central door locks

RVander68 · 05-10-2006, 04:11 PM

I have a '90 S2. When I go to lock the doors with the key (either door), the doors lock upon twisting the key, but when I go to remove the key from the lock, both doors unlock. The only way I can lock the car is to open the passenger door, reach through and push the lock on the closed drivers side and then push the lock on the passenger side and shut the door!

I tried testing the control elements as described in the workshop manual by taking the control module off and jumping the connector and the locks stayed down with key. So does this mean the control module is bad? I just want to be sure because the local dealer quoted me $550 for a new module (no returns allowed since electrical).

Thanks in advance for any input on this problem!

carsonmx114 · 05-10-2006, 04:48 PM

is it possible that the module is getting a signal from the ignition that is telling it that the key is still in the ignition and is trying to keep you from locking your key in the car? i have a truck that works that way. does your key warning dinger work when the key is in and the door is open?

RVander68 · 05-12-2006, 06:30 AM

Interesting thought....the warning beeps whenever I open the door, whether I have the key in the ingnition or not. Should this be the case with for this car?

Brando · Brando's Garage

You should not hear the warning buzzer unless your key is in the ignition while opening the door or your lights are on.

carsonmx114 · 05-13-2006, 06:12 AM

try twisting the key a little as you pull it out of the ignition, also you might try spraying wd40 or something simaliar into the key hole to free up the switch that senses when the key is in.

RVander68 · 05-20-2006, 10:36 AM

I figured out the locks! It had to do with the micro-switch on the passenger door lock cylinder. I pulled the lock actuator and door handle, removed the switch and manually cycled it - the locks functioned like they should. So the switch was good, but the position of the cam that activates the switch on the lock cylinder was off by one tooth (the lock cylinder is splined and engages the plastic cam). I buttoned it all back up and the locks worked great using the key; however, the red light on the door lock switch in the center council remained lit and it would not lock or unlock the doors. Turns out there is another micro-switch in the actuator itself. All I had to do was adjust the position of the actuator and now all is well.

Now I just need to figure out how to stop the gong when I open the door (no key in the ignition) - I think this is a problem with the ignition switch.