AU door problem

**Peuty** · 03-03-2013, 04:20 PM

Hey guy and gals,

I took the AU for a drive for the first time in a month today and something weird has happened. The door indicator light and interior lights stay on, as if a door is ajar, except it's not. It seems like perhaps a door ajar sensor is playing up.

Can anyone tell me how this setup works and if there is a way I can fix it. I know cars in the past used to have a door button that was pushed when the door closed, but it would seem that the AU does not.

Any ideas? Because of this, I can't lock the damn thing!

mik · 03-03-2013, 06:12 PM

hmm interesting, i just went out and had a look on mine , i could`nt see a door button either, the plot thickens

. Edit sorry mate i`m no help :(.

**GasoLane** · 03-03-2013, 07:53 PM

If you cant lock it Dan maybe it's an actuator problem ?

**Mechan1k** · 03-03-2013, 08:00 PM

The door ajar works on the actuator ... I think there is a sensor within the actuator assembly. I think there was a pic of a tailgate one disassembled in the Territory section ... showing the different bits ... my67xr may have had some pics ... as he had issues with door ajar on his tailgate even though it was shut properly.

The tailgate actuators are slightly different in design to the doors ... but not too dissimilar though in function.

Sorry .... i can't find the thread at the moment.

The easier fix though is replacing the actuator if you can't be bothered pulling it all apart.

Also to add .... I had issues with door aajr on my drivers side rear door on the Territory during heavy rain periods ... the door would be closed and it would report an open door (not letting me lock the car) ... i found if the door was opened while raining (getting my son in the car) ... and rain got into the gap in the door where the lock/actuator was ... it would cause a short in the actuator. It stopped doing it when it was dry ... and all was fine from then on.

AU to BF and Territory use identical door actuators ... it's the loom connector that is different only.

**Peuty** · 03-03-2013, 09:00 PM

Thanks Mechan1k, just the info I was was after. Glad you mentioned the water though, mine has been out in the rain for the past week, so you might be on to something. I'll pull it apart and have a look.

**Mechan1k** · 03-03-2013, 09:01 PM

Try using hairdryer on it for a bit ... and see if it makes a difference.

**Peuty** · 03-03-2013, 09:43 PM

Good idea, will see how I go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

If you cant lock it Dan maybe it's an actuator problem ?

The issue is that it is showing that a door is ajar, which is why it won;t let itself lock, but it turns out you might be right anyway!

AdamL · 03-03-2013, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

AU to BF and Territory use identical door actuators ... it's the loom connector that is different only.

That's not the only difference.

The gear mechanism is bigger in later versions of the actuator.

You may also have to do a wiring hack if you replace the actuator depending on your exactly model. There's a TSB that has all the details in it.

Peuty, if you figure out which door is at fault you can disconnect the actuator and disconnect the rod from the door handle to the actuator. Then you can lock your car.

**Mechan1k** · 03-03-2013, 10:32 PM

When i replaced my actuator for my AU ... I purchased a jump loom to allow the newer actuator from the B-series to be utilised in the AU .... there's a Ford part number associated for it.

**Peuty** · 04-03-2013, 09:22 AM

Thanks for the advice gents, I'll pull it all apart this weekend and see how I go. Adam, I might try that temp fix in the meantime, but the car is in a LUG so it's ok for the moment.

**Peuty** · 04-03-2013, 12:54 PM

This should get the job done yes?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FORD-AU-F...item3f220943fc

**GasoLane** · 04-03-2013, 01:04 PM

This will also get the job done cheaper

I've used these guys for two actuator's on the Barge about 3 years ago, very quick service and not a problem with either door since.

http://stores.ebay.com.au/STRUT-ACTU...=p4634.c0.m322

**Peuty** · 04-03-2013, 01:11 PM

Nice one Rog, will give them a go!

**GasoLane** · 04-03-2013, 01:41 PM

Just to prove that old fashioned service isn't dead I rang the phone number on his Ebay page when I wanted my first one.

It was a Saturday and he was playing Golf but took my order anyway and express posted it on Monday !

speedzter · 06-03-2013, 12:49 PM

I had an ongoing issue with the drivers door not unlocking, and sometimes popping the door
open when unlocking.
The worm drive was OK, but I replaced it and the motor, but it didn't fix the problem.
There was a broken coil spring hidden in the mechanism that was jamming.
A new unit with the adaptor loom fixed the problem.
So be aware, a reco unit or new parts may not last with an old actuator.

**Papa Smurf** · 06-03-2013, 09:13 PM

I always sold the NEW type lock and Actuator with the harness unless it was a late BF, they already are the new type.

**Peuty** · 06-03-2013, 09:45 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone. I have ordered a new actuator from the mob that GasOLane recommended and will go from there.

Fingers crossed!

**Peuty** · 09-03-2013, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

It stopped doing it when it was dry ... and all was fine from then on.

Seems you were on the money there. Just the way I like things to happen, this issue has fixed itself after a week undercover and out of the rain.

I still have the new part on the way so I guess I now have a spare. Oh well.

RG · 13-03-2013, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peuty

Seems you were on the money there. Just the way I like things to happen, this issue has fixed itself after a week undercover and out of the rain.

I still have the new part on the way so I guess I now have a spare. Oh well.

Until you take the car out in the rain and then can't lock it.

Quit being lazy Poot, replace it. It only takes like half an hour.

**Peuty** · 13-03-2013, 10:36 PM

True. The XR8 is more of an A to A car though, not A to B.

Nuk · 22-05-2018, 12:14 PM

have an au, the drivers door wont shut closed now, it travels home fully but the latch doesnt latch. There is no damage to the door and it just happenned overnight, door wont stay shut. Any thoughts guys ?

**Mechan1k** · 22-05-2018, 12:29 PM

It's all to do with the actuator mechanism not closing over the striker plate and locking home. Similar issues with Ford Territory tailgate actuators where the tailgate wouldn't close as well and just bounce.

**Uncle_Ken** · 22-05-2018, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuk

have an au, the drivers door wont shut closed now, it travels home fully but the latch doesnt latch. There is no damage to the door and it just happenned overnight, door wont stay shut. Any thoughts guys ?

Does it click and click again when you lock it with your remote? If yes to plastic actuator has probably gone.
UK

**Uncle_Ken** · 22-05-2018, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

It's all to do with the actuator mechanism not closing over the striker plate and locking home. Similar issues with Ford Territory tailgate actuators where the tailgate wouldn't close as well and just bounce.

You AU lurker LOL
UK

Nuk · 22-05-2018, 07:38 PM

the door wont shut, so no point trying to lock it, i have replaced quite a few over the years, and yep it was click click cycling noise, but never experienced this door not shutting before.

**Uncle_Ken** · 22-05-2018, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuk

the door wont shut, so no point trying to lock it, i have replaced quite a few over the years, and yep it was click click cycling noise, but never experienced this door not shutting before.

Me either. Change the actuator and see if fixes it and let us know if it worked.
Does the lock click over when you do it manually (door open and flick it with a screw driver)?

Nuk · 22-05-2018, 10:10 PM

yes the latch the rolls around still rotates with a biro or screwdriver, thanks for your interest in this Uncle.

**Mechan1k** · 23-05-2018, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle_Ken

You AU lurker LOL
UK

I am omnipresent in AFF

snap0964 · 23-05-2018, 12:12 PM

You'll most likely have to take the lock assy out to test it. You can spray it with some silicon spray to free it up if need be.
The only things I can see stopping it from latching properly (if the latch itself is okay) is the striker adjustment, and if the inner or outer door handle controls are pre engaging.
The door ajar switch can be removed for checking, it's held in with a phillips head screw. It does operate off the latch.