Sluggish power locks, especially when cold
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Sluggish power locks, especially when cold
Anybody else have slow / crappy power locks when the weather is cold?
I've noticed that when the weather is cold my power locks really are hit or miss if they work or not from the remote. It tries to unlock but it doesn't quite get it all the time, the passenger side is worse than the driver's side. The driver's side only stops working if it's really cold.
As an interesting note if I remote start the car and it's charging and thus has 14 volts from the alternator it'll work every time.
The battery is fine so I really don't feel like that is an issue. Is it the actuator itself is just sluggish or is there some kind of linkage. FWIW every time I've had the door apart for something I've looked at what I could easily see and there doesn't appear to be any obstruction or any dirt / debris.
Any thoughts?
I've noticed that when the weather is cold my power locks really are hit or miss if they work or not from the remote. It tries to unlock but it doesn't quite get it all the time, the passenger side is worse than the driver's side. The driver's side only stops working if it's really cold.
As an interesting note if I remote start the car and it's charging and thus has 14 volts from the alternator it'll work every time.
The battery is fine so I really don't feel like that is an issue. Is it the actuator itself is just sluggish or is there some kind of linkage. FWIW every time I've had the door apart for something I've looked at what I could easily see and there doesn't appear to be any obstruction or any dirt / debris.
Any thoughts?
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 2
From: Kalama WA
When I received my 86, it had your same issue. Mine had slow response all the time. Tore into the door for other repairs and found many combined things causing slow door lock actuators. Worn out linkage clips, old lube, bent door lock linkage and grime caused excessive drag on lock solonoid. Be sure to check linkage up to door lock (key mech) and rod to manual lock ****. I had a few worn out rod nylon bushings as well. There is a rubber boot on top of the lock solonoid- make sure it is not torn causing water to enter. Good luck, you can fiddle with this for a long time. Also might want to check current draw on actuator and compare with known good one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,316
Likes: 246
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I had suffered the same when i got mine. Sometimes not even working at all. I lubed every mechanical connection and it cured all my problems.
It's been over 2 years
Hope yours is that simple
It's been over 2 years
Hope yours is that simple
