door lock doesnt work

[brandondan1]

Hey, Ever since I've had the car, the drivers door would not lock from the outside with the key, or by pressing the knob down with the door open.

The only time you can lock it is by hand, with the door closed, and even then the knob doesnt feel like it goes down as much as it should.


If I try to lock the door from the outside with the key, you can see the knob moving a few millimeters or so, but the key will not turn all of the way.

Is my actuator bad or what? I have no idea whats wrong

[express_wagon]

I have the same problem, would love to know the solution.
But my current solution is don't lock the car.

[schmidty]

well the knob will not go down with the door open...at least on the drivers side. You can't lock the car from the trunk either? Do the power locks work at all?

[Mike325]

Doesn't every e30 have a power locks problem? What about the actuators? Take off the door pannels and check for voltages/continuity.

[brandondan1]

I don't think I have central locking in my 87 325is. Was it an option? I say this because when I lock/unlock from the trunk or passenger door, it has no effect on the other locks.

Is there an easy way to tell whether or not my car has central locking? I'll check the actuator to see if its functioning correctly.

If I got a keyless entry system I wouldn't have to worry about this, right?

[Mike325]

I guess one easy way to tell if you have central locking is to pull up on the tab that goes up and down when you unlock/lock the car by hand. If you hear a servo type noise (can't explain the sound) then they are electric and you have central locking.

[Teaguer]

I don't think I have central locking in my 87 325is. Was it an option? I say this because when I lock/unlock from the trunk or passenger door, it has no effect on the other locks.

Is there an easy way to tell whether or not my car has central locking? I'll check the actuator to see if its functioning correctly.

If I got a keyless entry system I wouldn't have to worry about this, right?

Hahaha , that is funny . :D
If you don't have central locking then hoe would you expect a keyless system to operate ? :D

Well unless you install a whole kit complete with actuators and all , but surely you did not mean this kind .


Anyway , YES your car has central locks , they are just jacked up .
Start by removing the drivers side kick panel speaker , the central locking control module is below that speaker .

[brandondan1]

Well actually I did mean that kind, but I understand that it would be easier to have the keyless entry control one lock and let the central handle it from there. I haven't researched keyless entry systems yet though, so I have no idea what a 'complete' system would cost or require, i was just throwing it out there XD. Thanks guys. I have a lot to learn about these cars =x

[schmidty]

Start by removing the drivers side kick panel speaker , the central locking control module is below that speaker .

talk about a PITA to reinstall! Anyone know what the other little relay is that is next to it?

[StereoInstaller1]

Anyone know what the other little relay is that is next to it?

Dome light control module

Luke

[O 16581 72452 5]

You can't lock these cars with the door open from the inside, you can likely lift the handle from the outside and push down, i haven't tried it. Another car i know like this is Hondas, i think it's a precaution to keep you from locking your keys in your car.

[vic_325]

when you unlock/lock the car by hand. If you hear a servo type noise (can't explain the sound) then they are electric and you have central locking.

my central locks used to work, but know when i lock the door it just makes that sound.

does that mean the Central Lock Control Unit works?

[AdamF 88iS]

Many times all of these problems can be traced to corrosion in the electrical connection between the door and the body harness. Pull back the rubber boot in the front of the door jamb, unplug the connector, and inspect for corrosion. Clean and replace pins as necessary.

[taiden]

I know this is an old ass thread, but I just wanted to say that AdamF's post fixed my central locking issue. I unplugged that plug (I don't think it had ever been touched in the last 26 years) and just pulled and unplugged it about ten times. Works mint now. Thanks Adam

(PS, I'm bumping this because this is the only thread I found that talked about that plug, and it's insanely easy to check)

[Oldemar Gutierrez]

Taiden - Where is this plug connected? I opened the door and wasn´t able to fix it. I have huge problems with most of the doors:

1- Driver side door: Not locking from the outide with the key, but is opening from the outside with the key.
2- Passenger side door not working at all, not opening with/without the key, key won´t turn on any side. I can´t even open it manually by pulling the lock.
3- Driver side rear door. Not working with the central lock. Unable to open the door from the inside, the latch looks like if it was stucked.
4- Passenger side rear door. Central locking not working.
5- Trunk, not working along central locking system.

Also the central locking is not working to all the doors as you see, not even from the trunk. I pulled out the central locking module that is down the driver´s side speaker, pulled it out and reconnected and nothing happens. I want to say that this car used to have an aftermarket car alarm (who the hell even though on installing this on these cars), which I removed (just unplugged the alarm module but the cables still there, hasn´t traced where those cables are connected to). Even when removed and even when disconnected the central locking module, wasn´t able to open the passenger side door lock, wondering if there is something mechanical wrong in there or if there is a hidden trick to open that door.

I am really worried of my central locking cuz I am almost out of gas and the gas door is locked...

Any help is appreciated