SC2 - Automatic Door Lock Problem

[RichSC2]

2001 Saturn SC2 -automatic door locking problem. I just installed a new driver side door lock switch, since the original broke. Now the car thinks the door is not closed. I know this because when the door is closed, with key in ignition, I click the lock button on the lock switch, and it locks then automatically unlocks (originally, it would do this when the door is open). When the door is closed, and the key is *Not in the ignition, the lock button works. Therefore, i believe the car thinks the door is open. Also, the lock button on the key fob does not lock it in any situation now. When I press the lock on the key fob, the horn honks three times. But the unlock on the key fob works.

I did unhook the battery when I was trouble shooting the broken lock switch. Is it possible that I disabled the car alarm? Or that when I installed the new switch, that I messed some door sensor?

[RichSC2]

or does anyone know how the car can sense that its doors are closed?

maybe that can point me in the right direction

[caveeagle]

Originally Posted by RichSC2

or does anyone know how the car can sense that its doors are closed?

maybe that can point me in the right direction

There should be an intermittant switch in the front door jab. It closes the circuit to ground when the button is pushed.

Maybe a coincidence, but I am also working on an '01 SC2 for my daughter, and the RKE is acting odd. I have not done much with the car yet, but from memory, your symtoms sound very famailar. I was assuming I had a bad Key fob, but have not had a chance to dig into it.

These cars have the RKE programmed by a dealer via Tech2 device (or so i am told). I don't think there are any settings for us to change DIY.

[fetchitfido]

Originally Posted by caveeagle

These cars have the RKE programmed by a dealer via Tech2 device (or so i am told). I don't think there are any settings for us to change DIY.

Aren't 3rd gens so much fun? Nearly everything you could DIY with programming this or that with 1st & 2nd gens you have to bend over for the dealer...


Check the dome light operation. Can be time consuming with a 4dr as there's a 20-30 second delay from door-close to light-off, but the "door open" sensor is the same for the locks and the dome light. The door that doesn't turn on the light has a problem in the switch circuit, usually the switch but could be wiring as well.

[RichSC2]

Originally Posted by caveeagle

There should be an intermittant switch in the front door jab.

Found the switch! Thanks! It was located on the bottom left face of the dashboard. Turns out, it was jammed inside and wouldn't pop out nor compress anymore to close the circuit. A pair of pliers did the trick

Originally Posted by caveeagle

These cars have the RKE programmed by a dealer via Tech2 device (or so i am told).

A few years ago I bought a new key FOB as the buttons were pressed in and broken lol. I took it to a chevy/gm dealer and they programmed it for free. Not sure if thats standard tho hehe. But one change was that I no longer get the horn chirp when I lock now like I used to, just the daytime running lamps flash...ah well.

Originally Posted by fetchitfido

Check the dome light operation.

Actually since the car thinks one door is always open, the dome light will always be on. But this still helped me prove that this was the actual reason for the locks not working, and that I needed to go find that switch