Advances in technology make riding in a car so much better each time we do it. Who isn’t 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. What is the significance of having power door locks? Fixing them is necessary when they’re broken since it is something we rely on continuously. Courtesy of DenLors Tools Auto Blog, here is simple info you can use to help direct your mechanic toward the heart of the power locks problem your vehicle may be having.
Causes of failing power locks
According to DenLors, if the power locks on just one side aren’t working, the most common reason is a malfunctioning actuator (also known as a door lock solenoid). So you need to make that suggestion to your mechanic with that symptom. Actuators typically contain an attached door latch, so you’d be killing two birds with one stone. The problem could be as simple as a broken switch. The computer system within the car works great mostly meaning the problem likely isn’t connected to it. BUS troubles hardly ever happen also, aka troubles with your bundled data transmission wires. Mechanics often have scanning tools that can identify difficulties within the body control. A BUS fault, for instance, will display its own error code.
What if it’s not a high-tech problem?
If you’ve had to unlock your car with a slim jim – and particularly if you’ve ever done it yourself with a coat hanger – there is the potential that the linking rod connector can pop off, writes DenLors. The door-unlocking implement can catch the rod and disconnect its link in the power locks system. The rod that is damaged can be changed. I’d blame the automakers by putting in a plastic part.
Checklist for power locks
When figuring out your power lock dilemma, DenLors suggests checking these things first:
- Is one lock malfunctioning? Only that door is going to have issues
- If only one switch malfunctions, it is that switch that needs fixing
- If power locks will lock but not open (or vice versa), check that door lock actuator
- If all power locks work only one way, check for a bad door lock switch
More info available at these websites
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
