Central Locking on S3's

[macwalsh]

Was this a standard feature on all S3's (as listed in Steve Heaths book) or was it a case of some have it some dont - depending on what was in the parts bin when the car was made. It may be that I have got C/L but its broken - anyone got any experience of fixing it if this is the case. Also - if its not standard fit - is there any easy way of checking if the car has had it fitted ie the presence of a relay etc - I have only just got the car and don't fancy dismantling door trims just yet to check out the locks. Thanks very much guys Andy

[GreenV8S]

Dunno any of that stuff, but my S2 didn't have CL although my V8S does. Only way I know to check is take the door lining off - which you already said you don't want to do (and I don't blame you, it isn't much fun!) Hope this helps, Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

quote:Was this a standard feature on all S3's (as listed in Steve Heaths book) or was it a case of some have it some dont - depending on what was in the parts bin when the car was made. It may be that I have got C/L but its broken - anyone got any experience of fixing it if this is the case. Also - if its not standard fit - is there any easy way of checking if the car has had it fitted ie the presence of a relay etc - I have only just got the car and don't fancy dismantling door trims just yet to check out the locks. Thanks very much guys Andy

[s3 bob]

My early S3 is part fitted ie it has the solenoids but they dont actually operate anything. The supplying dealer said that they had been fitted as part of an alarm system that had been subsequently removed. Then again, he could have been lying because he didn't fancy fixing it!

[LeeBee]

I have had 3 S3's here recently (2 non cats and a late S3C)none of these cars have had central locking fitted, I have also had a V8S without it but have 2 spare doors (V8S) that did have the solenoids (that now operate very happily on my S2 )Like TVR's in general they are all different!.The solenoids that TVR use are very similar to the Maystar type that are available in most motor factors and fit nicely due to there small size (in fact these are probably the only ones that will fit in the smaller door S's as the window motor is in the way!) Cheers LeeBee

[JSG]

I've just checked the original TVR brochure & price lists for the 1990 S3 and S3C and neither show central locking as standard or on the factory / dealer options list. Situation normal then.

[macwalsh]

Thanks very much guys - LeeBee - how easy is it to fit and could I incorporate it into my alarm, or am I being too optomistic ? Thanks again Andy Edited by macwalsh on Wednesday 9th May 08:53

[MattW]

Andy, Not sure if it helps but just before I sold my S3 I discovered it had Central Locking. I was playing around with the battery for some reason, and when I reconnected it all the doors locks opened! Had the car for two years and had no idea....Doh! Unfortunately I never got around to fixing it so I have no idea of cost. But you could always try this to see if it has any effect on you car, at least it won’t cost you anything! Matt P.S. You car isn't H687 POE is it?

[macwalsh]

Matt, I'll give that a try once the car comes back from the main dealers (exhaust manifold blowing - being fixed under warranty)It's H411 CSP by the way. Cheers Andy

[TVR Mark]

My S3c does not have CL. However my Alarm does lock the doors. Mark

[macwalsh]

Cheers guys - seems like a mis-print in Mr Heath's book then. Anyway - I have other things to worry about now - while the car was in the dealers having the manifold gaskets replaced the bolts have sheared off. Dealer is arranging for the cylinder heads to be removed and the offending bits drilled/machined out. They reckon about a week to 10 days. I've only had the car 13 days and half the engines being removed just as we approach the hottest weekend so far this year, Where's the justice eh? Mind you, I s'pose I could ask them to check for C/L while the car's there.

[LeeBee]

Sorry not to reply sooner but I've been flat out!.Anyway C/L is quite easy to fit if your alarm supports it (or can be added as an option to your alarm via an add on module, you will have to check spec etc).Find out if your alarm has this facility and I will tell you how to do it Cheers LeeBee (those manifold bolts are a real pain, been there done that etc ) Edited by LeeBee on Monday 14th May 18:04

[alistair-lzh7m]

MattW said:

Andy,

Not sure if it helps but just before I sold my S3 I discovered it had Central Locking. I was playing around with the battery for some reason, and when I reconnected it all the doors locks opened! Had the car for two years and had no idea....Doh!

Unfortunately I never got around to fixing it so I have no idea of cost. But you could always try this to see if it has any effect on you car, at least it won’t cost you anything! <img src="../gassing/images/smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Matt

P.S. You car isn't H687 POE is it? <img src="../gassing/images/wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Nothing to do with the thread, but H687 POE belonged to me for a year or so in the late 90's and I'd love to know what's happened to it since. I have a picture of it taken during a club track day at Castle Combe by my desk at work.

I'm also interested to know what happened to my red Chimaera M201 NFJ. It no longer appears on the DVLA's tax/MOT checker so I assume it has gone to meet it's maker