Power door lock question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 575
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From: Ventura California
Power door lock question
My 88 door lock switches will lock my doors, but will not unlock them. I have tried using either switch, but can't unlock them from either side. They were working, but I hadn't used it in a while. At first, they wouldn't work at all. Then I sprayed some electrical contact cleaner and they started to work again, but only to lock...not unlock. Is there a relay that might be bad? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 42
From: Baltimore, MD USA
My 88 door lock switches will lock my doors, but will not unlock them. I have tried using either switch, but can't unlock them from either side. They were working, but I hadn't used it in a while. At first, they wouldn't work at all. Then I sprayed some electrical contact cleaner and they started to work again, but only to lock...not unlock. Is there a relay that might be bad? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
h
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
Likes: 103
From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
The short answer is no. It's more likely the door lock actuators have weakened and it's time to replace them. Like any electrical actuator they tend to wear out with many years of use and time. GC
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 87
Likes: 13
From: Tampa Bay area Florida
It's very unlikely that part of the function of both actuators would fail. The only difference in the lock and unlock functions is the reversal of the voltage to the actuators. It seems obvious, after studying the diagram, that one of the switches has developed an open at the normally-closed contact. Since the switches are in series, either one could be the fault.
To determine which one is at fault:
Temporarily connect the tan wire at the driver door switch (still connected) with a jumper to chassis ground and press either unlock button. Be careful to not press either lock button or the circuit breaker will trip. If the doors unlock, the problem is with one of the switches. Move the ground jumper to the black wire at the driver side switch. Again press either unlock (not either lock) button. If the doors unlock, the fault is with the passenger side switch. If they do not unlock, the fault is with the driver side switch.
To determine which one is at fault:
Temporarily connect the tan wire at the driver door switch (still connected) with a jumper to chassis ground and press either unlock button. Be careful to not press either lock button or the circuit breaker will trip. If the doors unlock, the problem is with one of the switches. Move the ground jumper to the black wire at the driver side switch. Again press either unlock (not either lock) button. If the doors unlock, the fault is with the passenger side switch. If they do not unlock, the fault is with the driver side switch.
