Knowing how to help your mechanic with power locks

Cars become more and more convenient and pleasant with technological advances. Who isn’t thrilled with their power steering? It could be really hard to steer without it for anyone who has ever tried. What do we think about power door locks? When they break, we can’t wait to have them fixed again. DenLors Tools Auto Blog gave us details on helping your mechanic discover the problem with your power locks.

Common causes of power lock failure

According to DenLors, if the power locks on just one side aren’t working, probably the most common reason is a malfunctioning actuator (also known as a door lock solenoid). If your car acts up in that manner, make that suggestion to your mechanic. This will fix two things considering actuators are connected also to an attached door latch. Or it could simply be the switch. As automotive computer systems themselves are typically reliable, they typically aren’t the culprit when problems with power locks occur. Bundled data transmission wires, also called the BUS sometimes, don’t have difficulties typically either. Mechanics often have scanning tools that can identify difficulties within the body control. Error codes will display and be connected to a certain part of the computer.

What if there’s an additional 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. The rod that is damaged can be exchanged. Ah, plastic auto parts; blame the automakers and their price cuts.

Power locks list to check

DenLors suggests these things when figuring out your power lock problem:

• Is just one lock having troubles? The problem is probably in that door only
• If one switch only unlocks doors on one side, the problem is likely that switch
• If power locks will lock but not open (or vice versa), check that door lock actuator
• Check the bad door lock switch if power locks are working one direction

Citations

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