Central locking issues

[snaponbob]

I have done a lot of work on people's 30s, 36s and 46s. I have a 30 that is making me crazy. It is an 89 325 sedan. A problem had been that the central locking was not functioning. This poor car had ALL sorts of crap installed (stereo, CD, anti-theft, etc.) that I removed. All the wiring was cleaned up, and I got everything working EXCEPT the central locking. Found a minor wiring issue, corrected it, and all was good ..... for a few months. Now, the drivers door is stuck UNlocked (thankfully) while the others are jammed locked. I can not open the three locked doors from the inside with either the slide button are the lever. The CLCU is getting power. As of now, I have not located another CLCU to test with. Haven't found corrosion. My plan is to re-open the CLCU (already had it apart to see if something was amiss) and inspect the vertical whateveritis that people talk about failing and needing repair.

Any thoughts?

[reelizmpro]

Check the door jamb pins. It is also possible to have a bad actuator as well. You just have to troubleshoot.

[snaponbob]

Certainly have been troubleshooting. Again -- all WERE working and a few days ago ALL except the driver's door jammed shut.

[StereoInstaller1]

If you need a new central locking module, I have one in excellent condition, only $500!

[snaponbob]

If you need a new central locking module, I have one in excellent condition, only $500!

As generous as THAT offer is, (hope you won't be offended ...... much) I will have to pass.

[Semblance]

It sounds like the double-lock has been engaged. I'm guessing the driver's door actuator and/or cylinder is toast, has double-locked the other doors and (luckily) can't lock itself. Will the passenger side front door unlock with the key? How about from the trunk? The passenger can't disengage the double lock, but the trunk can IIRC

Try replacing the driver's side actuator with a known good one. It's possible the drivers lock cylinder needs replacing too.

This is a pretty good explainer of central locking:
http://www.mesaperformance.com/faqs/centlock.html

It states that only the driver's door can unlock a double locked car, but I'm pretty sure I can unlock mine from my trunk.

[snaponbob]

Update -- the owner found a CLCU just a BIT cleaner than the one so generously offered above. ;D

I pulled apart the existing unit to find the resistor had failed. I resoldered it and as soon as the unit was plugged in the doors unlocked themselves. However, while the driver's lock worked as designed, the other three doors could not be manually unlocked. So, the owner brought over the THIRTY DOLLAR one (ahem, cough, snort!!! ) and when it was plugged in everything worked properly. As Ed China would say --- "SORTED".

Thanks for the help :D and the spectacular offer !!!!!

[Semblance]

Good deal. FWIW I totally recalled incorrectly, trunk does not open double locked doors, glad it's solved.

[StereoInstaller1]

Bob, I knew you would nail it. The module pictured came out of a very clean car, the owner had exactly the same issue.... Oddly enough, a good module fixed his right up too.

Good job!