Central locking system repairs

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Central locking system

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What is a car central locking system?

The central locking system allows all the doors on a car to lock at the same time. Nowadays, most cars are fitted with a central locking system. All the driver needs to do to make the function come to life is push a button on the key fob or a switch in the car to lock or unlock all the doors simultaneously and automatically.

The idea of the central locking system is to give a driver greater control over all the doors via a simple switch or button. The central lock can come into play in the followings ways:

  • A mechanical key

  • Moving the internal door handle to an opening position

  • Pressing operating buttons on a radio remote control

When you use a remove button, the control will send a signal to the door lock relay. This lock relay then activates the lock actuator in the door, causing the lock to open and grant you access to the vehicle. When a key fob is used, it sends a signal to the engine control unit to kick up the system’s functions. If your central locking system is faulty, a specialist can help to diagnose and fix the problem.

How much is it to fix your car’s central locking system

The cost of central locking repair by a specialist or garage is relative to the make and model of your car, however, the average cost of repairing a central locking system is on average £146.53 on WhoCanFixMyCar. Below you can find the average cost of a central locking system repair for some of the top car makes.

Car MakeAverage Price
Audi£153.39
BMW£132.54
Citroen£99.16
Ford£142.13
Mercedes£215.85
MINI£89.17
Nissan£122.61
Peugeot£164.32
Renault£98.99
Vauxhall£119.09
Volkswagen£97.83
Volvo£281.17

Top warning signs that your central locking system needs to be repaired

Here are some of the top tell-tale signs that your car central locking system may need repairing: 

  • Irregular noises coming from inside the door when you lock or unlock.

  • Locks function intermittently

  • Central locking system fails to function properly

  • One of the doors fails to lock or unlock when the central locking system is turned on

  • Your key fob is not responding

  • Central locking system repairs

    The average cost of a car central locking system repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £146.53.

    The central locking system in a car makes it possible to lock or unlock all of the doors simultaneously. If this system is faulty, this locking system can become temperamental or unresponsive all together.

    Can include
    • Diagnosis
    • Central locking repair
  • Auto locksmith

    The average cost of an auto locksmith booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £278.16.

    An auto locksmith will be able to visit you at home and diagnose your car key or lock problems. They can perform repairs on the spot and give you replacement car keys if yours are lost. If the problem is with the car locks themselves, an auto locksmith will carry out the fix to give you access to your vehicle again.

    Can include
    • Inspection and diagnosis
    • Car lock repairs
    • Electronic car fob repair
    • Manual car key repair
    • Electronic key replacements
    • Manual key replacements
  • Car key programming and coding

    The average cost of car key programming booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £250.33.

    Electronic keys are highly convenient and secure, but like anything, they can become damaged and stop working. When your car begins to fail to recognise your key's unique code, it's time to get it reprogrammed. An auto locksmith can diagnose and recode your car keys to help you get back on the road.

    Can include
    • Key card reprogramming
    • Remote fob reprogramming
    • Flip key reprogramming

Which central locking repair service do you need?

There are several parts involved in the operation of a central locking system, which is why a diagnosis is often required to find the exact fault. Often, central locking systems are supplied as complete units, so repair can be difficult if the unit itself is problematic, in which case a replacement will be needed. 

Here are some of the problems that can arise in a central locking system and the services that can repair them:

Blown central locking fuse

If one door works as it’s meant to, but another door doesn’t, it could be something as simple as a blown fuse. The good news is that fuse replacements are not expensive and are easy to replace, so a good place to start with diagnostics is to check the fuse. 

Faulty key fob 

If the locks on all doors have suddenly stopped working or responding, then the problem could be the key fob. The battery may have died or something could be preventing the fob from sending a signal; in this case, it might need replacing. 

Broken door lock solenoid

If one door lock is being problematic then it could be the lock solenoid. In a central locking system, the solenoid in each door will activate the lock or unlock function.   

Broken or damaged electrical wires

If you are finding the locks are working intermittently and of their own accord then it could be due to broken wires or a faulty connection. This will cause intermittent power from the key fob to operate the locks.

I don’t know

Unsure of why your car’s central locking system is playing up? Book your car for a central lock diagnostic and the mechanic will be able to tell you what the issue is and the type of repair you need.

Find mobile car central locking repairs specialists or garages near you

We often find that problems with our cars arise at the most inconvenient times. That's why many specialists and garages offer a mobile central locking repair service - so they can help to diagnose and replace common parts of the central locking system to get it running smoothly again wherever you might find yourself. Whether you're having faulty lock problems at home or elsewhere, a specialist will likely be able to come to you to fix your central locking system.

We work with over 15,000 garages and have a number of central locking specialists on our site to deal with any problems arising with your vehicle.

What can stop the central locking system from working?

A faulty central locking system might be due to several reasons, such as a blown fuse, faulty solenoid, or electrical wiring issues. Also, it’s good to remember the fault might not be with the central car locking system but the key fob instead; over time, fobs require battery changes. 

How does the car central locking system work?

Central locking allows the driver or front passenger to simultaneously lock or unlock all the doors of a vehicle by pressing a button or flipping a switch. A remote key fob is also able to operate the central locking, or a switch on the dashboard.

Why is my car key fob not working?

The most common issue with car key fobs is that the batteries tend to go dead over time, in which case replacing the battery should fix the problem.

Is a central locking system repair covered by warranty?

As most of the faults with the central locking system are down to wear and tear, it is most likely that a warranty will not cover the cost.

How much do central locking repairs cost?

Repair costs for central locking systems tend to be around £146.53 on average.

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