I had a similar problem, and one of the listmembers suggested WD-40 or
other similar lubricant on the latch that is part of the rear of the
sliding door. After initially dismissing this as the fix - it was way
too simple a fix for a Vanagon problem, I tried it, and it worked like a
charm.

I guess there is something about having a Vanagon that makes you think
anything that goes wrong must have a complex or hidden solution!

Todd
'88 Westy

Mark Mages wrote:

>Hey there - I'm back (not that you missed me) after
>about a year.  Nothing too exciting has happened with
>the van, but I'm about to start getting dirty.  The
>plans for the future include building a subwoofer box
>and new front panel (integrated) for the rear seat.
>The cylinder head gaskets look like they will survive
>the summer, but must be redone before next winter.
>
>The order of business for today is:
>
>My sliding door will not latch.  I picked up some
>idiot hitchhikers who slammed my door a couple of
>times when they were getting out, and now it doesn't
>want to latch at all.  I almost lost my girlfriends
>v-day present when it flew open on the way to work.
>
>It will latch if I am EXTREMELY gentle sliding it, and
>then push it in to get it to hold... with the lock
>engaged.
>
>I searched the archives, and came up with the same
>problem, but no solution.
>
>Help.
>
>Thanks!
>
>=====
>Mark
>84 Rocco
>87 Westfalia
>96 Rockhopper Comp (commuter)
>98 Yeti AS-R XC (freeride)
>01 Schwinn Fastback Ltd (in progress)
>http://student.fortlewis.edu/~mwmages
>
>
>
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