Power locks- Know how to give your mechanic the heads up

Advances in technology make riding in a car so much better each time we do it. How was power steering not a wonderful invention? If you ever had the experience of driving an old beater, you probably have experienced just how wonderful power steering is in comparison. But what about a vehicle’s simpler functions, like 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 details you are able to use to help direct your mechanic toward the heart of the power locks problem your automobile may be having.

Reasons power locks stop

Malfunctioning actuator, or door lock solenoid, is likely the cause according to DenLors, if only one side of the car doesn’t work. Thus, make that suggestion to your mechanic if that’s what you’re experiencing with your car. This will fix two things considering actuators are connected also to an attached door latch. The switch could be the real problem. The computer system in the car works great mostly meaning the problem likely isn’t really connected to it. Problems with bundled data transmission wires (the BUS) are also rare. Your mechanic will use a scanning tool that connects to your car’s body control or security system. Error codes will display and be connected to a certain part of the computer.

What if it is something else causing the 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 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. Mechanics can very easily replace the rod that is hurt in the door. I’d blame the automakers by putting in a plastic part.

List of things to check with power locks

Master the power locks aspect of vehicle repair and/or troubleshooting with these suggestions from DenLors:

• Is just one lock having issues? The problem is probably in that door only
• If only one switch will make the problem, that switch should be looked at
• The actuator is going to be where you’ll find the answer to your problem if the power locks will only either lock or unlock the car
• Check the bad door lock switch if power locks are working one direction

Discover more details

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