2004 Express RAP problem

DFBonnett · May 16, 2014

Sometimes, but not all, opening the door after turning off the ignition shuts down the RAP module as it should. Occasionally it does not and I have to open and close the door multiple times. If I get out and open and close any other door the RAP turns off. This situation is particularly noticeable in cold weather. Am I correct in assuming there is a switch inside the drivers door that has become sluggish? I'm hoping to confirm my suspicion before I take the door apart. Any guidance would be most appreciated.

oldscsc · May 16, 2014

Yes, there is a door ajar switch.

-- Turn the dome light switch so that the dome light comes on when the door opens. When your RAP doesn't go off when you open the door, is the dome light off or on? If the door switch is at fault, the dome light will fail to illuminate at the same time the RAP fails to turn itself off. Once you open and close the door until the RAP goes off, the dome light should illuminate.

The BCM controls all the functions related to having the door open / closed. One of its determining factors of when to operate these outputs (RAP, dome light, chime etc.) is based on the door ajar switch. By checking the functions of these other BCM outputs, it is possible to check the operation of the door switch without any electrical testing.

If you find that the switch is indeed faulty, some people have had luck with lubricating and reinstalling the switch. Your only option besides that is replacement of the faulty part.

DFBonnett · May 17, 2014

Thank you for the excellent and cogent response. Naturally, the problem refuses to recur just now so I'll have to wait until it does to apply the diagnostic and repair method you outlined. According to the shop manual, it appears that the door ajar switch is part of the latch mechanism, not an inexpensive part, so I'm hoping that hosing out the switch with contact cleaner will get it done.

Again, thank you. I'll post back when I've proceeded further.

oldscsc · May 17, 2014

Don't mention it. I look forward to hearing back!

DFBonnett · July 1, 2014

The plot thickens.... At first I thought the switch might be sluggish due to cold weather when everything worked fine when the weather warmed up. Today it's very warm and BOTH front doors are failing to turn off the RAP. The rear door and the side sliding door both DO turn it off. Any ideas?

DFBonnett · July 2, 2014

This problem is really intermittent so I'm just going to live with it until I run out of doors to open and close.

DFBonnett · July 5, 2014

When your RAP doesn't go off when you open the door, is the dome light off or on? If the door switch is at fault, the dome light will fail to illuminate at the same time the RAP fails to turn itself off.

It got fussy again today so I had a good chance to check it out. When opening either front door with ignition off and key out, the dome light comes on but the radio does not go off. It does go off in 10 minutes on its own with no further intervention. I tested this four times with identical results. When this happens does it indicate that everything is now off? This does not apply to the side and rear doors. Opening them shuts down the RAP normally.

oldscsc · July 5, 2014

When your RAP doesn't go off when you open the door, is the dome light off or on? If the door switch is at fault, the dome light will fail to illuminate at the same time the RAP fails to turn itself off.

It got fussy again today so I had a good chance to check it out. When opening either front door with ignition off and key out, the dome light comes on but the radio does not go off. It does go off in 10 minutes on its own with no further intervention. I tested this four times with identical results. When this happens does it indicate that everything is now off? This does not apply to the side and rear doors. Opening them shuts down the RAP normally.

Yes, when the RAP turns itself off after 10 minutes, the system is shut down.

When checking for the dome light's presence, beware that the dome light on many GM's comes on when the key is removed from the ignition switch.

If the dome lights were off, you opened a front door, and the dome lights illuminated yet the RAP was still active, your issue isn't with a door switch.

I would have to look at a wiring diagram to continue with diagnosis as I don't know off the top of my head how the system is wired or what all of its triggers are.

DFBonnett · August 23, 2014

"If the door switch is at fault, the dome light will fail to illuminate at the same time the RAP fails to turn itself off."

This^ is the case. When the RAP fails to turn off, the dome light also fails to illuminate.

It seems that it is now operating more or less intermittently. Sometimes the RAP shuts off immediately upon opening the door, sometimes a few seconds later, sometimes not at all until the 10 minute cycle occurs or the side or rear door is opened. This seems consistent with a sticky switch on the driver's door.

Thanks for all your help on this. It is much appreciated. Since there is no danger of this killing the battery and leaving me stuck, I'm going to let this sleeping dog lie unless I am forced to remove the door panel for something more serious. Hopefully that won't happen in the next nine months before I retire completely and the van moves along to its next owner. Again thank you.