It's nice to be able to unlock and lock your doors with a key fob rather than a key. A simple central locking system is of limited value as it takes up little space in the car. The ability to remotely open or close car doors is a big advantage that many older cars lack.
Installing a central lock does not require significant costs. However, in order to install it, you need to demonstrate dexterity in work (it should be noted that the circuit of such a device is quite simple). If you can dedicate a few hours of your time to the installation, it will be worth the effort. Otherwise, in order not to lose your nerves, it is better to install the system in service workshops.
If you decide that you can do the connection yourself, study the following recommendations.
Important parameters and functions of the central locking
Central locking, or a centralized car locking system, is an auxiliary device of the vehicle, one of the components of the comfort system. Its presence brings convenience, because by pressing one button on the remote control you can unlock all the doors of the car without a key.
What else is the central lock used for?
Currently, in addition to opening the doors, this system is used to activate the opening and closing of the trunk, fuel tank lid and sunroof. Vehicles equipped with electric windows can also use remote central locking.
The central locking circuit is quite simple. The system combines:
- input sensors (door limit switches and microswitches located in the lock design are used);
- central locking control unit;
- actuators (also called activator or actuator).
Central locking device
The central locking system is designed to ensure reliable operation under all conditions. It combines several basic elements, without which full use of the system is impossible. New cars have a complex central locking control scheme. Other components of the vehicle’s on-board system are involved.
The device of the central car lock:
1. Control unit.
The electronic control unit is used to transmit signals with commands to the mechanism switches and the central unit. The central unit, after decoding the command, opens or closes the doors, windows, trunk and hatch.
2.Input sensors.
Input sensors are also called microswitches. Work together with door lock limit switches. Microswitches determine and fix the position of the locks after a command from the central control unit.
3.Executive devices.
Actuators are represented by door and trunk locks. They open and close based on microswitch commands. The last link in the chain.
Operating principle of central locking
Signals from the switch are sent to the electronic control unit, which, in turn, redirects them to the central locking control unit. Then the signal passes to the door control units, where control of the influence on the door lock actuators is generated. Based on the received signals, the door control units activate the activator (it is a 12 V DC electric motor, which is combined with a simple gearbox).
What's the best way to make a replacement?
First of all, you need to know that to gain access to the lock drive you will have to remove the trim. If there are buttons installed on the door, for example, those that control power windows, then you will need to disconnect their connectors. This means that before carrying out repairs you need to disconnect the battery (its negative terminal). If there are no buttons, the battery can be left in its standard form. Let's start the renovation.
Recommendations for replacing fasteners
In accordance with the instructions on the car, first dismantle the trim. At the same time, disconnect the connectors of the button block, if one is installed. Manipulation cannot be carried out if the battery has not been disconnected. Don't ignore this advice.
Move the casing aside and disconnect the connector
On most passenger cars, access to the actuator appears immediately as soon as you get rid of the trim. If this is not the case, carefully remove the interfering parts. The entire electric drive assembly is usually secured with a pair of self-tapping screws. Which is illustrated by the following figure.
Circled screws holding the actuator
It may be that the actuator itself does not have to be dismantled. Simply unscrew all the mounting screws that secure the next part.
Mounting tie, 3 bolts
Replacing it, apparently, will not be difficult (assembly is performed in the reverse order).
You can adjust the fastening of the rods as follows: do not tighten the middle screw 100%.
Then, move both rods (from the “actuator” and the pawl) as far down as possible. Their relative position should be noted with a marker, and then the rods should be moved as high as possible. The midpoint between the extreme marks will be the location of the center of the part. It's simple.
Central locking troubleshooting methods
The motors of all actuators are usually connected in parallel. And the fuse is connected to the central locking power circuit as a common one. The following situation is possible: increased current is consumed by one of the motors, but this leads to a blown fuse. Finding the fault in this case is not easy. You will need to disconnect each of the actuators from the connector.
Central locking of VAZ-2110/2111 cars
We are talking about connectors located in the doors. And the control unit uses only two lines (pins 3 and 4). The way to look for a faulty actuator is to remove the casing and disconnect the power connectors. Also, before dismantling, disconnect the battery terminal.
In reality, failure of an electric drive motor is a rare occurrence. And it can be caused by the following reasons:
- Condensation (water) entering the door;
- Presence of mechanical damage in the lock. The wire rod or the lock mechanism itself may be damaged;
- The presence of litter or foreign objects inside the door.
Of course, the locks need to be lubricated, otherwise they begin to work worse. But in reality, this effect appears 5-7 years from the date of treatment. This means that this cannot apply to new cars.
Dirt in the car lock
In some cases, the actuator is connected to the rod through a spring.
When replacing it, select a part of the same size and rigidity. More often, the standard design does not provide for the presence of springs, and then there is no need to install them. There's no point in trying to improve the basic version. Also remember that you can resort to replacing the actuator as a last resort. The main thing is that before carrying out repairs, it is advisable to raise all the windows.
Purchasing a central lock
You can buy the necessary system, which is installed by the manufacturer in versions with central locking, that is, the original mechanism. However, this is the most expensive method. Modifications will cost much less, but finding a set of the necessary parts is sometimes very difficult. That's why most car enthusiasts who want to install central locking use universal kits. You can buy them in specialized stores or make an online purchase. Most of these kits consist of a set of wires, a controller, cables and fasteners. In more complex sets you can also find a control panel.
Central locking is usually of two types:
- mechanical;
- electronic.
The mechanical one is activated by turning the key in the driver's door, and the electronic one is activated by pressing the corresponding button on the remote control. In addition to increasing comfort, connecting the central locking system to the alarm system will double the security of your car.
How the central lock works
After a car enthusiast purchases a high-quality central locking with remote control, the installation must be carried out by a specialist. Otherwise, the system will not work effectively. It is worth noting that the operation of the device is available regardless of the state of the ignition in the car.
If the doors are locked with a key, the microswitch is activated at this moment. It transmits a signal from the switch to the control unit, after which it goes to the central control unit. Then all signals are generated to the electric motors of the trunk and fuel tank lids, as well as the door locking system. When all actuating components are triggered, the car doors are locked. Repeated operation of the electronic drive is prevented by a corresponding signal from the microswitch. In a similar way, the locking devices will be unlocked.
With remote control, a button on the ignition key or remote control is pressed. As a result, a signal will be transmitted to the receiving antenna of the central control unit. It will then be processed and sent to the actuators of the fuel tank and trunk lids, as well as to the door blocks.
When installing, you should pay attention to the Granta Lada remote-controlled central locking system, which is in demand among Russian motorists.
It's not enough to just buy a new car. It is necessary to immediately make it safe and comfortable to use. It is not necessary to install thousands of options and add-ons. You can start with the simplest, for example, even central locking without an alarm will make the operation of the car more comfortable. And to some extent it will complicate the task of hackers. And you can install the anti-theft agent a little later. If at the initial stage there is not enough money or time, it is quite possible to get by with this simple option. Moreover, its installation is quite transparent.
Necessary tool
Taking into account the decision to install a central locking system, you must have the following set of tools:
- actually, the car itself;
- centralized locking system, which includes a central locking control unit and an actuator (activator);
- copper two-core wires 3–4 meters long;
- other tools such as a Phillips screwdriver, small flathead, insulating tape, cable cutters, wrenches, pliers, drill bits and drills, vices and more.
Device
The central locking circuit is a set of sensors, limit switches, actuators, and a control unit.
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Limit switches are necessary to obtain information about the door position. This data is transmitted to the control unit. The switches secure the lock part. Car doors are equipped with a special cam device. To enable it to lock, there are special miniature switches in the front doors. There are two switches for each actuator. One switch is responsible for blocking the locks, and the second is responsible for opening them. The scheme also provides two more actuators. There is another switch installed on the lever device in the lock drive. It detects whether the door is open. If so, the switch contacts close. The central lock is deactivated.
The VAZ-2110 central locking control unit receives signals from miniature switches and then gives commands to the control mechanisms. To open the locks, a signal is sent to actuators.
First stage
Removing door panels.
First you need to remove the door trim and dust curtains from each door. Before doing this, you should disconnect the terminals from the battery for your own safety.
Removing the door panels is a fairly simple task - unscrew the 4 screws under the shelf. Now you need to remove the handle. Then you can carefully remove the upholstery. Think about the three latches located on the edge of the lock. The door has a plastic screw that needs to be unscrewed. Then remove the screws located in the trim under the steering wheel (the first on the left and the other on the right side).
Selecting a location for installation.
To choose a suitable location for the central locking for installation, you need to take into account the location of the insides of the window regulators. It is possible that you will need to make a separate bracket for mounting. Experienced craftsmen suggest that the lower left corner is the best place for installation, because when lowering the glass, the latter will not touch the lock and interfere with its operation.
Installation of the activator.
Lock activators are installed separately on each door. To do this, you need to drill additional holes and secure them with self-tapping screws. We do the same installation for each door.
Attaching the activator to the lock rod.
Each activator from the installation kit must be secured to the door with clamps. Very often, the central lock has a large force that the activator must apply to open the door. Since the stroke of the actuator rod is greater than that of the lock rod, it is necessary to align the center of the stroke of both rods.
Further from the activators, we install clamps on the rods of the manual lock block. This work must be done with each individual car door. When connecting actuators, you need to check the wiring for current conductivity.
If the hole in the central locking rod is larger than necessary, you can use a plastic bushing that will reduce its size to the required size.
Pulling wires.
The four wires that go from each activator (two to it, and two to the car body) can be attached using plastic clamps. This work is performed individually for each individual vehicle. You can use existing holes or drill your own. It is not recommended to lay wires at the bottom of the door, where moisture most often accumulates.
In the problem area of the gasket - the opening between the body and the car door - it is better to use a rubber tube through it, which will protect the wiring from kinks and chafing.
The video shows the installation of central locking on a car:
Second phase
We remove the dashboard.
To simplify the work of laying wires, it is better to remove the dashboard completely. To do this, you need to pierce the points that are located next to the screws securing the front panel. Find the location of the wires under the dashboard and in the glove compartment. It is through them that the wires will be laid.
Dismantling old wires.
At this stage of the work, you need to remove the old power window wires and lay new ones. Next you need to connect them to the drive.
Connecting the activator wires.
Along with connecting the activator wires, you need to insulate them and lay them inside the door. In order for them to be secured, it is better to secure them to the door structure using the same electrical tape.
Laying wires.
After the work has been done, you need to push the wires on one side under the dashboard, on the other side into the glove compartment. Such work cannot always be achieved the first time; it is at this stage that you need to show skill and dexterity.
Installation of the pass-through tube.
You can install the pass-through tube into the rack on both sides using a screwdriver. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the rubber tube itself.
Connecting wires to the connector.
Next, a fuse is attached to the connector and connected to the central locking power supply. All this is installed under the dashboard.
Connecting the central locking wire to the housing.
The negative wire of the central locking must be connected to the car body. The positive wire is connected to fuse No. 1 on the battery side.
Checking the functionality of the central locking system.
After you have connected the battery, check the functionality of the mechanism - both its mechanical and electrical parts. The movement of the rods should be smooth and easy.
Restoration of the dashboard and door trim.
After making sure that everything is working properly, install the dashboard and side door trim in their place.
Video shows how to install central locking:
Do-it-yourself central locking installation
The absence of a central lock in a car is not a problem; it turns out that you can easily mount and install it yourself.
This enterprise will not require significant expenses, but you need to have a certain sleight of hand and skill.
Central locking functions
The main characteristics of a car central lock can be called convenience and comfort, since it is enough to press a button on the control panel to unlock all the doors of the car.
Along with this, the central locking system opens and closes the trunk door, fuel tank lid and top hatch. If the car is equipped with electric windows, they can also be activated by pressing a button on the central locking remote control.
Principle of operation
The central locking (CL) consists of incoming sensors, a central locking control unit and an actuator (activator).
The central lock works according to the following principle:
— from the switch, a message is sent to the electrical control unit, which forwards these messages to the central locking control unit.
— the signal then reaches the door adjustment unit, after which it affects the door lock activators.
- The door control units then activate the actuators.
Preliminary work
To install a central lock without the help of specialists, you need to purchase a mechanism and ensure that you have the necessary tools.
There are two types of central locks: mechanical, activated by turning the key, and electronic, activated by pressing the remote control button. If you connect the central locking system to the alarm system, you can also enhance the safety of the car.
To begin work on installing a central locking system, you need to have, in addition to the car, a centralized locking system consisting of a central locking control unit and an activator. You will also need wires for two cores and other auxiliary tools.
If the financial issue is not pressing, then you can purchase a universal kit at a specialized store, consisting of wires, controllers, cables, fasteners and other things.
The first stage of central locking installation
- Remove the door panels, but first disconnect the terminals from the battery.
- Consider an acceptable location for installing the central lock, paying attention to the location of the window regulators. In some cases, it is necessary to make special mounting brackets.
- Install central locking activators on each door, for which you need to make holes and secure them with self-tapping screws.
- Attach each activator to the door with clamps and align the stroke of the activator rod with the lock rod. From the first, install the fasteners on the rods of the manual lock block.
- Secure the wiring coming from each actuator with plastic clamps.
Second stage of central locking
- Remove the dashboard and make points near the front panel mounting points, which will simplify the task of laying cables. Since they will be laid through the place where the electrical cords are routed under the dashboard and in the glove compartment.
- Remove the previous cables for the electric window lifts, bring in new ones and connect them to the drive.
- Connect the wires of the actuator, wrap them with electrical tape and push them inside the door.
- In order to route the wires under the dashboard and into the glove compartment, some skill is required.
- Carefully install the pass-through pipe into the rack using a screwdriver.
- Next, the wires are connected to the connector and connected to the central locking power supply.
- The negative wire of the central locking system is connected to the car body, and the positive wire is connected to fuse No. 1 on the battery.
- Test the mechanical and electrical parts of the central lock in operation. As a result, the move should be smooth and easy.
- Restore the original appearance of the dashboard and side door trim.
Experts recommend that motorists who are not confident in their own skills should contact a car service center to install a central locking system.
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A few tips when installing the central locking system
- Pull all the necessary wires through a special corrugated tube - this way you will protect them from chafing.
- To most accurately install the central lock, the rod can be bent.
Having a centralized locking system is not only convenient, but also a quick, safe way to open and close your car. Today, more and more cars are equipped with such devices from the factory. But if you don't have such a system, it's fairly easy and quick to install. Typically, the location where the central locking system is located is the door or center console. Have you already installed the central locking system? We are ready to read about your experience.
What to do if the car doors don’t listen
It is quite easy to understand that there is a problem with the central locking. When he performs his functions every day, it is taken for granted. But an unforeseen situation arises if suddenly you cannot open the doors of a car - a VAZ or an Audi, which just yesterday opened so easily. So what to do and how to get inside? You can use the key, but it happens that the car does not respond to the key. Change the battery, but if this is not the reason, then break out the glass.
The doors continue to not obey. There is a direct answer to this question - call our car service
Your problem will be solved. In no more than an hour, a car mechanic will arrive at the scene of the breakdown. You only need to name the place where you are at the moment. In your yard, in a parking lot, or maybe at a roadside cafe. A mobile auto electrician will repair the central locking system on Moscow roads and help out in any uncomfortable situation.
