Central lock: what it does, how to troubleshoot and replace it

What is central locking system?

Central locking system is one of the security systems nearly found in every vehicle. Which was introduced in 1914. This locking system can be on a key or a specific remote. A keyless entry system was introduced in 1980 to unlock the car without a key which works by radio frequency.

What does a central door lock do?

Through this system, the driver can automatically lock or unlock all the vehicle’s doors. It can be a switch or a button on a key fob. Storage compartment and fuel filler cap can also be locked or unlocked. Windows can also be locked or unlocked by pressing the button on the key fob.

Can you replace door locks yourself?

A faulty central locking system can be replaced by yourself. It’s one of a DIY (do it yourself) project. This service needs only an hour. You can follow all the instructions mentioned on a new electric door lock. It costs about 80-230$. The used central lock can also be used, but it has lesser efficiency than a new one.

Things to remember when replacing the part

First of all, unscrew all the window handles with a screwdriver. Now, open the car door and remove all the screws from the inside of the door panel. While removing the screws, be careful not to break any material. Cut off all the electrical connections in the car and then remove the faulty door lock. Fix the new door lock in the same position with the help of pliers and rod holders. At the final, attach door panel and speakers in their previous positions.

Different types of part and their components

There are the following parts of the central lock system:

• Electric motor
• Pawl
• Catch
• Door lock striker
• Door handle
• Latch

The car door striker is connected with the body of the lock. When the door is locked, the car striker is caught by a latch. While the pawl helps in unlocking the car door by moving the key in a particular direction. In the whole process, the striker remains in the same position.

The actuators used in the power door lock system can be electromagnetic and pneumatic.

Electromagnetic actuators lock or unlock the car door by the movement of current in a specific direction formed in a solenoid. This system uses two kinds of setups. One is for locking, and the other is for unlocking the car doors.

Pneumatic actuator work by using vacuum. When the vacuum is created in the forward direction, it locks the door. While releasing the vacuum in the backward direction unlocks the door.

Identifying issues of failure and troubleshooting them

A failure in the car central locking system may occur due to several problems. Foremost among these are blown fuse, faults in solenoid (wire turned in the form of loops) and wiring issues in electrical cables. Sometimes this disorder in the Central lock system of cars may occur due to the inefficiency of the key fob, also called car central locking remote. There are also some valuable tips to troubleshoot these problems.

One of the disorders may occur due to malfunctioning in the key fob. These key fobs consist of small batteries whose power level decreases with consumption. Other disorders in key fobs may occur due to wear and tear as being excessively used and falling into the water. If internally your key fob is all okay, then replace the battery, which may get dead. After all, this, if the key fob doesn’t work still, then replace it. Sometimes duplicate of your vehicle’s key fob known as locksmith is also used in replacement.

Another disorder may occur in fuses connected with the electrical system of your car. This electrical system has a connection with the central locking system of the vehicle. Sometimes if there are fuses which may be one or more in quantity for a single car, got blown, then the central lock system doesn’t work.

To troubleshoot this problem, open the fuse box of your car and identify the blown fuse that controls the central locking system’s functionality. This fuse could be identified easily because of the burnt smell or will make a noise when brought near to your ear. Then replace this blown a fuse and connect it to the power supply again.

Now car locking system will start its normal functioning. Solenoids convert electrical power into mechanical work of your vehicle. In the normal functioning of central lock, it is activated easily to lock or unlock the system. An indication of disorder in your solenoid is one or more doors to remain open even after starting the central lock. To reset it, make the door apart and replace the damaged part of the solenoid.

Another reason behind this malfunctioning electrical power lock is a problem with its wires. Any breaking or burning in cables results in a faulty central lock. To troubleshoot this problem, inspect every inch of the wire and then find the damaged part which needs to be repaired.

Normal lifetime

The average life span of a central locking system is about 8-10 years. It can bear a volume of almost 400 people daily. The efficiency of your vehicle’s locking system depends on other factors also, like fuses, electrical supply and key fob.

Other parts to replace or fix when replacing the central lock

Central locking systems are a great way to keep your car safe from thieves. If there is any fault in central lock system, it may be a good idea to have a professional check it out. The most common problem with a central locking system is a faulty actuator. If the actuator is not functioning correctly, it will not lock or unlock the car. You can have a professional inspect the actuator and replace it if necessary.

Those parts that need to be observed while fixing the central lock system problem are lock functionality, fuses, and electrical supply.

How to make sure you purchase the right part for your exact car

Those marketplaces for central lock systems are suitable which display their contact information. For the same part of your car, visit autoparts-24.com. While placing your order, you need to enter your number and address of the location for receiving your shipment, which is released after you have placed your order. Freight is free of cost for those countries which are enlisted on their website. However, other countries may also get this offer. Return policy is also there if you don’t get your required items.

Final thoughts

Central locking is a safety system to lock and unlock the car doors, windows, luggage compartments, and cap of fuel filler by a key fob or a remote (with the help of radiofrequency). It is quite easy to replace a damaged central locking system. An anti-theft-security system in a car model immobilizes the vehicle engine when tried to unlock by an unauthorized person.