Re: advice pls re central locking fix - 1986 4000Q

[Robert Myers <rmyers@inetone.net>]

Dean,

Pump was under the rear seat on all my Audis.  I s'pose it's there in
yours, too.  If not, look in the trunk.  Look for a smallish rectangular
block, perhaps 2.5 x 3.5 x 2 inches (or so - it's been a long time) with
several hoses and some wiring attached.

Look near the right end under the seat.  Perhaps about under the right
thigh of a rear passenger.  If it isn't there try the trunk area.

There will be both electrical and vacuum hose connections.

Does the pump make noise when it should?  Operate the locking mechanism and
determine this.

If it operates, OK.  Operation is not just making noise.  There must also
be air pumped into or from the pump while it operates.  This can be
determined by running the pump with a fingertip on one (closing) of the
outlets.  You should feel pressure or vacuum depening on whether the lock
system is trying to lock or unlock the lock.

If the pump doesn't operate, disconnect the power connectors.  I'd suspect
that there will be three wires.  One for up, one for down, and one ground.
Possibly a second ground.  Hook a DMM between all possible pairs and check
for 12 volts between any two pairs when the mechanism is in use.  I suspect
you will find that the power is there.

There will also be several small (1/8" or so) plastic tubes leading off to
all the locks.  Disconnect them, one at a time, and using lung pressure,
blow into or suck on the tube.  (Imitate Monica.)  If the vacuum system is
OK for that branch you should hear a lock operate and feel air resistance.
If _all_ lines give resistance to air flow and the locks operate and power
is supplied when it should be applied then the pump itself is probably bad.
 It's about a $450 part from Audi.  Perhaps $50 from a salvage yard.

If there is no air flow resistance on one or more of the lines, you have a
leak in that line.  Look at the locking mechanism (if you can get to it).
The hose may have simply slipped off of the hose connector at the lock.  It
may also have broken or split.

If Monica is there with you and is willing to help, have her actuate the
system (lung power) while you listen closely to the lock for that
particular line.  A hiss of escaping air may provide useful information.

Good luck.

At 12:33 PM 2/26/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Yes my power locks no longer work.  I've checked the fuse and now suppose I
>should be looking at wiring (I'm guessing the wire bundle that passes from
>the driver's door to the body is a likely place?)  and, I'd also like to
>check out the vacuum pump but don't know where to access it.  Must I remove
>the back seat?  Anyone have any experience troubleshooting these locks that
>they would care to pass along?  (Truth told, once I find the pump, I'm not
>sure what I'll actually DO to it.  Probably look at, tap it a few times &
>think "geez, it LOOKS like it should work")
>
>
>
___
   Bob
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