Generation Cyb

Q. When I activate my central locking (lock or unlock) the other doors delay and then slowly work (as if the battery is low), If I then turn key backwards and forwards a couple of times the system works as usual.

A. A common problem that could lead to this is lazy actuators (the life of which can be extended by some WD40 up the drain tubes). Failing this there’s no option but to replace the actuators by raiding the door of a car in the breaker’s yard. Note that here are two different types of electrical plug so try and get one from the same model year or compare with the existing unit. During the winter low temperatures tend to slow such mechanical things down so check it isn’t this. Also check the operation of the button by hand and see if there is any excess resistance, if there is then remove the trim and lubricate the links. The actual lock mechanism assembly is another common cause of such problems…

Q. Sometimes my back doors do not unlock completely, and I have to pull the door lock tab upwards to be able to open the door. The lock tab is stiff and is reluctant to move.

A. If you have difficulty in opening the lock by hand then no amount of lubrication of the lock actuator will help because it’s most likely that the binding is actually within the lock mechanism on the door. Over time these can fail as the rivets holding them together become loose allowing ‘play’ into internal components so that everything eventually jams up. The only solutions are to dismantle the mechanism and give it a thourough cleaning up, oiling and check all parts are in the right places, otherwise raid a car in a breakers yard.

This is a common problem for Maestros and Montegos. Later cars had a revised actuation rod (post circa 1987) which increased the force applied applied on the lock. These cars tend to have fewer problems.