A central locking system is already a charming addition to a building. In the past, things were not always like this.
Few people still alive now can remember the previous, cumbersome procedures that needed each door to be opened individually.
Even more practical would be a wireless auto lock. This is included on the list of options provided by every manufacturer.
However, it is not uncommon to see used cars missing their original remote controls. The accessory sector offers a range of retrofitting systems for this purpose.
If a retrofit solution is implemented, the question of “whether they have locked their car” will no longer need to be asked consistently by owners of vehicles that are either older or less well-equipped.
It is more cost-effective to spend an additional couple of euros.
When it comes to remotely controlled central locks, the line between a quality product and one that isn’t worth buying is razor thin.
Here, anyone who selects a too-cheap choice faces the danger of receiving an unfavorable surprise at some point.
Either the door to the vehicle can no longer be opened, or the entrance to the car cannot be closed. The most crucial thing to keep in mind while installing a retrofit central locking system is to put quality first above all else. Test results and recommendations can also be helpful.
Which method should we go with?
The current crop of models has evolved to a highly advanced level of technical sophistication. Even remote controls with pushbuttons can no longer be considered “state of the art.”
Radiofrequency identification (RFID) systems are available today that automatically unlock the car when the driver approaches.
This has the potential to increase further the convenience of using the vehicle. The cost of these systems is, to some extent, a reflection of the difficulty of putting them together.
Nevertheless, the same principle applies here: Choose quality over quantity every time, and do not let the extensive list of functions that are promised fool you!
Today, the following options are available:
– Individual transmitters
– Transmitters that include an integrated key
– Transmitters that come equipped with a proximity sensor
– Transmitters that include a proximity sensor and an integrated key
Proximity sensor systems also include an additional unlocking button in their design.
Putting in place a centralized locking system that can be controlled by a remote
An extensive modification to the automobile’s electrical system is required to install a central locking system equipped with remote control.
However, only those with the necessary knowledge and skill should dare to do this work. Anyone else doing so could put themselves in danger.
First and foremost, it is essential to have a firm grasp on how to use the wire stripper, the crimping pliers, and the various connection systems.
Everyone who has never done this before should begin by gaining experience on some old cables. Future consequences from a connector that is only partially assembled can be severe.
The following are some of the options that are typically available with centralized retrofit locks:
– The ability to lock and unlock all doors from a central location as an add-on feature
– Tank cap, an optional trunk (rare in retrofit solutions)
– A pulsing sound comes from the horn when the door is opened or closed
– Activation in pulses of the intermittent alarm system
– Make sure your dipped headlights are on.
– Split the process of opening and closing the trunk into two distinct steps.
During the installation process, the user can choose which functions of the central locking system with the remote control he will use.
The wire harnesses for the optional features won’t be connected if only a portion of them are utilized.
To finish the installation of a central locking system with remote control, the following materials are required:
– Wire stripper
– Pliers for making crimped metalwork
– Toolset
– Instruments for removing plastic staples
– Containers with screws for screws (Tip: Place a large magnet next to it)
– Flanges
– Mounting kit
– Cordless screwdriver equipped with tiny metal bits
– Multimeter
Putting the opening contact motors in their mounting positions
The contacts for opening the door are located in the locking mechanism behind the door panels.
First, remove the window handle, then the armrest, and finally, the door panels. In addition, the glass is protected from damage caused by handling the door by being moved to the very top of the door.
The opening contact comprises a series of tiny electric motors or electromagnets. They have a mechanism that, when activated, pulls back a wire, which activates the mechanism that closes the door.
Because the connection is made of a sturdy wire, the opening contact can carry out both pushing and pulling motions.
Using two screws, the opening contact is fastened to the inner plate of the door.
Caution: You must not confuse this with the exterior plate! The corresponding holes may already be in the inner container. In most cases, the screw holes require individual drilling by the user.
Two screws are used to secure the connecting wire of the opening contact to the locking mechanism.
As a result, it can also be modified. Its operational mode must be adapted to the required motions of the locking mechanism. For this reason, the stop screws can be moved as necessary to accommodate the purpose.
Between the body and the cabin is a unique conduit that the cables travel through on their way to their respective destinations.
The installation of the regulating apparatus
The control device is entirely mobile and can be moved to any location. The best places for mounting are under the dashboard (under the dashboard).
The most convenient places to put them are in the footwells on the left and right under the dashboard. This makes them easy to access.
A discreet location for the device that controls the central locking system can be found there. This is connected to the power supply of the vehicle as well as the doors.
To accomplish this goal, permanent positive and car ground wires must have their connections branched. Cable deflection modules are available on the market for this specific purpose. However, one must become proficient in the handling of these instruments.
Additionally, before beginning this work, one should practice doing so on cables that are currently not in use. You can find lines suitable for the car radio’s electrical power supply.
For instance, the red and black cables can be branched well to provide power for the central locking supply.
The assembly instructions will explain how to connect the central locking system with the ignition lock.
In most cases, the door locks itself only after a few meters have been driven. This prevents access by third parties efficiently, for example, when you are stopped at a traffic light.
If the ignition lock and the control device are not correctly connected, the central locking system will not be able to perform to such a high standard, even if it is set to do so.
In addition, the car is equipped with a second switch that can be located on the instrument panel and is used to either activate or deactivate the internal locking system.
To accomplish this, many cables need to be threaded through the dashboard. There is a straightforward method that can be of assistance here.
A thick wire or rigid cable is routed from above through the dashboard and emerges at the device that controls the car’s climate.
Insulating tape is wrapped around the wires that connect to the control unit at this end. After that, the wire can be extracted once more.
Because of this, the control cables can be routed through the dashboard more aesthetically pleasingly.
An examination of function
When everything has been correctly connected, the first thing that will be tested is the central locking system.
In addition to this, the servomotors are tested to see if they are genuinely able to lock and unlock the doors.
Adjusting the adjusting screws is still possible so long as the door panels have not yet been mounted on the door frame.
The remote control can also be set up during the examinations as a side activity. In the documentation, the steps that need to be followed are outlined.
In most cases, one remote control can be programmed to accommodate as many as seven hand transmitters. However, it is not essential to configure the control device for the automobile.
These flaws may still show up:
- Not working: It has been determined that the control device is not connected, the battery has been removed, and the ignition system has been turned on. Check that the poles are occupied and the voltage supply.
- Clicks are coming from the remote control, but nothing else happens: There is no connection, the key is not in the ignition lock, the car door is open, the central locking is set incorrectly, or there is a missing connection. Take out the key, make sure all the doors are locked, and look over the control cables.
- There is no response from the remote control: Either the transmitter has not been configured yet, or the built-in battery does not have sufficient power. Programming the remote control again (refer to the manual) and replacing the battery
- The transmission strength is low: The reception is not very good, and the battery current is insufficient. Adjust the position of the antenna cable, and then replace the battery.
Since you’re already doing it…
Because the door panels have been removed, and the vehicle’s electrical system is currently being worked on, you may want to think about installing some electric windows, lighting the door handles and the footwell, and other comfort-enhancing extras. In contrast, the vehicle’s electrical system is being worked on.
Clips on door panels are not intended to be removed and reattached whenever the user desires.
As a result, it is advisable to carry out each step of the assembly process simultaneously. Because of this, unnecessary damage to the inner lining is prevented.
After that, the door lining and, if necessary, the dashboard panels can be reattached to their proper places.
Additional benefits of utilizing a central locking mechanism
If the ignition key is still in the switch, a central locking system that has been installed properly will not lock the doors or the trunk of the vehicle.
This eliminates the risk of accidentally locking the car with the keys inside.
Disclaimer
The steps described in this article are not instructions for installing anything; they are general descriptions meant to clarify the work involved.
They are not something that should be imitated. Experiments involving installing a central locking system are not something we are responsible for in any way.
