Sliding door won't close/latch

There could be several reasons why your 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan sliding door is not latching properly. Here are some possible causes:

1. Obstruction in the Door Track: Check the door track for any debris, dirt, or foreign objects that may be blocking the door from closing fully. Clean the track and remove any obstructions.
2. Broken or Misaligned Door Hinges: If the door hinges are damaged or misaligned, the door may not close properly. Inspect the hinges for any signs of damage or wear and replace them if necessary.
3. Damaged Latch or Actuator: The latch or actuator that holds the door in place may be damaged or malfunctioning, preventing the door from closing properly. Inspect the latch and actuator for any signs of damage and replace them if necessary.
4. Dead Battery: If the battery in your Dodge Grand Caravan is weak or dead, the electronic functions of the sliding door may not work properly. Check the battery and replace it if necessary.
5. Faulty Door Control Module: The sliding door may be controlled by a door control module, which may be faulty or damaged. Have the control module tested and replaced if necessary.

In any case, it's recommended that you take your vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership to diagnose and fix the issue, especially if you are unable to get the door closed manually.

Door latch on door itself is in closed position if it will not close at all. In this case, open door and pull outside handle hard to pop open door latch. If you have door opening at random, door latch needs replacing or door catch on body is loose.

Can you pull on the release handle and use a screwdriver to change the position of the latch?

You might be able to get the top part of the cover off but I don't know haw much room there will be to get at the latch. You will have to be careful so as not to damage the cover.

I think this may be the "closer" motor continuously trying to gain a positive latch--and unable to do so. This could be from a damaged latch switch.

The sliding door has three motors, a slide motor, a release (or unlatch) motor, and a closer (or latching) motor. The open door light and interior lights coming on seem to indicate that the "closed and latched" switch is sometimes open-- allowing the closer motor to continue to operate.

Another possibility is that the dent has changed the geometry of the door mechanism especially the draw of the pull cable. The slide motor has a sensor that pulses when it runs. The door management controller counts the number of pulses of the slide motor sensor to determine when the door is fully closed and then stops the slide motor. At that point, the closer motor operates to latch the door. If the cable geometry has changed, the door controller may be shutting off the slide motor prematurely and the closer motor cannot complete the latch.

On the 05 Odyssey there's a problem with the rear latch assembly(about $140each) located in the rear of each sliding door. The problem is that the latch assembly was not seal proplery and water can get into the latch cause the sliding door to act funny. Maybe replace the latch assembly will help you.

I'm not sure about the noise, but the jerking motion might be because your the center roller (located in the rear middle of the sliding door) has worn out and need to be replace. This is a will known problem.

Your problem is very hard to answer because 05-10 odyssey has so many problem with sliding door.

rear latch:
-door not to latch close
-door not to work

front latch:
-door not to open

lock actuator:
-door not to open
-door will pop when opening

window motor:
-window not to work
-door will only open half way

center roller:
-jerking motion when opening
-door kick back close while opening
-door kick back open while closing

Door motor:
-door not to work
-cause door to jam

good luck

There is no "switch". The Sliding Doors should be manual anytime you try to open or close them. If not: then there is problem in the electronic system or the physical/mechanical side where something is jamming the door from opening or closing.

Try and check the latch in the door sometimes they catch and don't open all the way it may take a screwdriver to pry it up or it could be a clip has broke inside the door on the trip mechenizm and won't let it hit the spring tension to lock it shut.

I think you have a latch issue or a latch release issue, pull the door panel and try and release the door latch, pull the latch and try to see what if anything is wrong with it, also make sure the linkage going to the latch from the release handle is hooked up or not otherwise damaged.