Young drivers will no longer remember that cars used to be opened with a key inserted into the keyhole - like in an apartment door. And first you had to lock all the passenger doors by pressing the buttons in each of them.
Since 2010, all cars are equipped with central locking with remote control. I walked up to the vehicle, clicked the button in the key, and voila! — the doors magically unlocked. Simply and easily! However, there are a number of nuances that should be taken into account when using this system.
What is central locking?
Central locking is a system for centrally locking vehicle locking devices. It is used to simultaneously unlock and lock the fuel tank cap and doors. It is worth noting that this installation applies to vehicle auxiliary systems, as well as comfort mechanisms. Their list also includes an alarm system.
Locking car locking devices is carried out in two ways: centralized and decentralized control. In the first case, there is a common control unit for all doors and lids. At the same time, decentralized means the installation of separate electronic units for each device.
How much does it cost to connect?
Prices for installing alarms in car services vary depending on:
- region;
- the complexity of the security complex itself;
- qualifications of service personnel;
- vehicle models.
Table: cost of alarm connection
The table shows the minimum prices for alarm connection in different regions.
| Region | Price | Firm |
| Moscow | from 1,000 rub. | "Car service on Mosfilmovskaya" |
| Chelyabinsk | from 2000 rub. | "MM auto" |
| Krasnoyarsk | from 1500 rub. | "Avto-r" |
| Ekaterinburg | from 2,000 rub. | "Motor1ru" |
| Krasnodar | from 2,500 rub. | «Europe-Car | Tuning-South. RF" |
Central locking functions
The purpose of this mechanism is to control the car's special security system. Despite the simplicity of the device and operation, central locking with remote control from China and other countries is quite in demand. This is due to the performance of useful functions. However, they are only available in modern car models.
Central locking can provide additional protection for your car. It will automatically lock all doors at the start of movement to prevent them from opening spontaneously. This device is also the main component of alarm systems and remote control.
Remote device control
Central locking with remote control is the most convenient device for the driver. In this case, opening and closing the doors is done by pressing the corresponding button, which is located on the ignition key or remote control. This function works at a distance of up to ten meters. After the device blocking is enabled, the alarm system will be activated. If there is a high-quality and modern security system, the car owner will receive a signal about unauthorized entry.
It is worth noting that the central locking with remote control is quite reliable in use. If the vehicle gets into an accident and its doors are automatically locked, the device will activate the door unlocking system. At the same time, they will be open, and the driver and passengers will be able to get out of the damaged car.
Installation
Considering all the possibilities and objective advantages, many motorists are thinking about installing a central locking system on their own vehicle.
Those whose cars come from the factory with the possibility of installing central locking will be more lucky, even if this system is not specifically included in your configuration. But the machine has all the seats and other nuances necessary for quick and easy installation. To install, you will need to purchase a central locking kit and work on the existing seats.
But if you have an older car, where central locking was not even installed at the factory, everything will have to be done virtually from scratch. This is not a reason to abandon the idea, but the task is not the easiest. It is recommended to first consult with specialists and study the diagram of your car.
The entire procedure can be divided into 3 main stages:
- choice of central locking;
- preparation of materials and tools;
- installation.
The motorist should select a suitable kit in advance, prepare everything necessary for work, and, based on the step-by-step guide, implement his idea.
Recommendations for choosing equipment
You need to start your choice with the manufacturer. If you want to get a reliable central lock that performs its functions efficiently, you should never save on your purchase. Categorically refuse any cheap Chinese options. Such savings will not benefit you or your car.
The next choice is options. Choose only those features that you will actually use. Any additional option affects the cost, and it is not always wise to overpay for them.
Experienced motorists who actively use central locks recommend choosing equipment equipped with a window closer. Although this is an additional option, it is considered the most useful. Suitable for cars with electric windows. The benefit of this option is due to the fact that often the driver and his passengers forget to close the windows due to inattention or haste. The closer will do this when the central locking is activated.
Another useful addition would be the presence of an automatic closing function after a certain period of time. This option is not available on all central locking models, but it helps a lot.
It is important to take into account that automatic closing does not always play a positive role. There are situations when a motorist leaves the keys inside. If the automation works, a problem will arise in the form of the inability to get to the keys.
The range of central locking kits is quite extensive. Choose trusted manufacturers, and carefully study the list of available options. Soberly assess what you need and what is better to refuse. Don't rush to buy the most advanced and multifunctional central locks, even when your budget allows.
Materials and tools
Before connecting and setting up your new central locking, you will need to prepare the necessary tools and materials. The connection diagram is already included with the central locking system. Based on it, it will be much easier for you to do all the work yourself.
Basically, motorists need:
- central locking kit;
- wiring;
- insulating tape;
- side cutters;
- door piston;
- drills;
- screwdriver;
- screwdriver;
- wrenches.
Much depends on the design features of a particular vehicle. On some cars, the central locking system is installed using a minimum set of tools along with a set of equipment. Others have to disassemble a number of elements of the car, which may require some additional tools.
Step by step guide
Now you can proceed directly to connecting the central locking. The main components of success include desire, a little patience and free time to complete the task.
Before connecting the central locking to your car, make sure that the purchased lock is fully equipped. Sometimes manufacturers, or rather sellers, cheat by offering certain components for a fee.
If everything is ready, lay out the kit in front of you in a convenient place, prepare the tools and materials required for the work. By following the step-by-step instructions, you will be able to figure out how to install the central lock yourself.
- Open the car doors and begin removing the interior trim. Be careful, as many fasteners are plastic and can be easily broken. If necessary, they can be replaced, but it is much easier to do everything delicately from the beginning, without creating additional problems.
- Next, the electrical wiring is installed in the doors. The central locking system must be equipped with a rod with a boom, which is connected directly to the rod on the door itself. The drive connects neatly to the door. To do this, choose a comfortable protruding metal part.
- The wiring is extended to the control unit, which will be responsible for the operation of the central locking. Caution is also important here. Hide all wires so that they can be accessed, but the risk of mechanical damage is minimal. Use clamps and insulating tape as you work to combine several wires into one bundle in different areas along the entire length of the wiring. If it is possible to place the wires under the dashboard, do so.
- You can return the trim material to the doors. Here you will need door pins. They are often made of plastic, but metal products are also found. Based on what kind of pistons are provided on your car.
- Having returned the door panels to their places, you can proceed to connecting the electrical wiring to the control unit. This stage is rightly considered the most difficult and demanding in terms of the quality of work performed. The connection involves connecting the negative wire, which is made in the form of a black wire, to ground, and the positive wire goes to 12V. This wire is usually painted red. But first check the diagram from the instructions for the central locking.
- Having completed the connection, the central lock needs to be connected to an already installed security system. This will allow you to open and close doors automatically, as well as activate and deactivate the alarm by pressing the corresponding button on the remote control. There is a fuse box in the engine compartment. Wires are connected to it from the central locking.
Device contents
The remote control central locking kit consists of the following elements:
- control unit;
- actuators;
- input sensors.
Each of these components performs important functions. When purchasing a central lock, you need to pay attention to its performance. Each component should be reviewed in more detail.
Input sensors
The car's remote central locking is included in a security circuit that needs to know the current state of the entire system, such as whether the doors are open. For this purpose, limit switches are used. Their signals are transmitted to the control unit. Microswitches are used to set the position of other components used by the control unit during the analysis process.
Input sensors determine the position of the locking device. Two of them are installed on the front axle doors. Two more sensors study the state of the central locking device. Their function is to transmit a signal to the control unit, which indicates the location of all parts.
Preparatory stage
First you need to disconnect the terminals from the battery. Then proceed to dismantle the door. The operating procedure is as follows:
- Remove the 4 screws located under the shelf.
- Remove the handle.
- Unscrew the plastic screw.
- Get rid of the upholstery.
- Remove the dust curtains.
It is better to mark the installation location in the lower left corner so that the locks do not affect the window lifter when moving.
To install the activator you need to make holes. It is attached to the lock rod. And fixation is done using the clamps included in the kit. After this, grab the latches, installing them on the rod of the manual lock block.
Having finished with the driver's door, do the same operation with all the others. When the job is done, secure the wires coming from the activators with clamps. If the existing holes are not enough, drill additional ones in the right places.
@Replicadisk.ru
Do not lay wires at the bottom of the door, where moisture constantly accumulates, to avoid short circuits.
Use a rubber tube where the wires pass between the body and the door, otherwise they will quickly fray.
Control block
This component determines how the remote controlled central locking will operate. For most cars, its circuit is made using digital elements. They are designed to process incoming signals according to a preset algorithm. The approach under consideration allows manufacturers to achieve the highest quality connection between the central locking, alarm and remote control.
In most cases, the systems mentioned above are installed by the car owner. Manufacturers install security systems and remote control systems in modern car models. For effective control, the circuit provides for the presence of an additional electronic unit. With its help, the driver has the ability to control the central locking using a special remote key fob. The signal transmission range depends on the selected device model.
How the central lock works
After a car enthusiast purchases a high-quality central locking with remote control, the installation must be carried out by a specialist. Otherwise, the system will not work effectively. It is worth noting that the operation of the device is available regardless of the state of the ignition in the car.
If the doors are locked with a key, the microswitch is activated at this moment. It transmits a signal from the switch to the control unit, after which it goes to the central control unit. Then all signals are generated to the electric motors of the trunk and fuel tank lids, as well as the door locking system. When all actuating components are triggered, the car doors are locked. Repeated operation of the electronic drive is prevented by a corresponding signal from the microswitch. In a similar way, the locking devices will be unlocked.
With remote control, a button on the ignition key or remote control is pressed. As a result, a signal will be transmitted to the receiving antenna of the central control unit. It will then be processed and sent to the actuators of the fuel tank and trunk lids, as well as to the door blocks.
When installing, you should pay attention to the Granta Lada remote-controlled central locking system, which is in demand among Russian motorists.
The fundamental difference between the main types of central locking
We strongly recommend that you leave the solution to problems related to electricity if you do not know the principle of operation and the purpose of the connected batteries. Connecting a central locking system is no exception to this rule.
Fundamentally, devices for automatic unlocking/locking of door locks can be divided into 2 types:
- Central locking with electric drive. Electric activators are installed in the doors. Each mechanism can have an individual control unit or be controlled by a single unit (this is the scheme used on budget cars);
- pneumatic central locking. The activator rod moves due to changes in air pressure inside the line. At the moment, the system is outdated and not used; in the past, such systems were installed by Mercedes, BMW, VW, Audi. It is not economically feasible to restore such a system or install it yourself. It is much easier to install electrical activators by connecting everything to a unit with a remote control function.
We will consider central locking with electric drives. Devices of this type are divided into 2 types:
- with positive potential control;
- with negative potential control.
What a control signal is and why it is needed will become clear to you when we look at the operating principle of the simplest central locking system. As an example, let's take the most common scheme on budget cars with minus control. The schematic diagram is taken from the Opel Astra F repair and operation manual.
How does the simplest central locking work?
You can immediately see that a 5-wire activator is installed in the driver's door. Some car manufacturers, wanting to save money, do not install a control servo in the driver's door, but only a button.
What we see in the diagram:
- S41 – limit switch located at the driver's door lock cylinder. When turning the key to unlock or lock, a negative potential is briefly (about 1 second) applied to the central locking unit.
- S42 – passenger front door switch.
- M18, M19, M20, M32 – door activators. M41 – gas tank flap lock, M60 – trunk servo drive; To operate servos, 2 wires are enough, which are called power wires. The potential difference on these wires starts the motor, which moves the lock rod. Depending on which wire has - and which has +, the motor will spin in one direction or the other. The third wire (blue-black) is required by the standard alarm system to monitor the status of the locks.
- K37 – central locking control unit. To operate, the block necessarily requires a constant + and mass. Two signal wires (white-brown and brown) come to the block from the passenger actuators. In idle mode they have little positive potential. The appearance of a minus on one of the wires provokes closing, and on the second - opening. It is this minus signal that determines whether the central locking is controlled by minus or plus. Depending on which wire - appears on, the unit supplies voltage of the required polarity to the power wires.
This is exactly how the simplest central locking works, which does not even react to whether the driver’s door is open or closed. The simplest central locking control unit works according to a circuit of two 5-wire relays. We invite you to watch a video that describes in detail the principle of operation and the method of connecting two-wire activators.
How to implement remote control
The remote control unit from Aliexpress, attractive for its low cost, has recently gained great popularity. Using a block of this type, you can connect a remote control to a standard system or equip a car with a central locking system yourself, having previously purchased 4 two-wire activators. Of course, there can be no talk of protecting the car from theft. Such a budget central locking control unit can only perform a service function.
Pressing a button on the key fob replaces physically turning the key in the lock cylinder to unlock and lock the car. Receiving the signal, the control unit supplies voltage to the power wires. Only 6 wires are responsible for the operation of the unit and car locks:
- constant +, protected by a fuse (in our case - 15A);
- weight;
- 2 power wires going to the servos;
- 2 control wires.
