My 87 IROC-Z has power locks that work, but dont work. When I press the button, I can hear the locking mechanism but its like the lock is stuck because they dont lock/unlock. I can do it by hand without any problems but I figured I have power locks so I might as well use them.

So my question is, do I have to take off the door panel to adjust something or what must I do to get the power locks locking/unlocking?

Any help would be great. Thanks

 

What you hear operating is the Power Lock Relay. When you press the lock switch, it operates the realy, which closes a contact to operate the lock motor in each door.

The relay is powered from the 20A CTSY fuse. The lock motors are powered from the 35A PWR ACC circuit breaker. You did not mention if one or both locks are not working. So I would first check the circuit breaker and make sure it is in the closed position. Then test and see if the locks work. If the circuit breaker opens again, then you willl need to trace the wiring to find the short.

Next, I would remove the interior trim in the drive's side, just in front of the driver's door. The realy is located there. Check and make sure the contact is closing to provide power to the lock motors.

Finally, you may have to remove the door trim and check/replace the lock motor, or adjust/lubricate the operating links for the locks.

Check here, under figure 33 for a wiring diagam of the power lock circuit.

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm

Dave

 

Yes, 82CrossFire has great suggestions. I have had a similar problem to the one you describe with my car. I went into the door trim panel first, and unloaded half a can of WD40 onto the moving parts of the lock mechanism as well as the actuator itself. Solved the problem cheaply and I haven't had a problem in over a year. This is more likely to work if the actuator partially locks the door, as in it almost locks, but doesn't. With one door. 82X-fire has covered every situation. Good luck!

 

Common problem with our cars, caused more often than not by years of grime. Clean and relube as the guys suggest and you'll be pleasantly surprised--while you're in the door, do the same for the window tracks. Check the following link for more info:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...servation.html

JamesC

 

Another thing I noticed is that my power windows go up and down a lot slower than any other vehicle I have been in. It goes so slow I could probably lower the window faster manually.

Note: the windows do go up and down, but they go very slow.

Should I do the same thing with the locks... lube them up, or can this only be fixed by replacing the motor?

 

Yes, should help some, but regardless, the windows in thirdgen cars will be somewhat slow.

JamesC

 

Ok, but how do I take off the door panel without trashing it? My interior is in great shape and id like to keep it that way.

 

There should be enough info in the following link to facilitate the removal:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...pper-door.html

Here's some suggestions while you're in the door:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...servation.html

JamesC

 

That's Sooooo True ! Some are better than others, but they all pretty much SUCK. The Power Windows on my 95 Z are no better !!!

Putting some clean grease on the window tracks will help ---> but not as much as you might think. The Best way ( IMO) to get them to move faster is to keep them REAL clean ( Inside and outside ) and consider something slippery like Rain-X. Also; be sure to keep the inside and the outside weatherstripping treated so it stays as soft as possible !

P.S. on the door locks: WD40 is good for 'loosening' things up - but it dries up. White Lithium Grease is better at keeping them loose !