I got a big box of electric stuff in the mail yesterday. Now to connect it all.
One of mine came with power locks, one didn't. For the one without, I was thinking about how to wire them to lock automatically. Any suggestions on an existing circuit that would be suitable to trigger the relays, eg ignition, clutch pedal, speedo?
Thanks
I would guess brakes.
Parking brakes?
you could use an ignition source for the trigger and ground it through the door pins. Otherwise, if you start your car with the door open and hop out to go grab something before leaving (closing the door behind you) your screwed!! LOL been there with an alarm I wasn't finished installing. Also, you'll need more than just a relay; for one, you don't want your actuators electrically held in place for as long as your key is on and two, you may want them to unlock (reverse polarity) when you turn the key off (but it's not necessary seeing as opening the door from the inside will do that for you).
Unless you want the locks actuating every time you step on the brakes that would be a very bad idea. The clunk would get annoying, and the lock motors wouldn't last long.
The simplest method I can see is to wire them into the "start" circuit. That way when you start the car they're locked, but when you release the key the lock motors are not still energized. Mine lock automatically when the engine is running and I step on the brake, but it only does it the first time I step on the brake. Mine are connected to an aftermarket alarm/remote start/remote keyless system.
Ideally you'd have them lock when shifted into D and then unlock when shifting back into P. Unfortunately the park-neutral-reverse switch in these cars does not have a "D" switch.
Thanks for the input.
I should have noted earlier that the car is a stick shift.