Central Locking not working

[superdave]

My central locking doesn't work from either side. I've checked the fuse, it's ok. Any ideas? What checks should I perform to narrow down the possible problem.
It isn't really an issue yet as I though they didn't come with central locking, so if I fix it, it's a bonus.

[cnh1990]

On my car the central locking only works from the drivers side. If the actuator is stuck like it does in the winter, take apart the door and lube the actuator on the drivers side. Also I have keyless entry on mine install the keyless entry actuator in the driver door so it will open both door with a correctly working standard central locking doors. Even my keyless entry does not work well in frigid temps.
Calvin

[superdave]

Thanks Calvin, Iam a bit dumb, still learning. What's an actuator? Is it the rod connecting the manual door lock with the central locking assembly or is it the actual motor itself?
I briefly tried to hear if I was getting any eletric sound from the unit by moving the rod backward and forward but it wasn't a serious effort. I was putting my door panel back on after redying the interior and noticed the motor. It was also dark at the time. I will strip it down when it gets warmer.
What if it's the unit itself, can it be fix? Even though Iam not a mechanic, I have stripped one down before on another car where I was getting an electrical sound but no action. When I stripped this one down, a cast aluminium tab had snapped off so I drilled a small pilot hole and put a self tapping screw in. Then I cut off the head and the point on the other side and this worked a treat until as long as I owned the car.
Any ideas?

[cnh1990]

I meant to say lube the actuator of the passengers side. The actuator is a electromagnetic plunger type mechanisim. On the drivers door the is a switch connected to the door locking device. When the lock/unlock is activted the actuator fires on the passengers door to either unlock or lock the door. So most of the early S body cars have 1/2 of a keyless entry system installed. All that is needed is to install a remote reciever in the car and a actuator in the drivers door. Usually the reciever also has an anti-theft alarm. This will lower your insurance in some cases depending on the discount rules of your insurance. I got a discount on mine. When the keyless entry trigger the actuator on the drivers door it will then through the OEM system automatically trigger to unlock the passengers side door.
Calvin

[superdave]

Cheers Calvin, I'll try that as soon as it's a bit warmer here. How would I know if the actuator is working? How can I check to see if the power is a. being sent from the driver's side and b.there is power ob=n the passenger side?

[cnh1990]

The driver and passengers actuator should be on the door beam near the locking mechanisim. The only thing with a wire going to the lock area. There is also the actuator control module near the center tunnel behind the dash, but unless you know exactly where it is you will have a hard time identifying and finding it. I like the keyless entry and all one has to do with a correctly working system is add a alarm system with a keyless entry module. Mine will activate/disarm the alarm and lock/unlock both door with the remote on my key fob.
Calvin

[superdave]

Calvin, i've got central locking!! It's working!
It was the central locking control unit. Moisture had got into it. It's in the front boot bolted virtually to the floor. I was getting a bit of moisture in there and the whole unit was corroded
Hurray!!

[cnh1990]

Great, You have done well!
Calvin

[LotusV8]

cnh1990 said: Great, You have done well!
Calvin

Did you replace it? or clean it?

[superdave]

LotusV8 said:

cnh1990 said: Great, You have done well!
Calvin

Did you replace it? or clean it?

See my other thread to see what I did to fix the problem,

Thanks for the reply,

Cheers,


Dave Walters

[janszott]

Calvin:
You said you just had to add an actuator to the drivers door to get a proper keyless entry working. Any chance of some more details? Whare did you get the actuator? Did you disconnect the switch on the drivers door?
Jan 91SE

[cnh1990]

It comes as a part of the anti theft alarm. With the alarm you get the key fob remote and some come with an actuator, other times it is sold as an add on option. Install the actuator that one gets with the alarm in the drivers. When you trigger the alarm shut off with the remote key fob, it will also trigger the actuator in the divers door to unlock it. The OEM switch in the drivers door will then unlock the passengers side door as well. Just about all the major alarms have the remote door opening option.
Calvin 90