Automatic Side Doors
 

Has anyone adjusted the side automatic doors on a Windstar? Mine is a 2000 model and my wife complains of having to get out of the vehicle and bump the side door closed with her bottom in order to get it to latch. The dealer has suggested I take it to a body shop. I took the inside panel off and the cable drum seems to be able to tension the cable, which I attempted with a half inch drive ratchet, but the process wasn't obvious to me.

Dan: I believe you are my best customer.

The motors for the power doors are purposefully weak and sensitive to resistance. Imagine a toddler's hand in the way of the closing door! Imagine the law suits against the manufacturer that could follow!

Get your can of WD 40 or similar and spray the gunky stuff at the bottom runner, the whole yard! After a minute or so get a rag and wipe that stuff off until it is clean and smooth. Reach into the nook towards the front and fish out all those happy meal toys and candy wrappers. Put a dab of grease on the wheel of the sliding door. (Yes, on the running surfaces of the wheel, not the bearings.) Push your buttons as usual and enjoy a perfectly smooth operating door.

"The dealer has suggested I take it to a body shop." And never ever again talk to that dealer of yours, except for recall jobs!

While you are at it, clean the contacts in the door jambs.

Did you have an Aerostar before the Windstar? I did.

Bluewind,
Thanks very much for the advice. I did have and still do have my 93 Aerostar. It's turned over 200,000 miles and it's the most useful vehicle I've ever owned. No check engine lights, good old manually operated doors. It embarrasses my family to be seen in it though.

I had a '94 XLT 4L rear wheel drive. I too found it excellent for hauling stuff and o.k. for people. The Windstar has much more creature comforts. The Aerostar was just too noisy. I traded it in when the rocker panels started to rust and the engine mounts started to go. But it still ran very well.
They aren't lookers, but those who keep them truly appreciate them.