Date:         Sun, 19 Nov 1995 10:28:41 -0600 (CST)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Dan Beatty <danb@sound.net>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Sliding Door Problem

At 09:34 PM 11/17/95 -0600, SkiDooer@aol.com wrote:
>In a message dated 95-11-17 22:01:51 EST, you write:
>
>>>I have noticed a problem with the sliding door on my '87 Vanagon Camper. It
>>>opens while I am driving sometimes (even when locked) and is hard to shut
>
>My '87 used to do this a lot, especially during the winter. Used to think the
>latch or something had been damaged from people slamming the door closed hard
>like you have to do with full-size US vans. Finally, I discovered last winter
>that the latch, which is at the back of the door, was gunked up a little and
>not free enough to catch properly. Some wd-40 freed it up and it quit popping
>open. It started popping open a few weeks ago and the lube job fixed it
>again.
>
>The popping open sure does get the attention of those riding in the back two
>seats, doesn't it? Try checking and lubing the latch...hope it works.
>
>
I would be concerned if my door popped open "whenever". Perhaps the latch is
worn out. More likely it has a broken spring, or most likely it is dirty/and
or/dry. Consider taking it out and cleaning it thoroughly, inspect it for
worn/broken/missing parts. Look in the bottom of the door for mystery pieces
<g>. If it all looks perfect then relube with a GOOD light weight oil. NEVER
EVER use "3in1 household oil" 10 weight motor oil works fine for most of
these things but there are wonder oils available for thoes with a few extra
bucks, or free trade samples <g>.

You may want to file a complaint with VW and NHTSA, latches that open by
themselves are a no-no.