automatic door lock inoperable (sometimes)

[ron]

The passenger side door lock on my 2000 vert. doesn't always lock when activated by the key fob transmitter or through activation of the lock feature on either driver side or passenger side buttons. Also, it doesn't always lock when the transmission is shifted from park to either R or D. It always unlocks, however when any of the above mentioned features are activated. It almost seems like a loose connection somewhere, but I need some advice on where to begin. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Ron

 

[Chuck2kc5]

Ron,

Almost the exact opposite happened to me. The doors would not unlock (though you could hear the actuators) when it was cold outside. Long story short, Chevy replaced the actuators under warranty and all is fine now.

Chuck

 

[Tuna]

This seems to be a common problem with C5's. The left door module was replaced on my 03 recently because it refused to unlock sometimes when I removed the key.

There is a module in each door along with the actuators. Check with your dealer.

 

[rsimoes]

Yep, that's the fix, I have seen tghe problem twice, both were fixed by replacing the left door module

 

[ron]

door lock

I'm sorry to say that I am somewhat confused as to exactly what to look for. Chuck, if I read you response correctly, you stated that the acutator in the right door is likely to be the problem. And I think you have diagnosed correctly, since it is the right (passenger side) door only, and I can hear the clicking sound that you describe. The other two responses seem to feel it is the module in the left (driver's side) that is the likely problem. If you mean the panel with the window and lock feature buttons, how would this necessarily affect the passenger side if the passenger side "module" lock/unlock button doesn't lock the door? Mabe I am misinterpreting what you are saying, but I will start with the module first, trying to determine if it is "do-it-yourself" project or one best left for the Mr Goodwrench. Thanks all for the input.

Ron

 

[Chuck2kc5]

Ron,

I believe "all of the above" is correct. I didn't dig into the hows and whys of what the dealership changed but if I understand it correctly the module in the drivers door controls the solonoid (?) in the passenger door. If the module doesn't supply enough juice/current to the solonoid it won't unlock the door. I would think that cleaning and oiling (?) the solonoid would help the problem - short term - but the problem would likely reappear.

Chuck

 

[ron]

door lock

Thanks for the update, Chuck. I guess the currrent from the driver's side switch, if not sufficient current, and if it passes through the passenger side switch, then the actuator, might be the cause of the problem. I shall start with the obvious and follow your suggestion of cleaning the contacts, etc. on the driver's side. I had tried a friend's passenger side module earlier, thinking that was the problem, and obviously it still continued to be inoperable some of the time. Again, thanks for the input and, welcome to the forum!

Ron