need help to troubleshoot automatic door lock problem. When I start car and put in gear, only the passenger door locks. I can lock/unlock the drivers door manually, which also locks/unlocks passenger door. When I use key in door, both doors lock and alarm sets. no 'door ajar' messages.

took door apart and cleaned lock mechanism. no change. took apart again and checked the 3 micro-switches with multimeter, and they appear to work.

any advice on what else to check?

 

It seems like the lock status signal is not getting from the switch to the security module in the trunk. The switch is the one with a yellow wire.

If the switch connected to the yellow wire is definitely working properly, then look for a break in the yellow wire in the door. The most likely place would be in the rubber boot that flexes each time the door opens. You should be able to check continuity between the switch and the yellow wire at the round connector.

Also the black pink wire on this switch should be carrying a solid ground. This wire could also be broken.

 

took driver's door apart (3rd time) and checked continuity for every conductor from the door latch connector to the round connector at the door hinge, and they seem ok.

I'm wondering if the problem could be the door lock motor or actuator (the 2" square plastic box with linkage to the door lock). is there a way to check the operation of this.. maybe put power to it to see if it works?

 

I probably should have asked this first, but have you attempted a hard reset?

 

yes, I did that when I replaced the battery. The new battery fixed the window going up when I close the door. everything else works fine except the automatic door lock on drivers door (which means I can't use the remote)

I'm focusing on the door actuator/lock status component.. trying to read the wiring diagram and troubleshoot, but man it seems like a very complex locking system with all the modules, switches, relays, etc.