When the car keeps locking and unlocking while you’re driving, it can be particularly discomforting. Now imagine if your car door locks keep locking and unlocking. Your heart is likely to start racing if you have children in the backseat.
Cars with manual locking systems, on the other hand, will not have this problem because once manually locked, a car’s manual door will remain locked until the key is turned back in the opposite direction. However, cars today with electrical lockable systems are prone to this issue. Read the article below to learn more about it.
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Why Your Car Door Locks Keep Locking And Unlocking?
While cars today allow you to lock or unlock all of your doors at once, they also have the drawback of allowing all of your doors to become screwed up at the same time. The mechanical locking mechanism malfunctions unexpectedly, causing the doors to open/lock or open and close while the user is driving. Some of the likely causes are as follows:
1. Failed Door Sensor
A faulty door sensor could be the cause of the power locks locking and unlocking problem. Because they control the entire locking mechanism in modern cars, they can cause this issue. These sensors can be a real pain in complex cars like Teslas, which have those fancy gull-wing doors. The locking system will continue to malfunction until they are addressed. It poses a significant risk to the vehicle’s safety.
2. Key Fob Battery Issues
A weak key fob battery is one of the most common causes of power locks that keep locking and unlocking. Nowadays, key fobs contain a significant amount of electronics. If they are receiving a weak current, the programming will be messed up. When this happens, the key fob can send its lock and unlock commands to the car.
3. Car Wiring Problems
The car’s door locks are all controlled electronically. The power for the door locks is provided by a relay, as it is for many other electrically powered automotive components. Sending power to the door lock actuators is handled by the relay and wiring.
When a relay or wiring malfunctions, it can lead to problems with the door locks. The driver can be alerted by the signs of a defective or failed door lock relay.
4. Body Control Module Problems
The BCM, or body control module, is now like the brain of the car’s convenience features. If the BCM fails, the power locks will keep locking and unlocking, as well as a variety of other problems with locking and unlocking. In most cases, moisture is the leading cause of BCM failure.
Other factors could, of course, contribute to this issue, but they are easily addressed. The most essential thing is to get a knowledgeable and certified mechanic to analyze the problem. A vehicle diagnosis should be able to pinpoint the source of the issue.
What Should You Do If Doors Are Locking And Unlocking While Driving?
In general, the best way to prevent a car from locking itself is to address the underlying issue. Because most car lock problems are electrical, they can occur at any time the vehicle is running. The locking issue will persist unless you address the source of the problem.
1. Check On Sensors
If the issue is that the sensors have accumulated dirt and dust, the problem can be resolved by cleaning them. Make sure you handle the sensors with care because they are delicate, especially if they are optical. If the sensors have reached the end of their useful life, they should be replaced. They are a critical safety feature that must be addressed as soon as possible.
2. Replacing Fuse
A blown fuse could be the source of the problem. Replace the fuse in that case, and the problem will be resolved. It’s a simple and inexpensive fix. If the wiring is faulty, have it checked by a professional car electrician. On the negative grounds, corrosion may be present; clean them with a cleaner. After you’ve repaired the wiring, make sure it’s properly insulated.
3. Replacing Key Fob Battery
The issue can be resolved by replacing the key fob’s battery. However, the problem could be with the key fob itself. The car dealer will then connect the fob to a scanner to ensure that the programming is still valid. The fob will need to be replaced if there are no signals.
4. Repairing Body Control Module (BCM)
Numerous independent shops specialize in BCM and other electronic component repairs these days. If the damage is minor, it is simple to repair. However, if the damage is beyond repair, you’ll need to replace them. The good news is that there are numerously used and third-party options available on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Let’s take a look below at some frequently asked questions:
Q1. Why Is My Door Lock Turning Over And Over Again?
Because the small piece that transmits turning power from your hand to the deadbolt (actuator) has broken or become detached, your key is turning all the way around. The only way to solve the problem is to remove the door’s lock/locking mechanism.
Q2. How Do You Turn On Or Off The Auto-Lock Feature?
1. Turn the ignition key to the on position.
2. Three times press the Unlock button.
3. Turn off the ignition.
4. Three more times, press the Unlock button.
5. Replace the ignition key.
6. Once, the horn should beep.
7. Press and hold the Unlock and Lock buttons simultaneously.
Q3. Does The Door Lock Have A Fuse?
The power door lock system has three primary components that can fail, rendering the power door lock useless: Fuse is blown: A fuse is a low-resistance resistor that protects against overcurrent.
Q4. How Do I Turn Off My Automatic Door Locks?
- The power door lock switch can then be enabled or disabled.
- Activate the vehicle.
- To unlock the door, press the left side of the power door lock switch three times.
- Turn off the vehicle.
- Step 2 is repeated.
- Activate the vehicle.
- Press the unlock and lock buttons in that order.
Conclusion
If the door locks keep locking and unlocking, it could be a serious problem that puts your safety at risk. You should address the problem as soon as possible. There have been instances where the door has opened itself while driving on the highway, posing a life hazard. It’s advisable to visit a skilled professional or your car company service center as soon as you detect the flaws.