central locking...not working. 1987
 

sometimes I question German logic. not sure why anyone would need a central locking system in a 2 door car when you can easily reach the two door locks... I think its more effort to reach down in the central console than reaching across the cabin, but nevertheless, mine isn't working and the locking motor seems to freeze.

The light on the console is always on, indicating the doors are locked, even when they aren't. sometimes the door locks are free, sometimes frozen. either way the light is always on. when the door is unlocked, I cant lock with the key. When it is locked I can open with the key (this is good news!). I can also lock and hold the door handle when I close the door to secure the car, so this isn't a big problem, but a little annoying.

Any ideas? I'd rather disengage the whole system than troubleshoot and replace the electric lock which I ass-u-me has gone bad.

Is there a quick/easy way to disengage the entire electronic system without damaging anything?

I'll offer the following, as I've recently become a near-expert on the central locking system in these cars:

First, the central locking light in the center console should always be on, but becomes brighter when you engage it.

The reason for your troubles is that the central locking control unit has failed. I know it's this unit because both doors are affected. The unit can be replaced.

You can certainly get rid of all the central locking electrical components, which includes the control module, the center console switch, the actuators in the doors, and the microswitches attached to the lock cylinders. However, you still won't be able to lock your doors with the key, because almost all the cars (there are apparently rare exceptions) that were equipped with this option (it was made standard as of the '88 model year) have door latch mechanisms that only permit unlocking using the key from the exterior of the car. You can still lock the passenger side by pushing the lock knob down, then closing the door. Unfortunately you can't do this on the driver's side due to the aniti-lockout feature. Therefore, to convert to full manual control you will have to replace the door latches inside the doors with a pair of latches from a car that did not have the central locking option.

Here is a picture of the non-CL, manual latch. Note there are two prongs, one on each side of the locking rod. This mechanism permits both locking and unlocking by turning the key in the lock cylinder.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1241878820.jpg

By contrast, cars with the central locking option were equipped with this type of latch. Note there is only one prong, on the unlocking (forward) side. These cars cannot be locked by turning the key in the lock cylinder.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1241878925.jpg

Central locking control unit
 

How much does a central locking control unit cost? Dealer only item?

Thanks!

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=OEM-91161802900&catalog_description=Genuine%20Porsche% 20Part%3A%20LOCK%20CONTROL%20UNIT

Or, a used one for $100 from DC Automotive http://dcauto.gotdns.com/illustration/index/509735162

Or, I'll sell you my working one for $75 plus shipping.

where is the central locking unit located? Is it easy to access? If so, I' be interested in buying your used (working) one.

when they break is it a rebuildable item, or trash?

The unit is accessed from the front trunk. It is on the passenger side inner fender panel, all the way towards the rear of the car (basically, under the dash, but you get to it from inside the trunk area).

I don't think it is rebuildable, it is an electronic thing.

I got a good used one on ebay for $25.

locking unit
 

Porschenut-

Thanks for the offer...I'll take it. Let me know payment requirements.

Thanks, Biff

Same thing happened with my 1987 car. I tried to order the part but there are none in existence. They stop making the part and none are available in Germany. There is a superseeded part number which costs $473. Any ideas, please.
Mark

you can get a good used one on ebay for $25-$50.

Hi, does some has a picture of where the central locking system goes?

Thanks!

Thanks this was very helpful and the advice from cabmando form another entry. I concentrated on searching for the CL and I found what I think is just the connector. If any of you have a picture I will appreciate, I have a lot of detached cables and I do not know where to attach the CL.

Thankshttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1397795829.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1397795871.jpg

thanks to porschenut, he was on the money. I got today my CL and just put it in place and my locks starting to work.

I've got a problem where before I removed the alarm system the locks worked perfect. After I close the door put the key in to lock it the door locks then unlocks. I followed the thread on removing the alarm system too.