Runner4

In the last three weeks I have been having intermittant problems with my electric door locks. Every now and then the locks will "jump" to the unlock position (if they were locked). If I try and lock the doors with the switch, the locks will lock then unlock right away. Sometimes, when I start the 4Runner, the automatic locks will lock then pop back up. Then, after a while with this behavior, it will start working fine. Any ideas what could be the problem?

dibble9012

maybe the door pin switch? You cant lock the doors using the switch if it senses the door is open, are your dome lights turning on by themselves? Could also be a problem with an alarm if you have one, as it automatically locks and unlocks as you start the car/turn off the car.

Runner4

I checked the door pin switch as I first thought that as the prime suspect. The door pin seem alright, and the lights stay off when shut.

dibble9012

do you have an alarm, aftermarket or stock?

Runner4

Its the stock RS300 (i think thats what its called).

dibble9012

try checking the "body ecu" fuse, I think thats what its called. Ill check later today. It might have a loose wire or fuse. When I installed my remote start, I realized that that fuse controls the automatic door locks, and windows. When that fuse is disconnected, the doors unlock, reconnected, the doors lock, so maybe something is going on there. Check all the connections to the alarm and in the interior fuse box.

Runner4

Is that fuse located with all the other fuses or is it under the steering column, under hood etc. PS - I do have a remote start as well - but I haven't had any problems with that.

dibble9012

The fuse is located under the dashboard. This problem probably does not have anything to do with the remote start, unless you hooked it up to work the locks too. Then there might be a problem with the remote start. I just figured out how the alarm/door locks worked on the 4runner when I installed my remote start. If all else fails, disconnect the remote start and see if you still have problems.

Runner4

OK - Under the dash beneath the steering column? Is it labeled "body ecu"? Thanks!

dibble9012

yes it should be, on my 3rd gen its all the way on the left, i think its the first fuse thats used at the top, im not sure though, i will confirm later today

dibble9012

I checked, the fuse is ECU IG, top left. when 12 volts is powering that circuit, the door locks automatically lock, and the keyless entry does not work. When 12 volts is removed, as in a loose wire, the door locks will unlock(only if previously automatically locked) and the keyless entry will work again. If this is not the problem, I would think it is a loose ground somewhere.

Runner4

Thanks - I will check this out!

therossinator

I'm thinking you got a bad relay, the "lock" portion of it is always on, an electromagnet gone bad. depending on your year, either I think you need a new relay or a new door lock control unit/relay

Runner4

Do you know where the relay is located?

cimahar

my door locks won't work with the drivers door open, wich makes it very difficult to program my new remote, any help guys ?? thanks sorry, it's a 1999 4Runner sport