Auto-close slider smashed my child

She's OK, but did get a bruise and was scared. Looks like I'll be testing it with a shirt or something as the rest of you have done. If it doesn't reverse, guess I have to take it in!

The good news is she's smart enough to now be weary of the door and get out of the way, as she should be.

Thanks for the baseline, I'll let you know what happens during my test!

Ok, so I went out and put a cabbage patch kid in the slider. Both sides auto-reversed.

The back lift-gate, however, kept trying to smash the cabbage patch kid. Every time I tried to lift up the gate, it just kept closing and smashing the "kid". I was pulling with almost all my strength (On the opening button/latch mind you) before I got it to reverse and go back up.

I'll be sure and keep watch anytime I've got that lift gate closing!!!

brian_bp said:

The 2005 technical manual component diagram for the "power slide door" shows a "Power Slide Door Touch Sensor Assembly" on the leading edge, and I have extracted a portion of that diagram to post here. Now I need to have a look at our (2004) Sienna - it probably just looked like trim to me.

Click to expand...

Do you have a similar diagram for the liftgate? I found the sensor on the side doors and verified they do indeed reverse the door, but I can't locate one on the liftgate.

shineysideup said:

The sensors are on the edge of the hatch... next to the struts. They work (or are supposed to) work in the exact same manner. A touch of the finger.

Click to expand...

On the liftgate part, or the van part? I asked for the diagram because there is nothing on my liftgate part, just the bare metal of the door. I see the rubber seal on the car half, but don't see any sensor like the one on the slider.