Central Locking Problem - Service and Repair of Car Door Lock Problems

These are by far the most common Central Locking system we repair. The problems start from some engineering over-sights in the design of the door lock assembley and motor. Ford don't like to admit it, but these have been quite a problems for some time. Generally the solution was to take the vehicle in for warranty repair, but seeing most of these are now out of warranty they are charging exorbitent amounts to repair them.

Usually the issues range from locks not going up or down, making a grinding noise, and the horn sounding 3 times rapidly to indicate theres a fault with the doors not locking. You will mostly find if one door doesn't lock, none of the others will either.

We can generally fix these for around $125 in parts and $40 in labour.

Most Toyota's before year 2004 run solid rod central locking systems which are generally quite reliable but occasionally they incur various problems such as cycling through lock and unlock quickly making the locks chatter uncontrollably. These are relatively easy to repair and we carry these parts in stock all the time.

Toyota's built after 2005 run a cable and sleave central locking system which is not so easy to work on, but we have figured out many clever solutions which allow us to solve the door locking issue without having to purchase factory parts which can range from $400 to $800 for a motor assembley ... Lucky there are alternatives!

We can generally fix these for around $125 door in parts and $40 in labour.

Probably almost as common as the Ford AU Series and BA/BF Falcon and Territory, the 1996 VS Series through to 2004 VY Series of Holden Commodore has it's fair share of problems with central locking systems. The problem with these is mainly internal, the motors are built strong, however the dead-locking system often doesn't remove the dead-bolt pin meaning the door mechanism won't lock or unlock.

Usually you will have some warning with these. If you start to experience this problem, attend to it straight away whilst the door is Still UNLOCKING !! Once the system fails compeletely the motor won't be able to move the lock, or enable the door to unlock, meaning you won't be able to open the door to access the motor.

This is a disaster because the only way in is to cut a hole in the outside or inside of the door skin and have it repaired by a panel beater after, costing $1000's of dollars !!!! We recommend to get onto repairing these straight away at first signs of problems otherwise they can be more expensive the longer the problem goes on for.

We can generally fix these for around $125 in parts and $40 in labour.

The Holden Rodeo ute was built in association with Isuzu Motors and share many of the same components. The central locking on early models 1988 to 2001 ran a solid rod system which is very basic to repair and fix. Later models from 2002 to 2010 changed to the cable and sleeve system seen on most late model Toyota's, Nissans and other Japanese build vehicles. This is now becoming the more common build style.

No big problem here other than the motors just wearing out over time. They're not the strongest or heavy duty so generally only last around 10 to 15 years. Not overly expensive to fix, except if you're using factory parts! As always we recommend to use aftermarket parts to save 80% over what the factory would charge for repairs.

We can generally fix these for around $125 door in parts and $40 in labour.

Most common problem we experience with Nissan Patrol Central Locking is failure within the drivers door motor. For some reason this always seems to be the one that has problems first. The motor on early models pre-2000 is solid rod, whilst later models especially after 2004 is cable and sleeve, and some even aftermarket.

The biggest problem with these is the design. There wasn't much room to configure a large motor into the door cavity, even though the doors are large, the window regulator and mechanism took up a lot of space right where the motor needed to go. They also use an "L" bracket joiner to translate action "side-to-side" from conventional "up-down" which takes a lot more torque from the motor to actuate. For this reason as the motors become "tired" the lock becomes unreliable and doesn't fully lock or unlock.

We can generally fix these for around $125 door in parts and $40 in labour.

Early model Mercedes used what's referred to as "Vacuum" Central Locking Systems whilst later models used the more common electronic systems like most manufacturers These early series vacuum central locking units are an absolute nightmare to work-on trying to chase down vacuum leaks, broken hoses, worn compressors and so on. We've found the best solution is to just remove all the vacuum actuators and replace with later model electronic units. Far more relaible and easier to fault find and work with.

Replacing or repairing the factory vacuum motor actuators can cost $2000 or more. Doing the same with aftermarket electronic motors, including labour and conversion kit usually costs around $800, a saving of more than 60% over factory parts!

Of coarse this can also cost much less if the problem is less servere or late model. Sometimes if the rest of the system is ok, but just one door seems to be giving the majority of problems we can usually fix this for around $285.

Like most European built cars, replacement factory door motors get very expensive! Last we heard BMW were wanting $800 per door for replacement on 5 Series BMW.

Whilst the build quality on these is rock solid, and they are powerful motors, they do like all electric/mechnical parts eventually stop working. A straight forward design and swap over to our gun-style aftermarket motors saved over 80% at cost of only $175 !

Other problems with BMW's as with most manufacturers is cost of replacement remote controls. We can supply and install aftermarket remotes for around $125ea.

Savings on BMW, Mercedes and Audi systems can be very substantial !

Save 50% to 80% Compared to Repair costs from Vehicle Dealerships !!

We deliver Solutions to Central Locking Problems that

cost significantly less than motor dealerships

Door Lock Problems ... we have solutions !

Kia and Hyundai Korean Cars

We can often solve the problem for 80% Cheaper !! Only $245 Installed !

Saving you $1000's compared to going to the Factory Dealers for Lock Repairs !!