[DML] New Tech Tip {Locking Module}

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

[To the Moderator. You might consider putting this up over at
dmcnews.com. This is a useful addition to Dave Stagard's tip on
rewinding the solenoids.]



Up till now there is no difinitive test for burnt door lock solenoids.
Unless they were very badly shorted or open you just can't tell with
an ohmmeter. The only way to really know was to tear it open and pull
the windings out. By that point you are rewinding or replacing the
solenoids, good OR bad.
Get your hands on several of the blade-style fuses. You will need at
least one of each, 10, 15, and 20 amp. You really should keep an
assortment in a little tin by the fuse block any for emergencies. Not
your's of course, someone else's.
 Remove the big red wire going from the locking module to the circuit
breaker. Make up a short (6 inches) jumper with a female spade
connector on both ends and connect it to the circuit breaker where the
big red wire was attached. Now connect the free end of the jumper to a
20 amp fuse and put the big red wire on the other connection of the
fuse. Try the door locks. Cycle several times quickly. If the 20 a
fuse doesn't blow try the 15 a. It should not blow either. In fact you
can use the 10 Amp fuse but after 2-3 cycles it will blow. The 15 Amp
should hold and I would leave it in there as a safety. That circuit
breaker never seems to pop under any condition anyway.
 This is not meant to be done if you have a Lockzilla. 
If you cannot cycle the door locks on the 15 amp fuse then you can
figure one or both (they usually fail in pairs) of the solenoids is
cooked. 
I tested this on a car that I had rewound both solenoids so I knew
they were both good. This test does NOT test the wiper switches or the
door adjustments. Easy to tell if they are working correctly,
disconnect the big red wire and listen to the locking module for the
clicks.
With the 15 amp fuse left in you could use the origional locking
module without fear of getting locked in and burning up your solenoids
again. The fuse should blow if the locking module relays should get
stuck. If you choose to upgrade to a better locking module at least
you know the condition of the solenoids. 
IF THE 15 AMP FUSE BLOWS, DISCONNECT THE BIG RED WIRE. DO NOT USE THE
LOCKING MODULE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS.
 You can use the module to light the "lock doors" light as a reminder.

David Teitelbaum
vin 10757









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