central locking

[toosoon]

hi, my chimaera is with the local garage being repaired, got a problem with the central locking which is not working with the key fob
alarm is setting
garage is talking about removing the dash to get to the control unit, something about solanoids,is this correct
reading info in the forum where there is talk about 100amp hidden fuse in the door and also disconnecting battery to poss cure the problem
the battery on my car was completely flat
can anyone help?

[Cider Andy]

There is a 100A fuse that can be problematic, but it isn't hidden in the door and it has nothing to do with the alarm or immobiliser: it's a fuse in the charging circuit.

If the battery was flat and was charged whilst connected, that certainly could cause an alarm problem. If the battery is now fully charged, disconnect it for a minute and reconnect it. That might fix the problem.

[Monkey Boy]

Hi, If you have the central locking module with about twenty wires going to it, there is a fuse between the two banks of three relays. This would stop the c/ locking working. It's about 10 amp as I remember.

[bluechim]

I just had the same problem (about 4 weeks ago, see thread) and it turned out that both door solenoids had failed. Unlikely but true. Replaced both (at a cost of about £50 a pair) and all is now fine. Worth checking!

[PMcK]

I had something similar happen last weekend.

I was mucking about with the auto window closer last weekend, and finally figured out how it worked! In the process though, the central locking got confused, so that the alarm would set, but the doors wouldn't lock. I thought solenoids were ok, 'cos I could lean in and lock them from the internal button in the centre of the tunnel.

So I disconnected the battery and left it for half an hour, reconnected, but still had the problem. Gave up and went for a drive as compensation for the impending costs... and 30 mins later, got out having forgotton the problem, set the alarm... and all locking was working fine!

Moral of the story might be to give it a chance before ripping bits out. Or maybe I have the only self-healing 500?

Paul

[toosoon]

Monkey Boy said:

Hi, If you have the central locking module with about twenty wires going to it, there is a fuse between the two banks of three relays. This would stop the c/ locking working. It's about 10 amp as I remember.

[toosoon]

where is the 100amp and 10amp fuse located??

[toosoon]

when you replaced the solenoids was it the same faults? where are they located and how can you check them?
thanks sue

[bluechim]

Solenoids are located behind each door under a Velcro’ed carpet flap. I had mine checked out at a dealer with a meter who said they were broken. We plugged in new ones and they worked fine - straight away

[Big Al.]

toosoon said:

where is the 100amp and 10amp fuse located??

IIRC the 10amp Fuse is in the fuse box, the 100amp fuse is in a plastic box UNDER the car mid way along the oil sump on the drivers side.

[bigdods]

If you've had a flat battery you can virtually guarantee its the old meta alarm gone a bit bonkers. Before they do anything else make sure they disconnect the earth from the car battery, leave 5 secs, reconnect then immediately press the plipper. Its a well known issue and its really that easy to fix. At least it wont cost anything to try it before looking at more expensive things that may be working fine.

[theaxe]

toosoon said:

where is the 100amp and 10amp fuse located??

The 10amp fuse is in the fuse box in the passenger footwell.

Here's a guide to the 100amp fuse.

[Monkey Boy]

Hi, The fuse is inside the central locking module on the printed circuit board between the two banks of relays. The rating is 10 Amps, the 100 amp fuse i suspect is the alternator supply fuse and unlikely to be part of your problem.