Advances in technology make riding in a car so much better each time we do it. Who isn’t really thrilled with their power steering? If you ever had the experience of driving an old beater, you probably have experienced just how wonderful power steering is in comparison. But what about a vehicle’s simpler functions, like power door locks? We rely on the convenience of these relatively simple mechanisms each day, and hence we miss them when they aren’t working. You can help your mechanic by giving him information found on DenLors Tools Auto Blog about fixing power locks.
Power lock failure possible reasons
If only one side of the has doors that won’t work, chances are it is door lock solenoid, aka malfunctioning actuator, reports DenLors. Thus, make that suggestion to your mechanic if that’s what you are experiencing with your car. Actuators typically include an attached door latch, so you’d be killing two birds with one stone. The switch may be the real problem. Power lock difficulties don’t typically connect with the computer system within the car. Problems with bundled data transmission wires (the BUS) are also rare. A security system can connect with your car and tell you what is wrong. Each problem has its own error code it can display.
High tech things work great?
DenLors also shows us that unlocking your car with slim jims or coat hangers hurts the rod connector sometimes. The door-unlocking implement can catch the rod and disconnect its link within the power locks system. The rod that is damaged could be exchanged. Ah, plastic auto parts; blame the automakers and their price cuts.
Checklist if having power lock problems
When figuring out your power lock dilemma, DenLors suggests checking these things first:
- Are difficulties caused by only one lock? Only that door is going to have issues
- If only one switch malfunctions, it’s that switch that needs fixing
- If power locks will lock but not open (or vice versa), check that door lock actuator
- If one direction of power locks works and not the other way, bad door lock switches are the place to look
Citations
DenLors Tools Auto Blog
denlorstools.com/autoblog/2009/07/power-door-locks-not-working-diagnose-and-repair/
Wikipedia (definition of solenoid)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solenoid
Fixing the power door lock actuator on a Ford Explorer lift gate
youtube.com/watch?v=zobdWXnDeyY
