Central Locking Gremlin

[Pstallo]

I have an 86 with central locking that has started spontaneously locking when I don't expect or want it to. Sometimes, when it does that, if I try to unlock the door with the key, it will unlock and then immediately lock itself back. Sometimes it locks as soon as the door closes.

Any thoughts on where the gremlin might reside?

I see that our host sells a new central locking switch for $103 and a new door locking control unit for over $500. I'm hoping it might not be the $500 option.

[DRACO A5OG]

Well, mine started to act up, I found the white wire in the door that goes to the actuator, had a cut and when it grounded to the door, my locking system would activate.

Have you taken the door apart recently?

[Pstallo]

Hmmm, I had removed the door panels recently while I was fooling with a window switch and sprayed all the mechanical parts just because I was there. I will definitely remove them and check the wire. I was just reading my Bentley and it looks like I would have to remove the door handles to fool with the microswitch.

Is it difficult to remove/replace the door handles before I do something like that? I was going to paint them, too, but thought it might be a pain in the rear. If I'm going to check the microswitch, I figure I may as well get the paint out while I'm at it.

[DRACO A5OG]

Not too difficult, just take allot of pics so you now how everything goes back together.

The white wire is pretty obvious, no need to remove the handle but if you are going to you can thoroughly check the wire for shorts/cuts.

When you put the handle back, be very careful not to over torque the bolts/nuts.

I would recommend powder coating, paint just does not last unless you use mat finish 2K clear coat over the black.

[SpyderMike]

You should be able to check the door wiring for improper grounding at the circular connectors in the frunk, no? That is where I would check first...less invasive perhaps.