166 2.5 Central locking issue

Originally Posted by Mitch166

This may be useful, from the workshop manual.

Central Locking

The Lock Motors of all 4 doors are activated simultaneously upon a command:
• From the key
• From the front door switches (knobs)
• From the remote control.

Lock operation is controlled by the integrated control unit on the right hand side beneath the facia.
The control unit monitors lock status by means of signals received from the switches located in the four locks. (These signals are also used to time the lighting) A lock command is issued only when all doors are properly closed and the front locks released. Conversely, a release command is issued only when the front catches are locked.

The control unit also runs a series of safety checks.
• Switch position is checked at the end of every operation. If this position does not agree with the action carried out (e.g. if a door is open) a repulsion command is issued, i.e. the opposite command is carried out, to realign the locks.
• If the control unit detects too many complete, consecutive, lock/release manoeuvres, at least 8 within 20 seconds, the system cuts in the limit the amount of manoeuvres. The system is inhibited in the release position for 30 seconds.
• If the battery voltage drops below 9v during the lock/release operation, the system suspends the operation. If the battery voltage is lower than 9v at the outset, no command is issued.

The door lock circuit is protected by a special fuse located in the junction unit. The remote control receiver power supply is also protected by a fuse located in the junction unit.

I wonder if there is a way to bypass or to stop the control unit from doing the repulsion command, as I think this would solve the problem in my 166??? just a thought...

Hei Rdavi!

The repulsion command is there for a reason. You may find yourself in even more trouble than before if you start to fiddle with it.
When my central locking failed I had to manually lock the door that was causing problems (with the knob from the inside). Then, when the command was given to close from the remote, all was well.
Opened the door panels, oiled and greased all 4 doorlock mechanisms, and the system works well.
One comment: It seems that some points only to WD40 the central lock drivers (small el.motors). This may help short term, but the whole door lock mechansim needs to work smooth, if not you will end up with a burnt lock driver since it will eventually overload.

Good luck!

Please read

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-...ml#post1703070 (Central locking/Keys issues)

Thanks

Mite sound daft but disconnect the battery for a few minutes, it'll reset everything, most of the time this problem occures its due to a voltage drop and a reset is the only cure. this info comes directly from a main dealer technician

its largely caused by knackered door solenoids rather than a software type issue

2 days ago on my 166 took 1 back door apart (with feeling) cos it was not locking manually or electrically, must have done something good (as Julie Andrews would sing) cos can now lock it from the inside manually, but nothing electrical is happening (on that door) when the other 3 lock by remote.... so I presume it's a solenoid (a little motor) but despite removing as much as possible, was unable to locate it in order to test and replace - QUESTION - where is that little devil?

You need this thread:

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-...ing-motor.html (How to replace a locking motor.)

A slight twist on this for me, i have to manually lock the car with the passenger side door which kicks off the central locking. I can unlock/unalarm the car with the key fob fine, but locking it with the keyfob does make the passenger one go...lots of WD40?! and where do you spray it? down the hole fom the door pin? or into the lock?

Both the aim is the lubricate the motor. My theory is if you don't do this early enough then the motor suffers increased strain and then breaks.

Stuart

The best is to open the door panel, and lubricate the mechanism. Use grease on all joints and WD-40 to penetrate where grease will not.
Good luck!