Door wiring breakage, sleepy Viper techs...

[Y2K5SRT]

Interesting indeed. I have had a couple minor problems with the driver's side door on my 2000 GTS. The first was that it would occasionally fail to open from the inside. Then the inside handle just failed to work at all ("emergency" release worked fine). Took it in (warranty, of course) and they found that the wire going from the door to the dash had broken in half inside the rubber corrogated tube that connects them. Replaced it and everything was fine. Noticed the driver's side speaker was getting "spotty" and would often cut out as the door was opened. Took it in today and sure enough, another wire broken in half inside the loom. Not sure what the deal is, but am guessing it is because I drive the car. A lot. Just an FYI in case anybody else has similar problems.

Oh, and a funny (to me anyway) side story: The Viper tech I have come to trust in this area is, um, "special". He is a biker and is the only tech in the shop that doesn't wear the "regulation" Dodge uniforms. Indeed, he shows up in tie dye T-shirts, etc. Oh, and he also wears surgical gloves for all of his work - Viper or Caravan. No problem here, because he really is very good (and they know it too). So anyway, I show up today and they pull the GTS into his area. I wander around, planning to give him some crap (in jest) for the apparent broken wire. Twenty minutes go by and he is nowhere to be found. I mention this to the service writer and he takes a look for him. They find him. Asleep in a van he was working on earlier. I got a chuckle out of it and the guys were all over him. "Late night" he grumbles to me as he wanders over to my car. I laugh some more and he gets to work on the Viper. Finishes up quickly and with perfect results, as always.

I suppose it was "improper" and many here would be ticked. He does great work and is a genuinely good guy. Can't blame him for being human every once in a while. I'll be back!

Chris

 

[Matt M PA]

Greetings Chris...I had the same problem with the speaker in my GTS. I posted about it around Labor Day. Anyhow, I patched it myself, and placed the "splice" inside the car so that it would not break again. That is something that really should not ever break. I mean, my Dad's LS400 has 210,000 tough miles, and sort of thing has never happened. Hopefully..these posts will help others who run into this problem.

 

[sbkim]

Has anyone else had this problem?? My door speaker stopped working and I believe this is the culprit. I was hoping that I can do this myself...

 

[Steve-Indy]

Check here:

http://vca2.viperclub.org/forums/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=UBB14&Number=364464&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&vc=1

 

[Got_Vnum]

You may as well replace the whole wiring harness on the drivers side, its not expensive under $200 if I remember correctly. Once one wire goes, the rest will follow. Replacing the whole thing will not only get you new wires, but a new rubber tube with fresh seals to keep out moisture. I had mine done at DC Performance when my drivers door switch was failing.

 

[sbkim]

Got Vnum - thanks for the info. I am planning to have this replaced under my extended warranty.

 

[Got_Vnum]

Got Vnum - thanks for the info. I am planning to have this replaced under my extended warranty.

No prob sbkim. I was born and raised in Chicago so Im sure your anxious to get as much summer driving in as possible and not have the car in for service. Hopefully it wont take them too long.

 

[Jcoopacr2000]

Had the same problem with my 2000, driver door wouldnt open unless I used the emergency latch. Then remote mirrow control quit working also. Dealer replaced wiring harness covered by extended warrenty and PRESTO , good as new !!