[JackG]

Hello fellow STS owners. This strange issue just started happening to my 2005. I pull the door handle, all doors unlock.. however the drivers door wont open. The only way I am able to get in is to put the key in, then the door opens.

What went wrong?

 

[jaymevb]

mine did this for a few days last week too and now it works. i have no idea why.

 

[chazglenn3]

Drivers door actuator is bad. The keyless system opens the door with an actuator. When using the key it uses a mechanical backup. Many threads here about replacing it.

 

[Neutrocuted]

Mine did it intermittantly at first, then went for one whole day without issues, then wham!!! Totally broke. There are 2 micro switches in the housing inside the door. One or the other has possibly failed. But, as many have mentioned, there are a lot of different things that can go wrong with this "Rube Goldberg" system. A new "Housing K" (which is what the piece is called), is a minimum of $76 online. The worse part about it is the housing doesn't go bad, just the switches, which can be removed from the housing, but cannot be purchased without the housing!!!

This system is used in the Corvette, which is similar to the way the truck opens from the outside on the STS, squeeze the switch behind the rubber boot to release the latch. But that was to create handleless doors, so I think in that case it's a cool way to accomplish the end.

But the STS has handles! No need for electronics... except for future parts sales IMHO! ... as if these cars don't have enough crap on board to go hay-wire.

Don't get me wrong, I still love my STS... but, "DANG GM! How 'bout a break on the prices!!"

 

[ddalder]

The problem is most likely the handle assembly (switches or embedded antenna). As Rippy has mentioned, the actual release "actuator" is RARELY the problem. There are other possibilities such as the Driver Door Module or wiring, but these are by far not the common problems. Troubleshooting is possible depending on your experience and comfort level with disassembly of the door and using a multimeter. Search for threads on this topic, there are a lot of them. In one, I posted some detailed directions for another member on specific troubleshooting techniques. Sorry, I don't recall which thread off hand.

 

[CadiSTS2005]

I seem to be having the same problems as the previous post on 4-06-11. I pull the door handle, all doors unlock, however the drivers door does not open. The only way I am able to get in is to put the key in, then the door opens.

There seems to be various replies regarding this problem, Is there a solution? Please provide me with some assistance.

 

[Neutrocuted]

Mine did the same thing, then it quit all together. There are many things that can go wrong but I believe the weakest link in the system is the micro switches in the door housing. There are 2 switches, I don't know which one does what but if 1 fails, the whole assembly needs to be replaced because the switches are epoxied together as 1 unit, and you cannot buy just the switches. You must buy the whole housing.

Hope this helps.

 

[CadiSTS2005]

I have read that it may be the "actuator" or the "housing K". Not sure which i should look into. I know if i take it to a dealer, they will aim to get every dollar i have out of my wallet.

 

[Neutrocuted]

Follow the instructions on the post and test the housing micro switches. If they test good, you know you will have to look elsewhere. If you don't have the tools to do the test you will either have to take it to a mechanic, dealer or alternative, or use the key from now on. These car aren't cheap to maintain, that's for sure. The friggin' ash tray is over $400!

Good Luck!

 

[AllGoNShow]

I had the same issues, popped up on driver & passenger sides, rarely at the same time. I was always too lazy to take the panels off and start chasing so I toughed it out for a bit, finally got stuck one day outside the shop so I grabbed a bottle of electrical contact cleaner and sprayed the crap out of the slider for the handle and anywhere the nozzle would go. Surprise! It worked, door started popping again, sprayed some more and any hint of hesitation on the popper went away, has never been back since the good clean and haven't had the same problem since then (yet)

 

[AllGoNShow]

These car aren't cheap to maintain, that's for sure. The friggin' ash tray is over $400!

Good Luck!

PS. Found the ashtray on a GM parts website for $90, shipping to Canada ruined it a little for me but better than $400 Not sure if I have the receipt anymore, I will look for it.

 

[Greg00coupe]

The odd thing is this problem comes and goes. Funny if it was a relay I'd think once it quit working it was done for. I too think the touchfree FOB is an overkill. Give me the old FOB push the button once and the door unlocks.

 

[STScaddyman65]

I did the very same thing and it has worked with no more problems, the micro switches can be cleaned by slightly pulling out on the door handle and place the cleaner "straw" into the seal and spray it down good. It works but I don't know why?.....

I had the same issues, popped up on driver & passenger sides, rarely at the same time. I was always too lazy to take the panels off and start chasing so I toughed it out for a bit, finally got stuck one day outside the shop so I grabbed a bottle of electrical contact cleaner and sprayed the crap out of the slider for the handle and anywhere the nozzle would go. Surprise! It worked, door started popping again, sprayed some more and any hint of hesitation on the popper went away, has never been back since the good clean and haven't had the same problem since then (yet)

 

[adrian1747]

I did the very same thing and it has worked with no more problems, the micro switches can be cleaned by slightly pulling out on the door handle and place the cleaner "straw" into the seal and spray it down good. It works but I don't know why?.....

Can you please upload a picture showing me exactly where to spray the door handle at, cause i tried it but it didn't work. However if i pour water over the door handle it works until it dries up.

 

[AllGoNShow]

Don't use water if you can help it! Never good for metal or electronics. I will get a picture for you once it stops raining this morning. Definitely helps with the door open sensors but won't help if your module can't detect you have a key fob (dying module or low battery on key fob). Mine can sense there is a key fob, door lights up and everything, it just won't "pop" so this is what the fix is for.

 

[adrian1747]

Don't use water if you can help it! Never good for metal or electronics. I will get a picture for you once it stops raining this morning. Definitely helps with the door open sensors but won't help if your module can't detect you have a key fob (dying module or low battery on key fob). Mine can sense there is a key fob, door lights up and everything, it just won't "pop" so this is what the fix is for.

I really appreciate your help. That's exactly what my door does, it unlocks all the doors when i pull the door handle but it just wont open. Hopefully it stops raining soon.

 

[AllGoNShow]

Well I was going to take a picture for you but someone showed up with cash and took my car If you open your door handle, take some electrical contact cleaner, pull the handle open as far as it will go. You will be able to see the plastic tracking that the handle is sliding on, put your nozzle on your cleaner, stick it in to that track as far as it will go and let it spray for a good 10 seconds, part of it is going to be cleaning, the other part is just going to help move the debris away from the sliding area (on to your window if it is open haha ). You may have to do it once or twice or a few times over a few days to get it all, I find open/close/open/close, spray spray, open/close/open/close, spray spray, open/close go drive for a day or two and see how it goes. The pulling of the handle will also help loosen whatever is stuck in there.

 

[Cadi D]

Hey AllGoNShow,

Really appreciate your help in solving this problem with the door. I have a 2006 STS and the drive door would not open and the other three doors would just unlock. After reading your suggestion, I went to Walmart and bought a can of the QD Electronic Cleaner and spray into the handle with holding the handle open, sprayed about 1/4 of the can using the nozzle. At the same time, I'm moving the door handle open and close several times. After about 3-4 minutes, the driver door starts to operate fine and freely and it sounded better too. I removed the small black plug above the door latch and spray cleaner in there and point it down. Next I sprayed around the latch on door and above the latch to clean out all the gunk. By then, the opener in the door was working very smooth.

You've been very helpful.
Danny

 

[AllGoNShow]

Hey AllGoNShow,

Really appreciate your help in solving this problem with the door. I have a 2006 STS and the drive door would not open and the other three doors would just unlock. After reading your suggestion, I went to Walmart and bought a can of the QD Electronic Cleaner and spray into the handle with holding the handle open, sprayed about 1/4 of the can using the nozzle. At the same time, I'm moving the door handle open and close several times. After about 3-4 minutes, the driver door starts to operate fine and freely and it sounded better too. I removed the small black plug above the door latch and spray cleaner in there and point it down. Next I sprayed around the latch on door and above the latch to clean out all the gunk. By then, the opener in the door was working very smooth.

You've been very helpful.
Danny

Awesome Glad I could help out. Mine got to the same point I would say approx 10 months later, some more cleaner cleaned it right up so keep that stuff handy in your garage . Also works good on any electrical connection that you pull apart, helps keep it clean and keep debris out so if you are doing anything else electrical with connectors that your having problems with, use that stuff too .

1/4 can sounds right, I think i was approx 1/2 can by the time I was done but I was getting a little carried away to make sure it was all clean.

 

[ECha3]

Anything worth doing is worth over-doing?

Go Cards! (Now tied!)