[DML] Re: Door Solenoids and lock modules.

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The problem is not with the solenoids or even the linkage and the
lubrication. The problems with the doors is two-fold. If a door gets
out-of-adjustment or is forced open, closed, locked or unlocked the
linkage bends and gets out of adjustment. The other problem is the
very undercapacity relays in the locking module. Eventually the
contacts will weld together. When that happens current will flow
continually until the battery dies. This also causes the solenoids to
short out. In the meantime it will not allow you to manually unlock
the doors.
 To prevent probems with the doors they have to be adjusted properly
and never forced. If you find you have to slam the doors to get them
closed you are forcing things and that is not good. You should also
NOT be able to lock them if both latches are NOT in 2nd locking
position. The other thing you have to do is either upgrade the locking
module somehow, either by replacing with one of the better substitutes
or by simply disconnecting the old locking module and foregoing the
Centeral Locking Function. The solenoids are not the problem, they are
a symptom of the real problem. If they are not powerful enough to lock
and unlock the doors they have probably already been damaged.
Lubrication is not the answer. Rewinding the solenoids is required.
You are correct, the Delorean isn't the only car to use solenoids, it
IS the only car that uses the cr-py locking module! Most other cars
have gone to actuators anyway. Lighter, more powerful, and require
less current.
David teitelbaum
vin 10757

 
> That is one thing about the DeLorean linkage system that makes it 
> different than others. Because of that 2nd latch up front on the 
> door, the solenoid can endure more strain. Now that's not to say 
> that there is an inherent problem with the doors, because there 
> isn't. It's just that over time, as lubrication is lost, the door 
> locks are harder to operate for the door solenoids, because there 
> are so many more joints and pivot points the gum up and create more 
> strain. Therefore, more torque needs to be exerted by the solenoids 
> to work properly. DeLorean owners in really dusty areas such as the 
> Southwestern US, and parts of the Midwest need to be really caucious 
> about this, and should include lubrication of their door locks as a 
> routine maintenance. Now, having said that about the DeLorean's door 
> locks, I gotta ask;
> 
> Does anyone here have any first-hand experience with being locked 
> in, or out of their car because of a malfunctioning solenoid? I've 
> heard of this being a concern, but have never heard of a real-world 
> example being cited? I know that you certainly run the risk of 
> burning out the solenoids and damaging them for future use. But the 
> DeLorean certainly wasn't the first car to use solenoids, and I've 
> never heard of any Cadillacs, Thunderbirds, or other cars with PDLs 
> ever trapping anyone inside because of a malfunction.
> 
> Now if you did have a malfunction with the locks, and lets say one 
> was either repeatedly trying to lock it self. Or even was stuck in 
> the lock position, it wouldn't be a difficult predicament to get out 
> of. Simply unlock the other door.
> 
> As for the life hammers, I've thought about carrying one too, but 
> not for my car. Rather I'd prefer to have it, in case I ever had to 
> be a samaratin, and help someone else out of their car. It's like 
> the same reason I carry a fire extinguisher with me. Years ago when 
> I worked at a grocery store, there was a car out in the parking lot 
> that caught fire. It was a loss, but it also damaged the cars that 
> were parked next to it. I don't have fears about my car catching 
> fire, but I've seen plenty in my time burn when I lived out in Vegas.
> 
> Kicking, or even pushing the glass of the passenger doors out 
> shouldn't really be an issue. Sure it's got a little RTV on it to 
> seal the water out, but it's only held in with rivited clips, and a 
> rubber gasket that is pressed agaisnt T-304 stainless steel. And 
> stainless steel is ALOT softer than carbon steel. I've dented my 
> door by improperly closing it with my fingers, when I slammed it 
> once. It's not the same as the windscreen, or even the back glass. 
> Conventional doors have their glass mounted in steel tracks, which 
> we don't have to worry about.
> 
> -Robert
> vin 6585 "X"
>









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