Advances in technology make riding in a car so much better each time we do it. Who doesn’t appreciate power steering, for example? It could be really hard to steer without it for any person who has ever tried. What do we think about power door locks? When they break, we can’t wait to have them fixed again. Courtesy of DenLors Tools Auto Blog, here is simple info you are able to use to help direct your mechanic toward the heart of the power locks problem your car may be having.
Power lock failure possible reasons
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). Thus, make that suggestion to your mechanic if that’s what you are experiencing with your car. Actuators typically contain an attached door latch, so you’d be killing two birds with one stone. The switch may be the real problem. Power lock troubles don’t typically connect with the computer system within the car. Bundled data transmission wires, also called the BUS sometimes, do not have troubles typically either. 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 not an issue?
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 in the power locks system. Mechanics can effortlessly replace the rod that is hurt in the door. Ah, plastic auto parts; blame the automakers and their price cuts.
List of things to check with power locks
DenLors suggests these things when figuring out your power lock problem:
- Is just one lock having difficulties? Look into just that door before anything else
- If only one switch malfunctions, it is that switch that needs fixing
- Check out the actuator if locks only lock, or unlock, the doors but not both
- Check the bad door lock switch if power locks are working one direction
Discover more info
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
