What to do if your car's central locking doesn't work?

A large number of modern cars are necessarily equipped with central locking. This is not the most reliable security element for a vehicle, but in combination with an alarm it allows you to achieve a truly high level of protection. If the first central locks (CL) caused a lot of controversy and were considered not reliable enough, as the automotive industry and security systems developed, the situation changed for the better. But locks can still fail from time to time. And if their proper operation is disrupted, the car owner should definitely know why this could happen and what to do in a specific situation. There are several options for malfunctions, each of which requires a specific algorithm of action on the part of the car owner.

Recommendations for repairing the central locking of a car.

Principle of operation

The central car lock consists of:

central electronic unit;
electronic units for front and rear doors (not always present);
driver's door electronic unit;
push-button switches for all doors;
limit switches for closing windows and doors;
control units and window lift drives.

In most cases, the units responsible for controlling the power windows are directly connected to the central locking and combined into a single system. When the doors are closed, the central locking checks the condition of all doors and windows so that they are not left open when closing and activating the alarm. The central locking system cannot be considered a separate element of the car. This is the name of all system components responsible for locking the locks in the vehicle. The task is to simultaneously open and close doors, raise and lower windows, and sometimes also be responsible for opening the fuel tank lid.

The principle of operation is based on the fact that when you turn the key in the driver's side door lock, a microswitch is activated, which is responsible for the locking process. From it a signal goes to the door control unit, and then to the central unit. From there, control signals are distributed to each of the available control blocks. This allows you to simultaneously close all doors, windows, etc. When you turn the key again, the reverse process occurs, that is, unlocking. Depending on the type of device, the central locking system can be triggered by contact or non-contact methods. The second option involves using a special button on the car keys.

Software glitch

The reason why the car does not open with the Sherkhan key fob alarm may be a software failure between the remote control itself and the signal receiver. In this case, the only way to eliminate the current problem is to reprogram the link. To do this, use emergency mode. Remove the wires from the alarm unit, turning off the control. Now you need to synchronize its operation with the alarm panel.

In fact, it is not difficult to carry out such an operation, so every driver can do it independently.

However, sometimes there are times when you cannot cope with the problem on your own. The reason for this lies in the disappearance of the software from the memory of the equipment itself. In this case, you will have to contact a service center to have your device flashed and reprogrammed.

Signs of trouble

The occurrence of any malfunction in the operation of the central car lock instantly manifests itself in the form of a violation of its functionality. In this case, the signs or symptoms of a breakdown correspond to what exactly happened to the system. Therefore, problems can be identified by the following nuances:

it is not possible to open the car using the key fob;
opening does not work when using the key;
the key fob does not lock the car;
the key or button does not work when closing the door;
one of the doors does not open or does not open;
The central locking is triggered, closes everything, but immediately opens without a corresponding command from the driver;
locking and unlocking work spontaneously.

We can say that malfunctions manifest themselves in the form of incorrect operation of the system. The central locking system is a complex device that consists of a large number of components and control units. This is a whole network of electrical wires, which sometimes covers the entire car. Given the complexity of the system, consideration should be given to who will carry out the repairs. It is often recommended to entrust this to specialists. At the same time, every motorist has the right and opportunity to know what malfunctions occur with the central locking, what is their cause and how they can be dealt with. Whether to repair it yourself or trust the experts is a purely individual question.

Why doesn't it block the doors on the first command?

Some types of alarms have the peculiarity of not going off immediately. Not the most pleasant feature. Therefore, car owners strive to eliminate the factory defect. But for this you need to know the reason. Most often, the delay is due to the following factors:

Interference. To test the hypothesis, you need to drive 100-200 m.
Keychain. If this is a factory feature, then it manifests itself when the architecture interferes with the device, that is, the design is not thought out. An accurate diagnosis can only be made at a car service center. Even a manufacturing defect can be eliminated, but it takes time and high-quality repairs.
Radio block. Essentially the same. Only problems can occur in the receiving device located inside the car. There's nothing you can do about it. You'll have to change the radio unit.

Types of faults

There are a lot of situations and cases when central locks on cars do not work. But it is important to understand exactly what happened and how the malfunction manifests itself. Mostly malfunctions manifest themselves in the form of a refusal to respond to certain commands. Sometimes the system opens completely. Mostly motorists are faced with the following situations:

the castle behaves unstable;
partial failure is observed;
The central locking system does not respond to commands from the key fob;
the system does not respond to commands from the key.

Each of the presented situations requires separate consideration.

Unstable work

There are cases when the central locks on cars have not stopped working, but their behavior and functioning can be described as unstable. That is, they can work normally when commands are given, but at some point give out unexpected surprises. Basically, instability at work manifests itself as follows:

When the driver presses the key fob button, incorrect operation of the control unit or module is observed. The block either reacts to commands or completely ignores them and does not execute them. One time everything functions perfectly, no problems arise, but the next time there are failures. When sending commands to the central locking from the remote control, they may or may not be executed;
When trying to open the door locks, at first the system opens them normally, but after a while it spontaneously locks them again. Although the driver did not give such a command. Locks can behave similarly when receiving a closing command. The doors lock and then unblock themselves;
When the driver presses the button to open the doors, the control device closes them. And when you try to close the door, the opposite situation occurs, that is, the doors open;
After pressing the open or close button, only part of the car doors carries out the command. One or more doors do not respond to signals, or perform actions opposite to the command.

It is obvious here that the central locking system really behaves unstable. Situations like this don't happen so rarely. But specialists will be able to find the cause and also help in restoring normal performance. Some car owners cope with the situation on their own.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwQIcpG2_iY

Partial failure

Here we are talking about situations when the central locks do not close, although it is possible to open the vehicle doors using a key or key fob. Here we are also talking about the fact that the central locking does not work, but this occurs in the form of a partial failure. If the driver tries to close the doors with the button, he will not succeed. Then you can close them mechanically, that is, by pressing the corresponding buttons from inside the cabin. After this, the key fob will normally unlock the doors, but will no longer be able to close them back. Such a malfunction indicates that the central locking system has partially failed. Here the problem should mainly be found in the electronics of the system.

th. Breaking glass or breaking a lock

This method is the most radical. If you still don’t know how to open a jammed car door lock, or none of the methods work, then there are only two options left - break the lock or break the glass. Both methods are not pleasant.

Related article: How to make a door curtain with your own hands

If you decide to break the lock, then drive a thin metal screwdriver into it and turn it. In this case, the lock will immediately break. If you have a drill and electricity, this can be done much more accurately. Just drill out the lock key. But this method will require replacing each cylinder, or you will have different keys.

When breaking glass, it is worth finding out which glass in the car is the cheapest. Before breaking glass, you should be thoroughly prepared. Minimize the scattering of glass after you break it. To do this, it is recommended to glue the glass with tape. You should not tape the place where the blow is aimed. It is best to break glass with a heavy hammer.

Causes of problems and solutions to problems

Previously, only signs of malfunctions were considered. Now it is important to understand why they arise, who is to blame for this and what needs to be done in a given situation. Central locking failure is usually associated with:

relay failure;
wiring problems;
battery;
fuses;
keychain;
control device;
actuator.

Considering the fact that there are many causes of malfunctions, each of them requires separate consideration. After all, the approach to repairing the central locking system directly depends on who was the culprit of the malfunctions. Motorists should be warned in advance. If you are not confident in your own strengths and capabilities, and do not have experience in repairing complex systems such as central locking, you should not try to repair the central locking system yourself. This is sometimes a complex procedure that requires appropriate qualifications and a clear understanding of the structure of the entire system.

Relay

A fairly common cause of malfunctions in the operation of the central locking system, when the car central locking does not open from the key fob, is the relay. Therefore, the motorist needs to check its current condition. You can do this yourself, since the procedure is not the most difficult. First you need to find the place where the relay is located. It may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. In some cars, the relay is installed together with other relays and fuses in a special block. But sometimes the element is located on the section of the electrical circuit that follows from the control unit. You can look at the instruction manual and find out exactly where the relay you are looking for is. Having found it, it is necessary to dismantle the device for further inspection. Checking is carried out with a multimeter. You can also disassemble the relay and check the condition of the board, which is located inside the case. If there are traces of burnt contacts, it will not be possible to restore the relay. It just needs to be changed. Experienced drivers and specialists recommend trying to close the electrical circuit directly after dismantling. If nothing has changed, all that remains is to simply throw out the old relay and put a new element in its place. It is inexpensive, but in a few minutes you can fully restore the operation of the central locking system. When choosing a new relay, it is recommended to take the old failed component with you. This will allow you to accurately select a similar device.

Wiring

Most often, electrical wiring suffers in the area that runs between the body and the door. It provides for the use of rubber corrugation, and wiring runs inside it. If it is damaged or interrupted by accident, or during active use, the central locking system will cease to function. When the circuit is open, due to the bending of the line, the contacts are closed, which allows the lock to function normally. Once it is closed, the contacts will open and the device will stop working. To solve the problem, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules.

Open the car door. While it is open, press the close button. To do this, a rod in the form of a screwdriver or other available material is inserted into the lock latch from the end side. If everything is fine with the wiring, after such manipulation the lock should work and try to close the door
Next you need to press the limit switch. He is in the doorway. This is necessary for the control module to record the fact that the device is closed.
The car's security system is turned on if it has an alarm system. In this case, the door locks must be closed. If the alarm determines that the locks are closed, the driver will receive a response in the form of a sound signal.
On the control panel, press the button to enable or disable the protection. If the door opens after pressing, pull the door handle, open the latch and slam it back. In a situation where the doors did not open, you should start looking for damage on the electrical line, that is, in the wiring.

Incorrect installation of the system

When installing an alarm system, problems with errors may arise as a result of violations of installation rules. Many specialized centers install the system in a matter of hours, limiting themselves to disassembling the dashboard, one of the thresholds and the glove compartment.

After installation, it is discovered that a web of wires has formed under the steering wheel. Wound with regular electrical tape. The main symptoms of improper installation are:

Interference during arming.
The presence of an inscription about blocking on the key fob when asking about the status. It should disappear immediately after arming the car, simultaneously with turning off the engine.

Interference at the frequency of the key fob, as a result of improper installation, prevents the door from opening, so you need to press the Valet button, open the car and turn off the system manually.

In this case, it is necessary to check the installation route of the communication module cable. It may not be laid separately, as required by the installation technique, but rather wrapped in a tangle of other alarm wires. A complete disassembly of the dashboard and review of the installation of the entire system will help to detect other problems.

What to do if the alarm stops responding to the key fob?

Good to know

If the alarm stops responding to the key fob, the only option to disable the anti-theft system is emergency deactivation.

A special password may be required to complete a task. Depending on your system settings, the code may not be used.

On Starline A1 and A4 models, emergency shutdown without a password is carried out as follows:

The car door opens.
The ignition is activated. The system must be left turned on for 20 seconds.
Press the button to enter the alarm service mode three times.
The ignition is turned off. Security mode must be deactivated.

On the same alarm models, emergency shutdown using a code is performed as follows:

The car door opens, the ignition is turned on and the engine starts.
Using the service button, enter the first digit of the password. The number of clicks must correspond to the symbol.
Then the ignition is turned off and immediately on.
Using the service button, you enter the second digit of the password. After turning off the ignition, the security mode should turn off.

Video about repairing the Starline remote control

The Blue Box Ufa channel in its video showed in detail the procedure for restoring the functionality of the communicator from the Starline alarm system.

Do you have any questions? Specialists and readers of the AUTODVIG website will help you ask a question

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Low battery

If the doors do not open from the alarm key fob Starline a 91, Jaguar, Pandora, Tomahawk, Sherkhan, etc., the possibility of the car battery being discharged cannot be ruled out. To verify this, you need to do the following:

Gain access to the engine compartment.
Assess the condition of the battery. Sometimes, during a visual inspection, it is possible to determine the presence of mechanical defects on the body, which is associated with leakage of electrolyte.

The following procedures for diagnosing the battery are performed according to the following instructions:

You need to disconnect the terminals from the battery and clean the terminals. Otherwise, any traces of oxidation may lead to malfunctions of the alarm system.
Next you need to open the battery cans and assess the level of the working fluid. If it is minimal, you will need to add water using exclusively the distilled version from the auto store.
The next stage involves diagnosing the voltage on the machine with the engine turned off, starting it and re-checking its functionality. The optimal operating value will be 12-13.8 volts. If it is less, it means the battery is discharged; if it is more, it has been overcharged.
If the battery needs charging, it is charged. If there are no changes, you will have to remove the old battery and install a new part.

If the car does not open with the alarm key fob due to the battery being discharged, the driver needs to more closely monitor its charge level and prevent this from happening in the future. To do this, you need to turn off the lights after stopping the car or parking.

Wiring damage

Perhaps the key fob does not work due to broken connections in the wires or problems with the electronics. A power surge may cause the hardware to fail. The device will begin to spark, and poorly insulated wires will be damaged.

In this case, the alarm may work every other time. You will have to ring all the cables, identify damaged areas and replace them. It may very well be that a burnt-out device will need to be replaced with a new one.

@drive2.ru