There are a lot of wires that go through a boot in the door jam, hinge area. These are known to fail just from age and wear. The locks and mirrors are the first to suffer and the speakers are next. Working normally the power locks should not be able to lock with the driver's door when open. The design is close the door and then lock with the key. This is prevent locking the key in the van or worse with the engine running. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of PB
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2015 11:56 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Can front impact cause electrical damage?

As previously posted, my 90 Westy automatic was hit right smack on the driver side front signal light.  The visible damage was a broken signal light cover, very small dent near the signal light and the driver side bumper was broken off.  (The Scion car that backed into me sustained over
$2,500 in damages!)

Since the accident, my driver side automatic door will lock and unlock repeatedly until I close it, but on the passenger side, the locks work perfectly.  Also I've discovered that my adjustable mirrors now only work manually, and I don't know whether or not the window and mirror defrosters work, and don't know how to test them in warm weather.

Is there any wiring in that area that could have come loose?  Could any of these electrical problems have been caused by the impact?

Patti
90 Westy Automatic
Los Angeles

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