Technical Central locking - locking and then unlocking itself.

[Southsea]

One word of warning re the use of WD40 on electronic (as oppesed to electrical) components. It was apparently developed to drive off water but I have proved that the ingrediant included in the product to lubricate can play havolk with micro-switches. Two examples of this are 1l my Volvo's remote controlled central locking. 2/ My Satellite set-top box remote controller.

In the first example all functions are controlled (obviously) from the plip keys but also from the door card mounted driver's "master switch" (which is complicated by controlling child locking on the rear doors, as well as central locking on all doors and all windows electrical upp/down control. Long story short the functions are dependant on software loaded into the relevant modules of the car (these and the main ECM all work together but their parameters are selected/controlled by an external computer interface connected via the OBDII) but the internal workings of the master switch are very similar indeed to the tv remote. Using WD40 initally cleaned the "switches" and improved the electrical contact. However, as the WD40 dried out it gummed up and both the car switcha and tv control had to be stripped down and cleaned. This time I used ispropyl alcohol and contact cleaner spray. This removed the stickyness and finally got things working. If you have a ircuit board to clean just be careful not to remove the lacqer on the board.

 

[Giorgio Lungo]

Hi All,
Looks like our found the right thread but mine is for a 2012 500. The previous owner told me that on a very cold morning, he could not get into the drivers door; he got in the passenger side and 'managed' to open the drivers door from the inside. Since then the doors lock and unlock similar to all of your stories.

When in side the car with the door shut, I cannot lock the drivers door but I can with the passenger. Its as though I'm trying to force the lock shut with the inside door handle, but it does not click enough to show the orange sign.

I've now dismantled the drivers door and am just about to try and get the lock out.

Any tips before I make the first insition with the scalpel!!

 

[multipete]

With the door panel off,door open, close the catch(see picture) with a screw driver or similar hard object.That way you can check central locking and key locking before you remove the whole catch.

 

[multipete]

Second picture is in closed position.Open door by pulling handle before closing door after checks or door won't close.