Central Locking Fault

[Andyjames]

Hi everyone,

Having had a look through the forum, I can't see any discussions so thought I would ask; central locking.

One morning, at about 0300, the car alarm started going off. I immediately used the key to unlock/lock the car but that didn't silence the alarm, so ended up running outside in a state of undress to use the key to unlock/lock the car, turning the alarm off. It was obvious in the morning that that central locking element of the car had failed (having replaced the battery in the key and tried multiple things to see if it would work, but it still didn't).

Only things I have looked at are the wiring harness into the boot lid; with no further inspection it looks like previous repairs have been carried out (black electrical tape poorly wound around the loom).

Obviously a huge place to start, but has anyone had any similar experience where central locking failed (and I believe the alarm going off was linked; maybe something caused a short, triggering the alarm?)

Appreciate any advice - thanks

Andy

 

[colb]

Boot loom can be suspect, strip it back see if any wires are broken or badly repaired, also check out the bonnet plunger switch on the front apron under the bonnet.

 

[Chrisr1949]

The car's battery can cause this, does the car start normally, does the starter seem laboured? A low battery voltage can cause the alarm to trigger.

 

[Andyjames]

Interesting turn of events;
- cleaned the bonnet plunger switch
- battery has been out and charging over the last few days so put that in
- decided to completely unwind the electrical tape on the dodgy repair, and cleaned any “open repairs” with contact cleaner

all of that seemed to work..! It now opens and closes as expected, with no alarm issues. Going to order a loom repair kit and add that to the list of jobs!
Thanks both for your help

 

[Chrisr1949]

Great outcome