2000 Ford Explorer Automatic door locks

Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
My door locks won't work in the front only in the back. I can lock and unlock them from here. I also can unlock them from front passnger side. And they keypad will unlock them but not lock them. Also my remote only works to unlock the doors. I cannot lock them with it. I have looked at the fuses and they are good. Where or what else can I do?
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 AT 12:20 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
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Have you checked to make sure there is power to the main switch on the driver's door?
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Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 AT 11:34 PM
Tiny
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No I didn't do that. I assumed that if the back one was working and that I could use the remote to unlock them I had power. The back works both ways, passenger only unlocks and drivers side not at all. With of course the remote only unlocking. Also would the door ajar and interior lights staying on have anything to do with this?
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Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 AT 6:11 AM
Tiny
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That is a good question. It could simply indicate there is a bad switch or the body control module may be going bad.
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Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
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I would be more inclined to think it would be a module but. Where and how would one determine, look, search. To find this? The switch can't be a problem I wouldn't think if some are working correct?
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Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 AT 4:57 PM
Tiny
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The body control module is on the back side of the kick panel. It will require special test equipment to test.
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Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 AT 11:41 PM
Tiny
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Probably a $$ item to just take off and replace and then not be the right problem. What would one of these modules look like and how hard would it be to replace? I am just a backyard mechanic that would prefer to work on the non eleectronic, computer vehicles but can do most things without going to a shop.
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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 AT 6:07 AM
Tiny
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Okay. I have done some research (my head is killing me). I'm with you when it comes to computers, modules.

There are two things that can be causing this. One is a GEM relay (generic electronic module) which runs the locks, or a bad relay. Based on the several pages I read, I think you simply have a bad relay.

Locate auxiliary relay box #2, above the left rear wheel well and remove the lock relay. You need to check resistance between terminals 30 and 87A. If the resistance is more than 5 ohms, replace the relay. If not, apply battery voltage to terminal 86 and ground 85. Now read the resistance between number 87 and 30. If the resiistance is more than 5 ohms, replace the relay. If all tests are passed, we need to move on to the GEM.

Here is a picture of the relay to help you identify pin numbers. Let me know if this helps.
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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 AT 10:07 PM
Tiny
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Sorry, I hit submit rather than upload. Here is the picture.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249084_5_25.jpg



Let me know what you find.
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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 AT 10:09 PM
Tiny
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Thanks will try this over the weekend as vehicle is being used right now. Will let you know what I find out.
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Friday, July 23rd, 2010 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
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Let me know. There is also a GEM relay that I need to track down that is responsible for the lock function. However, your problem seems to fit a bad relay.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, July 24th, 2010 AT 12:27 AM
Tiny
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Okay guys, Sorry I took so long getting back to you. Vehicle hasn't stopped. I tessted both relays in the back where you said and both of them had 0 resistence. I guess we go on to the next step.
Remember that the lockbuttons will unlock only and the one in the rear will do both. Also the door ajar light stays on and am not sure we discussed this or if it has anything to do with the problem at hand. Good Luck and Thanks
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
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Check the GEM to see if there is any evidence or water leaking on it from the windshield.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 11:24 PM
Tiny
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Okay. Now explain to me what it is, what it looks like and where to find this GEM. And how do I test it if I can.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2010 AT 7:13 AM
Tiny
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The GEM is installed behind the center instrument panel, near the radio.
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Monday, August 9th, 2010 AT 12:21 AM
Tiny
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Okay got that. What is a GEM and what does it look like? Can I test this in any way with testers that I have or do I need to take it somewhere to have it done?
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Monday, August 9th, 2010 AT 6:42 AM
Tiny
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It is a Generic electronic module. It is a square box. It contains a few relays in it that control many things. You will need to have it checked.
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Monday, August 9th, 2010 AT 11:59 PM
Tiny
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Is this GEM right over the gas pedal? I have found one there and it has a few relays in it like the one on the rear that I have already checked. And could a person just replace the relays one at a time to see if there is a bad one in the bunch?
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
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Yes, that should be where it is located. You should be able to check one at a time.
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 11:50 PM

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