Your mechanic needs you to show power locks

Cars become increasingly more convenient and pleasant with technological advances. Who is not thrilled with their power steering? If you ever had the experience of driving an old beater, you probably have experienced just how wonderful power steering is in comparison. What is the significance of having power door locks? We rely on the convenience of these relatively simple mechanisms every day, and hence we miss them when they aren’t working. DenLors Tools Auto Blog gave us info 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. The problem could possibly be as simple as a broken switch. As automotive computer systems themselves are usually reliable, they typically aren’t the culprit when troubles with power locks occur. Problems with bundled data transmission wires (the BUS) are also rare. 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.

High tech things work great?

DenLors also shows us that unlocking your car with slim jims or coat hangers hurts the rod connector sometimes. The system has links in the door that can be hurt with the object. Mechanics can effortlessly replace the rod that is hurt within the door. Plastic parts are only inside your car because of price cuts automakers have had to make.

Checklist if having power lock problems

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

• Are troubles caused by only one lock? Look into just that door before anything else
• If only one switch malfunctions, it’s that switch that needs fixing
• Look at the actuator if locks only lock, or unlock, the doors but not both
• If one direction of power locks works and not the other way, bad door lock switches are the place to look

More information accessible at these websites

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