Central locking help

[winchman]

Just bought a new central locking black box thingy as I only have one fob and its a bit hit and miss.
So I have two cables that run to the drivers door actuator how do I connect my new one up? any top tips etc?

[helen&tony]

Hi
From memory, you'll need an aftermarket solenoid / motor kit (cheapo off e-bay) to just connect to the driver's door c/locking actuator...they come with all the connecting rods....It's 10 years since I did mine easy job !
Cheers
Helen

[winchman]

The one on it now just connects to the existing solenoid in the drivers door, so I was hoping to do the same

[helen&tony]

Hi
Ah...if it already has a solenoid, then I guess you could just disconnect the old receiver and add a new one...but Geoff's the guy on the electrics...I had to add a solenoid because I fitted an alarm, and I didn't have remote locking.
Cheers
Helen

[winchman]

Hi
Ah...if it already has a solenoid, then I guess you could just disconnect the old receiver and add a new one...but Geoff's the guy on the electrics...I had to add a solenoid because I fitted an alarm, and I didn't have remote locking.
Cheers
Helen

That's what I was hoping, if I get chance I will have a look today

[g8dhe]

Yup, not much to be said, just move the connections across from the existing solenoid.

[winchman]

Its done and working well.
Once fathomed out how it was wired its easy.
I will post a pic tomorrow of the diagram.
I used this from this seller
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Central-D ... 23267feb2f
The good thing is the buttons have covers so it cant go off in my pocket and unlock the Bongo whilst I am in the house as it has a very good range.

[Steptoe]

By chance, I've just bought an identical setup. However, I don't appear to have an existing solenoid on the driver's door (although I do have central locking) so have bought one to fit. I have tested it all 'on the bench' and am happy with the wiring etc. However, I would be interested to know how the 'factory' solenoid (if there is such a thing) is fitted into the door, or how other members have done this. It looks as though connection of the new solenoid to the existing mechanism could also be pretty fiddly, so any tips on this would also be appreciated.

Should I remove the entire door lock to make this easier?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks, Steptoe

P.S. Just seen a drivers' side locking mech on ebay. Would I be better off buying this? Would this simply bolt/clip into place with my existing lock? If so I could just connect up to this wiring instead.

[jimmo62]

Hi Steptoe

I added an aftermarket solenoid to mine last year and I have a photo guide on all the steps, PM me with your email address if you want a copy (plus anyone else who is interested!)

[g8dhe]

There isn't a solenoid fitted on the Drivers side as that is the master door that triggers the central locking, which is why your fitting one so that it can be triggered by the remote fob which then operates the central locking switch rather than the from the operation of the key itself.

[Partick Monkey]

While on the subject of central locking...
My central locking fob is very poor. I have to push the button about a dozen times before it will lock or open. Usually get bored trying and have to put the key in the lock 'old school' style. I have replaced the battery recently with a new one but that hasn't made any difference. Anyone got any ideas?

[g8dhe]

The switches in them are normally very simple domed metal/rubber plates that collapse onto the printed circuit board when pressed, hence the contact is not self cleaning as there is no sideways movement. Ease of fixing depends on how the Fob is constructed, if the board is held in place by plastic "rivets" it can be a challenge to re-assemble afterwards! If its screwed in with proper screws then much easier if just fiddly. Normally its a case of disassemble to get at the switch, remove and clean the surfaces gently and reassemble, but in most cases these fobs are not designed for maintenance

[winchman]

While on the subject of central locking...
My central locking fob is very poor. I have to push the button about a dozen times before it will lock or open. Usually get bored trying and have to put the key in the lock 'old school' style. I have replaced the battery recently with a new one but that hasn't made any difference. Anyone got any ideas?

That's why I fitted a new unit as it was only about £8 and comes with two new fobs