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Manual-close to power-close sliding door?

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 7:25 am
by scootmonkee
Hello (tried this question on the other site - no joy)
Having searched around for answers and found nothing conclusive, I've resorted to creating this thread, in the hope that someone has some knowledge that they would like to share.

My question: can my manual, non-electric sliding door be converted to the powered (self-close) variant by adding a motor unit motor obtained from a breaker?

I believe (from the little that I have found to date) that the wiring loom for power closure was fitted as standard in all Bongo's, but that on lowers spec vehicles the motor itself is not installed. I am hoping that all I need is a complete motor, plus the five-point door close contacts, and that this simply plugs into a connector in the existing loom.

Or am I just plain wrong?

I'd just like to be able to close the door quietly when parked up, so as not to disturb anyone, so if this mod is possible, I'd like to give it a go.

Thanks in advance

Re: Manual-close to power-close sliding door?

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 8:06 am
by Bob
I don't know how practical this would be, but I find sliding the door slowly is the key to quiete opening and closing.

The worst noise is the 'Whoosh' as it slides.

Also I like to minimise the number of times I use it, constant opening & closing will drive neighbours nuts.

Hope that helps a little. :)

Re: Manual-close to power-close sliding door?

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 8:52 am
by wonkanoby
and the closer is by no means silent at night on a campsite

Re: Manual-close to power-close sliding door?

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 10:16 am
by g8dhe
I suspect you will also need to install the correct electronics module for closing the door and change the connector strip (possibly) as well as the door innards themselves.

Re: Manual-close to power-close sliding door?

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 10:38 am
by mikeonb4c
I think the auto-close is if anything more of a nuisance than a help. Makes me nervous when I change my mind and re-open door when its not completed closing. Another thing to go wrong etc and its not much hassle to close it manually anyway. I'd save my energy for more worthwhile things :-)

Re: Manual-close to power-close sliding door?

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 12:39 pm
by mikeWalsall
I have a Toyota Alphard and a Bongo ...

Chalk & cheese .. the Toyota as remote control fully opening and closing side doors ..

The Bongo as a soft close door which you still have to manually slide to within 12mm of being fully closed before the lecky motor 'catches' and pulls it in for those last few mms ..

Mine works OK .. but most of the time I still tend to 'whoosh' the door all the way home ..

Re: Manual-close to power-close sliding door?

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 6:36 pm
by scootmonkee
Big thanks for all your replies - really appreciate it.

I am beginning to appreciate that the difference may not be worth the effort and also to count my blessings (manual is easy to repair...)

I'll settle for closing slowly and just latching it (not fully closing) when needing to be quiet. Added night ventilation, at least.

Thanks again, all

Re: Manual-close to power-close sliding door?

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 10:37 pm
by mikeonb4c
scootmonkee wrote:Big thanks for all your replies - really appreciate it.

I am beginning to appreciate that the difference may not be worth the effort and also to count my blessings (manual is easy to repair...)

I'll settle for closing slowly and just latching it (not fully closing) when needing to be quiet. Added night ventilation, at least.

Thanks again, all
I've often done exactly that - it's the quietest option of all ;-)