The power sliding door on my 2004 Toyota Sienna is broken. It will cost $1800 to replace the motor. How can I disconnect the motor to make it a manual door? The dealer said everything runs through the motor and they can't disconnect the motor or cut any wires for safety reasons.
My 2004 sliding door motor broke about a year ago and I cut the broken motor cables and used it like that for about a year. So you can jjust cu the steel cable that move the door and turn off the system using the switch in the dash.
After it broke I bought a used motor assembly in ebay for about $300 and it sat in my garage for about a year. Yesterday I decided to installed it myself. The installation was not straightforward. It took me about 3.5 hours to complete because it was the first time I do something like that. There is a bulletin on the internet for faulty 2004 sienna doors and it has the instructions for the installation.
I also changed the center hinge which is part of the bulleting and I get it from the same person I bought the motor assembly. I believe the motor is about $1200 new and the left and right side are different.
The dealer quote me $200 for the installation of the used motor. If they know what they are doing they can do it in 1.5 hrs. Try to get a used one if you can. Or get a quote for installation somewhere else.
I would try a good independant body shop. They put back together autos that have been in accidents. Explain your situation to the manager and see if he has a solution.
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