Power door locks keep re-locking (intermittent)

[sbarmann]

My 2000 Explorer (Edie Bauer) has an intermittent problem with the power door locks. Every so often when locking the doors they keep re-locking. Sometimes I've been able to stop the relocking by messing with the power lock button, but sometimes I've had to take out the fuse (and leave it out). I just put the fuse back in recently and everything works fine now, but I suspect the problem will resurface again soon. The Hayes maintenance manual indicates the three power lock relays are located in "auxilarly relay box #4", but doesn't say where to find "box #4". I've found a relay box under the dash above the accelerator pedal, but neither my owners manual OR my Haynes maintenance manual indicate which of the 6-7 relays control the power locks. This is apparently a contaigeous ailment - my 1995 Honda Accord EX developed this same problem a month prior, installing a new control module in the Honda didn't help, so I'm also still trying to fix the Honda. Any help is appreciated.

[Trowis]

I have a similar to this, my 94 Limited Explorer, anytime the fuse is in, the locks intermittedly unlock, roughly 9-10 times a minute. I figure in my case that this is a short circuit, but how would I go about correcting this on my own, and cheaply? Mind you, I'm only a 17 year old high school senior.

[Dr98]

On my 98 Explorer, relay box #4 is located in the back access panel where the jack is. Should be hanging near the white remote anti theft module.

Dean

[PEGGYSUEHC]

I Was Wondering If You Had Any Luck With Your Locks I Have Same Problem I Tried New Relays And No Luck The Locks Still Run Continuosly Ive Read Other Forums Here And None Of These Have Helped I Dont Want To Go Ford Dealer But Im Running Out Of Solutions And Was Wondering If Anyone Has Ideas Please Any Help Appreciated Thanks John

[sbarmann]

I still haven't figured out what's going on with my door locks. The problem is still intermittent - no problems for a few months and then all of a sudden the locks start cycling. The rate of cycling slows, probably because the solenoids and relays are heating up and wearing out (not good for the solenoids). I usually just pull the fuse out and wait a couple days (manually locking the doors and rear hatch) and then just replace the fuse. I probably do this a few times each year - not too bad, so I haven't tried replacing any components yet. But the solenoids seem to be wearing out, I have to press the lock or unlock button a few times now to get all the locks to move, especially the rear hatch lock (sometimes I just have to use the actual key on the rear hatch). One of the reply posts indicated the relay box #4 is located in the jack compartment - I store some rope and tie downs in the jack compartment, so I'm wondering if I've affected the wiring in some way to cause the problem (I think I've been pretty careful with the wiring, but maybe things shift around in there while I'm driving). Thanks for your post, It's nice to know I'm not the only one with this problem.

[shorod]

It would be interesting (to me, maybe not to you ) to wire up a couple of LEDs to the locking system and mount them temporarily in a visible location. Have one LED triggered by the lock relay coil and one on the relay output (probably pin 30 of the relay). Then, when the re-locking occurs, see if both LEDs blink at the same rate as the locks cycling or if just the LED on terminal 30 does. If just the one to the locks blinks, then replacing the relay should solve your issue. If both blink, then you will need to figure out what in the GEM or RAP module is triggering the lock circuit.

-Rod

[sbarmann]

That would be interesting to me too. The problem is that I can't tell when this problem will resurface (I can't force it to happen). I guess I'd have to spice in some wires and then mount the LED's were I can look at them quickly whenever the problem resurfaces (maybe 6 months from now).

[shorod]

If you use a couple of different colors of LEDs and install them near the keyless wiring (driver's side rear quarter) you may be able to route the LEDs so you could see them in the rear view mirror if the locks start to act up. Heck, maybe if you are ready to troubleshoot the locks and install the LEDs, they'll never act up again.

-Rod