Electric lock problem!!

[prestonowtm]

OK I am sure this is nothing new to someone out there but I am quite stumped.
Drivers side, lock actuator. new wiring all around, power to switch, power to pigtail to actuator...no action. 3 different actuators, 2 new. 12 volt works when switch is pushed up on one side of pigtail , same thing when switch is pushed down ..12 volt to other connector in pigtail. What in the world!!!! Help.....

 

[JohnZ]

OK I am sure this is nothing new to someone out there but I am quite stumped.
Drivers side, lock actuator. new wiring all around, power to switch, power to pigtail to actuator...no action. 3 different actuators, 2 new. 12 volt works when switch is pushed up on one side of pigtail , same thing when switch is pushed down ..12 volt to other connector in pigtail. What in the world!!!! Help.....

Sounds like you need a ground for the actuator.

 

[prestonowtm]

Sounds like you need a ground for the actuator.

Tried that...didnt work either. even made up a ground wire to run from the engine since I know its good ground.

 

[bill81vette]

How old are the switches???

 

[jimbil208]

On my 1982 the circuit has to be completed thru both left and right door switches.

Jimbil208

 

[Wajulia]

How old are the switches???

I agree -- the door lock circuit is a little complicated to understand, but in short, if BOTH switches are not working, neither will work, and the circuit is complicated enough that tracing 12 volts around is a little counter intuitive. You can buy switches without the work "lock" for about $10. cheap way to check the switches before you spend the money on the correct ones. The word "lock" costs about $50 if I remember correctly.