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Topic: testing power door locks (Read 1077 times) previous topic - next topic

testing power door locks

I want to verify the solenoids are bad before replacing them.  There are three wires at the connection to the switch. 

Which positions are positive and which are negative?
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Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

testing power door locks

Reply #1
Quote from: t3skidoo;240090
I want to verify the solenoids are bad before replacing them.  There are three wires at the connection to the switch. 

Which positions are positive and which are negative?


There are no positives at the switch. The switch does not directly operate the lock actuators. It provides ground to pick either the lock or unlock relay, or provide input to the keyless entry module if you have that feature.

The actuators are little motors. Run the motor in one direction it locks, run in the other direction it unlocks.

I can't remember if you can unplug the wires from the actuator without pulling it out. If you can get to them,you can run the little motor back and forth by reversing the polarity of the voltage.
Important that the wires be unplugged from the actuator.

If you want wiring diagrams and other trouble shooting tips, let us know what year your car is and if you have keyless entry.

testing power door locks

Reply #2
Thanks for the reply.

85 TC (early-midyear), no keyless.

The wires to the actuator appear to be non-removable.

If I understand correctly, it won't hurt the motor to swap polarity at the plug?
__________________
Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

testing power door locks

Reply #3
Quote from: t3skidoo;240100
Thanks for the reply.

85 TC (early-midyear), no keyless.

The wires to the actuator appear to be non-removable.

If I understand correctly, it won't hurt the motor to swap polarity at the plug?


The wires are in a two wire connector that plugs into the bottom of the actuator. With it unplugged you can apply voltage directly to the motor.
Yes, reverse the polarity to reverse the motor direction.
Leaving the voltage applied for too long after it reaches it's limit of travel will cause the built-in circuit breaker to open up. It's the type that will reset itself after it cools off.

You don't want to try to apply voltage with the wires still plugged into the actuator. When both the Lock and Unlock relays are not picked, they apply ground to both sides of the actuator motor.

testing power door locks

Reply #4
Looks like the actuators are bad.

I found these:
http://www.autozone.com/selectedZip,55101/initialAction,partProductDetail/initialpartType,00658/initialR,2546785/initialvehicleId,1152001/shopping/selectZip.htm

After I recovered from the shock, I found these:
http://www.thecarpartwarehouse.com/ford-lincoln-mercury-power-door-lock-actuator-dla--f001-item.html

Anybody had any luck with the second, or have another suggestion?
__________________
Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]