1997 Tahoe Barn Doors not locking/unlocking- HELP!

[MrFleming007]

Ok, so the electric lock on the barn door isn't working. Can lock and unlock it just fine with the key. Cleaned all the contacts, and even went so far as to replace the switch, solenoid and door contacts with units that I confirmed to be working before hand (got them from a wrecking yard escalade that had just arrived).

The rest of the doors lock and unlock just fine. What could be cuasing the problem? Is there a relay somewhere that I'm missing?

Please help! Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[Monstar_est87]

I have the same problem... I bought a new door lock actuator and still nothing... I think the rods and hardware might b effin up sumwhere...

 

[bowtiefreak]

clean the contactors on the door sill. My guess is that they are corroded.

 

[SunlitComet]

On the contacts you replaced did you do just the door side or body side to. Should always do them is sets.

 

[Ironman1979]

you could always do the redneck test light trick and see if your even getting power back there.. just hook a 12 volt light to the connectors and have a buddy hit the lock and unlock buttons and see if it lights up.. if not then you can work backwards from there

 

[MrFleming007]

Ok, here is where I'm at. New contacts, both sides, new actuator and new switch. Was still getting no power to the rear. Finally hoped a wire pinger up and traced the wire to the front and found a break in the line under the drivers side sill plate. Previous owner had cut the wire for an alarm system install. Reconnected the wire and.......

No dice.

So, looked through some manuals and discovered that the keyless entry module apparently sends the signal to the barn doors. Sure enough, I ended up tracing the wire to the module. Seems that after some quick testing I've got a dead relay inside the module itself, so I'm going to try replacing that next. Will keep everyone updated!

 

[SunlitComet]

If your side doors work the relays should not be the problems. Look for a break somewhere between the two splices where all the lock wiring mate to the relay outputs and the rear body harness. If IRC should be behind the left kick panel. One splice will have white wires the other tan.

 

[MrFleming007]

OK guys, figured it out finally. Previous owner had done a hackjob install of an alarm system and had cut the wires in about a half dozen locations, then had done a terrible job of restoring the wiring when the system was taken out. Restored all the electrical connections and finally got a closed circuit reading at the rear door pins. HOWEVER, even though the reading was closed when the pins were in the extended position, they would lose some continuity when pushed in. Had to take the connectors apart and polish all the internal elecrical connectors, and also bend the connection "wings" out on the pins to make better connection throughout the range of motion. Be carefull taking these apart and don't use too much pressure or you could break the plastic! Greased all the pins and reinstalled. Solved the problem.

Problem #2- Keyless entry.

Well, found a key fob from a '98 Tahoe and programmed it to the keyless entry. Worked as expected, but no responce from the rear hatch when double pushing the "Rear x2" button. No relay click, nothing. Went down to the local pick and pull yard and grabbed another keyless module (this one came from a '99 Suburban with barn doors and also came with fobs), plugged it in, and Bingo, barn doors now work with the "Rear X2" button! So, I had a combination of problems going on, but hopefully this helps everyone else out. If I had to do it again, I would have taken pictures, lol.