall effect sensors detecting the door motor speed.

The power sliding door control module has the ability to learn. Anytime a door is opened or closed using the power sliding door system the module learns from its cycle. If a replacement power sliding door component is installed or a door adjustment is made, the module must re-learn the effort required to open or close the door. A learn cycle can be performed with a complete cycle of the door, using any one of the command switches or with the DRB III, or equivalent scan tool.

The power sliding door system is designed with a number of system inhibitors. These inhibitors are necessary for safety and/or feasibility of the power sliding door system. The power sliding door system inhibitors are:

- The power sliding door must be in the full open or closed position in order for the power sliding door system to start a cycle. If the door is not in this position (based on the input from the full open, pawl or ratchet switches) the door control module will not respond to command switch inputs.
- The transmission must be in park or neutral in order for the power sliding door system to start a cycle.
- The child lockout switch must be in the "UNLOCKED" position in order for the power sliding door systems B-pillar switches to function.
- If multiple obstacles are detected during the same power open or dose cycle the power sliding door may go into full manual mode.
- If severe Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are stored in the power sliding door control module the power sliding door may go into full manual mode.
- Due to the high pressure created in the passenger compartment with the blower motor on high, the power sliding door may not complete a power close cycle unless a window is cracked, allowing the pressure to escape. This situation will only be experienced on some vehicles, or vehicles with brand new side door weather seals installed.
- The fuel tank filler door must be in the closed position. Due to the sliding door interference with the open fuel tank filler door, a mechanical linkage prevents the side door from opening and striking the fuel door. Refer to the Body section for detailed information on the fuel door lockout feature.