Central Locking Problem (Non Remote) 2000 Galaxy 2.3

[tazz692010]

Hello!  Firstly i would like to say thank you as this site has helped me countless times, it is a much better source for information than ANY dealer...

 

now for my problem, the central locking on my car has stopped working on both locks  along with the window open/close function when the key is held

 

also the doors sometimes will not unlock with the key (key feels springy when turned)

 

I have tried everything i can think of and I have looked though all of the faq's and scoured the technical section for hours and i have tried everything i can find (fuse 19, drivers door wiring)

 

the strange thing i have noticed while reading though the forum is it is usually accompanied by other electrical problems like the windows or hazards not working but there is no other issues at all on this car

 

also 6 months ago exactly the same thing happened but it somehow corrected itself an hour later and ive not had an issue since

 

i am now lost for ideas, does anybody else know of anything i can try?

 

Please help! thank you!

 

2000 Ford Galaxy 2.3 Zetec

[SilverBeast]

(i) Is the problem just with key operation, or does it also happen with remote operation?

(ii) Is it just the drivers door or also from the passenger door? (if you have a lock - mine doesn't)

(iii) Does the central locking still open all the doors from the hatch lock?

(iv) If you sit in the car does the central locking still work from the switch on the drivers door?

 

It sounds like the mechanism in the door is broken/misaligned to me, particularly if it feels different.

[gregers]

welcome to the forum,

dont forget to check the wires in the gaitors in THE BOOT.

[tazz692010]

Silver beast: thank you for your reply, there is no remote, it is just standard central locking, locking it from the inside does not activate the locking and neither door lock activates the central locking, and the key has never turned in the boot lock since i have had it so thats out of the question, lol

 

Gregers: Thank you! i feel at home already :) speaking of the boot gaiter, that is a good point as my brother repaired a wire for the fog light when i first got the car, never thought of that, i will check in the morning

 

thanks for the quick replies :)

[SilverBeast]

 there is no remote

 

Have to read the post title properly, instead of just the posts! It's not like you hadn't said so already. :rolleyes:

[Scorpiorefugee]

Trying to adopt a simple approach.....

 

When you lock/unlock the driver's door it should be possible to activate global opening/closing (Windows - does that happen?)

The same switches probably activate the central locking and probably have linked feeds and outputs from a common source. Is there a test point handy?

Similarly, power is needed for central locking so it could be a fuse or more likely a broken wire or more likely a loose or corroded connection.

More simply, both of the above are dependent on switches linked to the key lock mechanism so a combination of the above may help to focus on the starting point. Your description favours a poor connection somewhere - dry joint even or a loose mounting plate for switches but a wiring diagram would help. I should have a TIS disc copy somewhere but someone else may be quicker unless you already have one. There has to be a point at which it is possible to test for switch operation or control outputs without taking door panels out.

I frequently use a test meter with leads with sharpened points to poke into a wire to test without breaking or stripping wires.

A trained helper (The wife..) is often useful. :glare:

Good luck and don't give up just yet.

 

I note that you have already covered some of these points but it does sometimes help to start again

[gregers]

try putting the key in the rear lock and holding it in postion when you turn it(either direction)

cant remember if it will open all dors when you do this but worth a try,if it works then i would say you have to check the wires in ALL doors and maybe taking the door card off on the drivers door to inspect the door lock to see if its breaking down,if it is on eaby they now sell lock repair kits.

[BrianH]

It should unlock all doors if its working correctly(mine now does) but he did say it doesn't turn, so maybe its not the right lock/key or just seized. Since you already have had issues with the boot i'd start there - if the previous repair has been a case of rejoining the broken wire theres a good chance its broken again with others. Splicing a new section in to replace is the way to go.

 

Does the rear screen heater actually work? this seems a prime one to fail and may not be noticed immediately as the wire running to it is much thicker

[tazz692010]

Thanks for the replies guys!

 

tried all that i possibly could to get it fixed, got it working for a few days, then stopped again

 

i have now given up and upgraded to a Mk2 galaxy..... Problem solved!

 

thanks for all of the help :)