My 2006 Sienna, with only 47000 on it, has the Sliding Door Issue. Took it to the Dealer and they said "for some reason the cable is binding" and proceeded to tell me that I need to shell out close to $2000.00 for motor/cable assembly and installation.

I contacted toyota and received a case number. After my car sat at the dealer for 10 days, the Service Manager tells me that Toyota will not "participate". I currently have the 2006 Sienna, 2008 4 Runner and a 2009 Lexus. I've invested a lot of money with Toyota. This is really ticking me off!! I am going to file a complaint to the NHTSA File a Safety Complaint | Safercar.gov | NHTSA (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/)

Anyway, my problem is not from a snapped cable, since I see the top cable attached. It is definately binding and really hard to open and close. When the problem first started the door would sometimes begin to close, but then reverse as though it was hitting something. Now the door doesn't easily close or open and I have to forcefully help. The "manual" switch does not help at all. Not sure what the problem is...

I really want to convert the automatic door to a manual one because I can't afford to spend 2K on a door. What would it take? Just snip the cable off the motor? I think that'll do, but the binding is what's got me puzzled.

Thank you for any help!!!

I guess they still can't build an auto door, my 01 is toast, has been for 4 years now although I nursed it along prior to it quiting all together. I would like to disconnect the cable also, so it would slide more easily like the driver side(manual door). Any info on cutting or disconnecting the cable would be appreciated. Sorry for the thread high jack.