Central Locking Problem

[mervyn]

I have just bought a 2001 3.4 Prado. I found that the central locking switch on the driver door panel was not working. Family Dog suggested that I strip it and use contact cleaner but he initially suspected it may not be the problem.

AFAIK, you can lock or open your Prado using:
1. The remote buttons on the master key (which I presently dont have); or
2. using a key in the back door or driver's door locks.
Once inside you can lock or open the vehicle using the switch on the door panel.

Since I dont have the remote option as yet, I have been using the spare key. It opens or locks all doors through the back door but not through the drivers door.

I stripped the driver's door panel and checked out the locking system on the driver's door. It has a motorised section that I suspect opens or locks all the doors once the driver's door is locked or opened. BUT it doesn't work! Only the drivers door opens, but thats it. Yet the back door opens and locks all the doors without issue.

I am now inclined to suspect that the issue is with that locking system and not the switch on the door panel. I am suspecting that although the switch IS working the motorised section is not activating the other doors when the driver's door is opened or the panel switch is used. (I have cleaned the switch with contact cleaner but still not working).

Has anyone had any issues like this or does anyone know if the locking mechanism on the driver's door can be repaired?

If not should I consider looking for a 2nd hand unit or a new unit.

[mervyn]

Can really do with some advice guys.....

[CasKru]

Is it not meant that way in that if you unlock the driver door not all the other ones open until you press the button a second time?

[Cleaner]

Can really do with some advice guys.....

Look both ways before crossing a road.

[mervyn]

Cassie I am referring to opening it by way of the key through the barrel lock. I dont have a remote key as yet.

[CasKru]

Cassie I am referring to opening it by way of the key through the barrel lock. I dont have a remote key as yet.

sounds like the unit as you said... or maybe a loose connection

[CraigC]

Hi Mervyn,

Not sure if this will help, I am sure the Prado and Hilux of the same year model has more or less the same set up.

I purchased a my Hilux with the same issue, only 2 keys, a grey and black key (Grey being the master key) I could only access via the drivers door barrel with the key, this unlocked and locked all doors. From owning previous Hilux's I know it has alarm central locking fitted with remotes. so my search began. I finally bought 2 transmitters from Toyota...... original parts.... they could not be programmed so I had to purchase the original alarm/central locking module which is located under the glove box / dash board. I was lucky enough to buy one of the last 2 remaining in SA.... parts is discontinued at Toyota SA as it is a Shurlock product. Took it to my local Toyota dealer, they finally where able to fit the new module and code the module and 2 remotes..... All is working as from the factory.

Now I suspect you have the exact same problem.... w.r.t the drivers door I would first check all the fuses, check the wiring properly and as a last resort focus on the module under the dash, if you say the door lock does work then I cant see the problem being at the door itself.

Hope this helps.

[Family_Dog]

Mervyn, it might also work out cheaper to have a newer, more modern C/L unit fitted. PraDog also has one dud remote and I cannot get it reprogrammed anywhere. Shurlock has discontinued the model and any form of support for it.


-F_D

[mervyn]

Thanks guys will check out these options.

[mervyn]

Problem sorted!

It seems the system has 2 ways of locking and unlocking as I alluded to. One through the drivers door and the other through the back door. It seems that if you open the vehicle (using the key in the barrel lock and not the remote) via the back door, although the driver's door opens, it disables the central locking system. so you have to lock the vehicle via the back door again. Then you can open via the drivers door and then all doors open and the central lockign is activated and can lock via the door panel. It also locks automatically once the vehicle is started.

My driver's door barrel lock was sticky and I had it serviced at the local locksmith and it works perfectly.

[CasKru]

Glad you got sorted

[mervyn]