On my 89 GTA. A couple of threads I read on this forum stated that its located behind the driver's side kick panel. Well the relay on mine, (going by the number off the relay), research states its the anti-theft relay. I've cleaned all contacts, verified good connections, and still get intermittent door lock. What relays are located just below the map pocket behind the panel ? Could this be it ?

 

cruise module, horn relay, possible subwoofer amp, rear defrost relay, and power antenna relay r behind pass knee panel

 

Ok......So where is the door lock relay located on my 89 GTA

 

On the 86 Firebirds,it's behind the LH kick panel (shroud)

 

On an 1988 GTA, the lock relay is definitely behind the driver's side panel that has the hood release lever on it. Your 1989 is probably there also.

 

i wouldn't necessarily go by the numbers on the relay as much as i'd go by the colors of the wires going into it. relays could have multiple uses, but with that said, i don't have a more definitive answer for you. To my knowledge the starter relay was underneath the dash, not behind that kick panel, and the VATS module is clear across the other side of the dash so.

 

Good point 84redta....You're right, they used the same relays for various subsystems. I guess I'll try to trace the door lock wires through the bellow between the door and dash and see if I can locate it.

 

Suggestion!!You could unplug the relay behind the L Kick panel and see if the door locks activate,if they don't,well, that would be the locks relays.Just a suggestion.

 

Well I went to AC Delco's website and did a search. According to them, the door lock relay p/n is #12065122, and their anti-theft relay is p/n #14093107. The later being what's located behind my kick panel. They show both relays pictorially and there is quite a difference. Their anti-theft relay depicts exactly what's behind my kick panel. I'm going to do a search under the dash and around the fuse box knowing what I'm looking for now.

Thanks for every ones input.

 

The door lock relay is a fairly specialized piece in a metal case. Don't think it could be mistaken for any other relay. It's not like it's in a panel full of 4 pin Bosch relays.

 

Found it!!!!!!it's in the door.NO.49, 89-91
It says that it's used for 89-91 though
YOU HAVE A 89,I must have gotten a brief moment of BRAIN FREEZE

 

Your right about the anti-theft relay

 

That is interesting, the VATS module I had to remove on my 92 was in back of the dash on the pass side, thought i replaced it with parts from a 90 or 91 and it was in the same place. Eh, sounds like you got it situated, my next suggestion would be pressing the same unlock button and go around the car while it's being pressed and listen for a click, but sounds like your on the way!

 

wiring
http://austinthirdgen.org/mkportal/m..._continued.gif

 

Thanks everyone for the pics and schematic...I appreciate everyone's time and effort. Hail to thirdgen.org

 

Tell me , have you actually gone into the door and found it , or are you relying on the diagram you posted only , and plan to open up the door later ? I ask because on my 89 firebird the door lock relay was not in the door , I'm fairly sure it was in the passenger's side dash near the ECM and all the other stuff thats in there . It was either there or behind the panel near the hood release I can't remember exactly which , except that I know for fact I replaced it and I know for 100% certain I didn't go into the door to do it . If you look at your diagram , you'll see other things listed there that aren't in the door either , like the door jamb switches #s 36 and 37 . With those switches in the diagram , which are not in the door , that opens the possibility that other things in that diagram may not be in the door either .

Now if you did go into the door and find the relay there , well then I guess we chalk it up to something i mentioned recently in a different thread , that there were enough running changes in these cars that it's almost impossible at times to give a "it's there on my car , so it must be in the same spot on everybody's car" kind of answer to where all the parts are located .....

 

No, I own a 86, I don't own a 89, but for now I'll have to trust the 1982-1992 Pontiac Parts & Illustration Catalog provided by GM.Before we debate the results I have to ask if your Firebird came with the theft deterrent system or was that an option for that year?

 

the door lock relay is located behind the drivers side kickpanel. It is underneath and to the right of the hood latch lever.

The relay you found is for the starter. Being your car is an 89, you have VATS, this relay that you found essentially is told by the vats module that you have inserted the correct key in the igntion, therefore it is okay to have the starter engage.


Now, if door locks are your problems, then let me tell you something about these damn door lock relays ..... they are junk - they were junk from the factory and arent any better now. I actually did a right up about how to replace it -- if you want to read up on it you can search:

1996-2002 f-body Body Control Module Modification Write Up

 

Wow...Quite a write up there.. I'm impressed with your electrical knowledge. Anyway...My door lock relay on my 89 is nothing like you showed. I did find the location and it's close to where you described, not in the door, but located above the hood latch buried within other harnesses against the left steel pillar/dash housing.

 

Hey Mantaguy ,

No problem buddy , I wasn't looking to challenge or prove wrong your illustration , it sure could be somewhere different for different models for all I know and I don't consider myself expert enough to go debating the point of where it might be across all the models and years . I just know that on my 89 , I replaced the door lock relay while I was doing a bunch of other repairs in the dashboard (like new bulbs for the gauges and proper reinstalation of a factory radio) and that I did not take into either door to do it . It's because it was some time ago and among much other work that I can't remember exactly where in the dash area mine was , coulda been the kick panel on either side or elsewhere in the dash , i just don't remember . but I am sure I hadn't opened up any door panels at that time .