LX 470 Door Locks Have Gone Insane

[Tbay LX]

Hey guys, I had posted something on this earlier in the year when I first got the truck, but the problem went away after my battery died and I replaced it (and the extremely corroded terminals) I figured it must have been an ECU issue, that was resolved when the battery was disconnected. So, the other day, I used the Crappy Tire aftermarket remote starter (installed by PO) for the first time of the year, and low and behold, the old problem is back. Anyway, the locks on my truck have a mind of their own. I unlock the truck with the key, as I don't have a master key with remote fob, and when I close the drivers door, everything locks. It only happens when I close the drivers door, none of the others. Usually that is it, but sometimes they lock and unlock themselves repetitively while I'm driving. I can unlock the doors but not lock them from the drivers side lock button. Obviously, my main concern is that I can't leave the car running with the key in the ignition and close the door from outside, but I also worry in general if it is a sign of a larger electrical issue, one that could leave me stranded in the bush some day. I can't help but feel that it has something to do with the remote starter, which has the ability to lock and unlock the car, but doesn't work 90% of the time to do so. Some people have suggested a short in the door, as my seat memory also doesn't work, but the fact that it went away until I used the starter is odd to me. Any ideas, or advice on how to test? Or, for that matter, any idea how to remove a remote starter? They are useful at -40...

 

[tj43]

I think you have to eliminate problems with the aftermarket remote start before anyone can give you an internet diagnosis. Those systems are wired into alot of the truck's systems (immobilizer, ignition, door locks, alarm, brake sensors, transmission lever sensors, etc...). If installed incorrectly (VERY easy to do), they could play havoc on the door locks.

If you are not well versed in how they operate, I would bite the bullet, spend some cash, and take it to a certified/qualified installer (usually a stereo shop) and have them take the aftermarket remote start system out of the vehicle.

What brand/model remote start are you using?

 

[semlin]

"lo and behold"

you need to troubleshoot the door lock circuit. i suspect you will find a partially abandoned alarm or aftermarket keyless entry unit is still wired in, or that there is a loose wire.

 

[Tbay LX]

I've got a friend that works at a place that installs these things, though not this brand (Prostart). Maybe she can hook me up. What do you figure the odds are that a stereo shop will make things worse when they uninstall it? Is uninstalling a bit more foolproof than installing?

 

[Tbay LX]

Any advice on the troubleshooting procedure Semlin?

"lo and behold" you need to troubleshoot the door lock circuit. i suspect you will find a partially abandoned alarm or aftermarket keyless entry unit is still wired in, or that there is a loose wire.

 

[semlin]

personally i would yank the autostarter completely. i have had nothing but problems from cheap aftermarket add ons like that. optionally you can just yank the part that controls the door locks.

if you have the box or brand name look for the install instructions online. that should tell you how it was wired. work backwards.

if not just look around under and above the ds floorpan for anything that does not belong. loose wires, non factory wire connections, electrical tape, zap straps or strange boxes etc... see if you can find the installation.

if that doesn't work, trace the door lock circuit in the factory service manual ewd and locate it physically and then inspect the factory wires.

 

[Tbay LX]

Thanks! I'm going to try to sort it out next week. I've got a couple things this weekend, and can't afford to possibly mess up the truck. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.