mechanism 126 and substitute a less complex wiring harness for wiring harness 190 preferably the completely mechanical version of the latching mechanism is identical to power latching mechanism 126 except that any components or assemblies associated with the power latching and unlatching e g power drive assembly 252 latch sector 264 have been omitted or substituted with other components such as spacers to provide substantial similarity between the latch mechanisms in their installation and operation similarly should a manual sliding door with power locks be desired the vehicle manufacturer need only omit power door drive mechanism 124 and control module 54 substitute an electronically actuated latching mechanism for power latching mechanism 126 and substitute a less complex wiring harness for wiring harness 190 while the electronically actuated latching mechanism may be the same component as the power latching mechanism 126 it preferably substitutes a less complex mechanism than power drive assembly 252 for actuating dog member 268 to permit latch ratchet 262 to return to the fully unlatched position configuration in this manner permits the cost of the latching mechanism to be minimized while maintaining substantial similarity between the latch mechanisms in their installation and operation it will be understood however that the cavity for drive motor 210 gearbox 212 and or control module 54 could alternatively be formed between exterior panel 1000 and interior panel 1002 i e the cavity may be formed in door panel assembly 138 accordingly the particular embodiment illustrated is not intended to be limiting in any manner referring to fig3 the methodology for controlling sliding door 36 is shown in schematic flow diagram form the methodology is entered at bubble 2000 and progresses to decision block 2004 where control module 54 determines whether body control module 52.