Broken Power Door Lock

[DoubleOh]

I tried searching, but I'm not exactly sure what the problem is, so I just got a bunch of door lock problems, none of which were my problem.

My passenger door lock is having issues. It will not unlock with the key fob or when I press the button on the center console. It opens fine when I use the key manually in the door. So it seems like whatever unlocks the door remotely is broken. Is this a problem with the actuator?

Its not a huge inconvenience since I can still lock the door, but its becoming a pain to always ask passengers to remember to lock the door before they leave. Same with making them wait for me to get into the drivers seat and reach over to unlock theirs.

Anybody have this problem and know of a fix?

[electrofelix]

My impression would be that it would be the passenger side actuator that is the problem. Either it's gone or it's not sitting correctly which could also be due to it breaking off.

The only other problem that it could be is the wiring leading to the passenger actuator, but that's pretty unlikely. I also think that the central locking system is all on the same fuse, so I doubt that it's a problem in the electrical dept.

If locking/unlocking the passenger door has no effect on the driver side, trunk or petrol cap, then it really looks like it is the actuator. Since that is what would send/receive the signal to/from the central locking system about the door lock being locked and unlocked.

Barring being able to attach probes to the wires to the actuator to confirm that it is getting the signal and not doing anything, I don't know of any other way of testing besides removing the current one and sticking a new one in and seeing it move in response when you try locking/unlocking the car.

[DoubleOh]

I guess I forgot to mention that the passenger door can still control everything else. If i put the key in the door and unlock it every other lock opens as well. If i'm inside the car and I press the lock on the door down the driver's door locks as well.

Its as if everything is working fine except that the key fob and center console button can't make the lock move.

[chrisdaph]

I guess I forgot to mention that the passenger door can still control everything else. If i put the key in the door and unlock it every other lock opens as well. If i'm inside the car and I press the lock on the door down the driver's door locks as well.

Its as if everything is working fine except that the key fob and center console button can't make the lock move.

+1 for an actuator problem on the passenger door. Here's how to deal with it:

http://www.geocities.com/e36rulz/E36LockActuator.html

Here are some pictures which might help; Enlarging them helps with the detail:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/557789582nyYUxv?start=0

[PG256]

I've got the same problem. Seems like a pain to fix...

[electrofelix]

I guess I forgot to mention that the passenger door can still control everything else. If i put the key in the door and unlock it every other lock opens as well. If i'm inside the car and I press the lock on the door down the driver's door locks as well.

Its as if everything is working fine except that the key fob and center console button can't make the lock move.

So that means that turning the key in the driver side also locks the passenger side as well? or not? If it does, the problem may not be the actuator itself, and probably lies somewhere in the connections between the fob receiver/central dash switch and the passenger actuator.

Best bet, if you want to eliminate dodgy wiring before buying a replacement actuator, is to take the actuator from the driver side swap it with the passenger side and vice versa. AFAIK, it's the same part for both doors. If the problem swaps sides, then it's definitely the actuator, otherwise it's the wiring.

Mind you, I've heard that it can be a real PITA to get them to sit in correctly once removed, so if you do it this way you might want to allow about ~4hrs in case you have problems getting them back in.

[DoubleOh]

So that means that turning the key in the driver side also locks the passenger side as well? or not? If it does, the problem may not be the actuator itself, and probably lies somewhere in the connections between the fob receiver/central dash switch and the passenger actuator.

Best bet, if you want to eliminate dodgy wiring before buying a replacement actuator, is to take the actuator from the driver side swap it with the passenger side and vice versa. AFAIK, it's the same part for both doors. If the problem swaps sides, then it's definitely the actuator, otherwise it's the wiring.

Mind you, I've heard that it can be a real PITA to get them to sit in correctly once removed, so if you do it this way you might want to allow about ~4hrs in case you have problems getting them back in.

Heh, I should proof read my posts before hand.

The lock only works when I manually push the door pin down or when I put the key in the passenger door. When I do manually lock or unlock the passenger door the other locks still open/close themselves.

So its most likely the actuator?

[KingLedg77]

I have this same exact problem. I could use my key on the passenger door from the outside and it will lock/unlock all doors or from the inside I could push the lock down and all doors lock or pull the lock up and all doors will unlock. The only thing is when I use my key in the drivers door the passenger door will not lock/unlock or if I push the lock/unlock button in the center console.

Would replacing the passenger door actuator fix this issue?
DoubleOh have you been able to diagnose your problem?

Thanks

[DoubleOh]

I have this same exact problem. I could use my key on the passenger door from the outside and it will lock/unlock all doors or from the inside I could push the lock down and all doors lock or pull the lock up and all doors will unlock. The only thing is when I use my key in the drivers door the passenger door will not lock/unlock or if I push the lock/unlock button in the center console.

Would replacing the passenger door actuator fix this issue?
DoubleOh have you been able to diagnose your problem?

Thanks

Yeah, it was the actuator. I replaced it and the lock works correctly now. Its pretty simple to replace, theres only one clip holding in the actuator. The hardest part is lining up the new one since its at such a werid angle insdie the door.