Action 9 uncovers hidden risk with minivan door

ORLANDO,Fla. — A Seminole County father claims a Chrysler mini-van's power door sensors failed, and crushed his two year old son's hand. When the automaker said the doors worked properly, he called Action 9.

Josh Smith thought a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country minivan had lots of room for his big family. The power doors were a bonus until he uncovered a hidden risk.

He demonstrated for Action 9 how the sliding door didn't stop when it came in contact with a doll's hand.

Just two months ago it was his son's hand.

"It's a father's worst nightmare because you're 10 feet away and can't get there fast enough," said Smith.

Two-year-old Cole's hand was caught when the door closed after he reached back inside. He screamed.
  
"It's the sound of terror, the sound of 'Where are you to protect me,'" said Smith.

Cole's hand was bruised but was not broken.

Smith complained to Chrysler. It had recalled some 2012 vans after rear hatch door sensors failed.

Chrysler sent an inspector to Smith's home to run tests. The company said that the inspector could find no problem with the van.

Smith said he could not accept that since the left power-door's pinch sensor worked like it should.

Todd Ulrich asked repair expert Jay Zembower to inspect Smith's van.

Zembower thought an entirely different problem caused the doors intermittent failures. A low battery could mess up sensors.

"The software is designed to see a voltage change in that monitor and when it doesn't see the right change, it won't send the door back," said Zembower.

Smith got a new battery and his power door sensors work properly. 

Zembower said Chrysler should be aware of the issue.

"Go the extra mile to find out what's going on," said Zembower.

"Clearly there is something wrong with the way the van was made," said Smith.

Chrysler told Action 9 the door performed to specifications, and a test Channel 9 did using a doll's hand does not represent real-world testing.

It said there's a safety switch for parents to turn off the door, and the minivan exceeds all federal safety standards.

Chrysler response to the Action 9 story:

Based on our analysis, the electronic sliding door on this vehicle performed according to specifications.  Indeed, the alleged incident could not be replicated.  The use of a doll for this purpose is in no way representative of a human hand.  To suggest such a demonstration is indicative of real-world performance or the regulatory testing to which this and all vehicles are subject, is misleading.  Further, a safety switch in the overhead console may be used to disable the door buttons and prevent operation by children.  This is explained in the owner's manual in great detail.  FCA US vehicles meet or exceed all applicable federal safety standards.

WFTV