Central Locking Problem

[XR8Chic]

Hi,

Hoping someone can give me some advise here.

I have a 2008 MWB Mid Roof Turbo diesel 6 speed transit.

The central locking stopped working completely. I could not lock or unlock the doors with the remote, and using the key, would only lock the drivers door.

I took it the local mechanic the other day, who advised that the drivers door actuator was faulty, a common issue, and they would get it fixed in no time.

I received a call just now, and they have advised that the new actuator was installed, and the drivers door now locks and unlocks using the remote, but none of the other doors will lock. The auto elec they have on staff said it might be the security code's in the BCM, and said that only a ford dealership have the tools to fix it.

They took the van to the local ford dealer, who connected a computer, and apparently said there was no error codes showing up.

Any idea's or suggestions on what could be causing this?

A fuse?

a sensor / connector on the door that might not be lining up correctly?

I read in another post, about someone who got damage from being hit in the rear, and stopped the doors locking... The right hand barn door has a dent in it, from the previous owner - if something in the barn door is not lined up correctly, or damaged, would that impact the ability for the passenger door, and sliding door to lock?

[ake]

does it respond to the remote in any way

[XR8Chic]

Yes - The mechanic has advised me that since they installed the new actuator, that the drivers door will open and close using the remote, but the other doors are not affected.

[XR8Chic]

Oh - just thought of something else. When I got my roadworthy for the car, one of the things that needed to be done was the number plate light. The previous owner had glued it on, so the mechanic had to remove the trim to be able to get the lens and globe out. Is there anything in there that could be causing the central locking to not work on the passenger door, sliding door, and barn doors?

[XR8Chic]

Has anyone got an suggestions for me?

The workshop has just told me they have no idea what it is. They have removed the new actuator from the drivers door, and reinstalled the faulty one, and even though they spent several days working on it, have not charged me a cent, as they could not fix it for me.

If I can't get this sorted out this week, I fear I might have to resort to Mr Bean's method - and weld some latches on, and get some padlocks.

[ake]

Take it to a Ford dealer

[XR8Chic]

The local ford dealer had it for a day, and could not fix it.

I rang another ford dealer today (in Melbourne - about 150km away). The suggested to check if both batteries were connected. I did - they are, and both have a charge (11.7 for both on multimeter).

I am taking it to the company that does all the servicing for Australia Post vehicles, and they said they will look at it - cos they mainly work on transits. They are only about 100km away, so it's not too bad, and they are going to lend me a car, so I can get back home. They also have the ford scanner thingo to connect to the ECU.

I am sure it will end up being something really simple... a fuse or relay in a really obscure spot or something. It's just driving me crazy.

[johnthemac]

Had similar problems with two transits. slide the side door back and look at the inside pillar with a torch. you should find a plastic bracket about 3" high and 1" wide with three brass contacts. give them a clean with wire brush or wire wool.

[blue estate]

11.7 v is way too low your batteries may be fu@@ed a healthy battery shoukld have at least 12.5v or higher

[XR8Chic]

Thanks guys. The people who have it now, checked those pin things, and said there was no power to them (which is the opposite of what the previous auto elec said).

They have the batteries on charge at the moment, and will get back to me.

[XR8Chic]

Update :

Transit specialist has no idea what is causing the problem.
His auto elec is stumped.

The scanner tool they have is not able to connect to my van (it connects to the previous models ok - this is the first VM they have worked on)

Taking it to another ford dealership now.

backup plan of latches, and padlocks is seriously going to happen if not fixed by Wednesday (have even told the workshop to do that) as I need the van for easter, to go interstate for a race meeting, and can't have all computers, camera's, tools and equipment unsecured while away.

[XR8Chic]

Van is currently with a Ford dealer.

They have been able to diagnose that the actuators are getting the signals, they are just not locking.

However, the rear barn door actuator, is only getting 1 signal, and not the other (he couldn't remember if it was only getting unlock, or lock)
He has advised that the cause is probably 4 faulty actuators, and a wiring issue in the rear barn door. He says he can't guarantee this will fix it though, but it would be a "start"

Before I fork out $5000 to get 4 actuators fitted, does anyone have any suggestions to try?

I have read numerous posts that when the wiring at the back is faulty - none of the doors work. Could this be it?

[ake]

Wiring in back door is a very common failing, and cheaper o fix than 4 actuators

[XR8Chic]

Update:

Ford insist that all 4 actuators are faulty, and when I asked them to check the wiring at the back, as it's a common thing in transits (and the reason why rear loom guards are so popular).
They said they had never heard anything like that before, and charged me $350 to give me a piece of paper with the diagnosis on it.

I checked the wiring just before - I can see in the left barn door, the wiring is all crushed, and 1 wire (purple and white) is broken. I am not sure if this is causing the issue, but at least it's somewhere to start. I don't have time to fix it tonight, but will look at it on sunday.
Fingers crossed.

[VanBooter]

Strewth that's around £226 for a worthless report, I think I would of said a few words