How does it work? Central Locking

Central locking is the means via which the vehicle doors and boot lid are locked and unlocked and the engine is started. The locking system is operated with a key or remote control. This means that they can be triggered remotely.Today, most vehicle manufacturers only fit a lock which can be operated with a key in one door, so the car can be unlocked in an emergency. The very latest systems enable entirely keyless vehicle access. The doors are then unlocked when the driver touches a door handle which has a built-in contact point.

COMPONENTS OF CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEMS

The locking system comprises the following components:

Door handle/Handle strip

The door handle is the traditional means by which a vehicle is opened and closed from inside or outside. The external door strip usually houses the door lock. Door strips are increasingly used as design elements in modern cars.

Door lock/Actuator

The latching mechanism in a vehicle is installed directly in its doors. It contains both a latch and an electric motor (actuator) which controls the central locking. The latch opens or closes the doors, whereas the door lock locks or unlocks the vehicle. Today, all door latches are powered by electric drives.

Fuel filler cap

The fuel filler cap must securely seal the fuel tank. Some fuel filler caps have locks, others do not. Fuel filler caps with locks are usually found on vehicles which have either a fuel filler flap which does not lock or no fuel filler flap at all. Fuel filler caps without locks are found on vehicles whose fuel filler flap is locked automatically via the central locking system.

Transponder

The transponder is usually integrated inside the key bow. It is the means by which the electronic immobiliser identifies that the correct key is being used. The transponder’s code is read out as the key nears the ignition lock. If the code is correct, the electronic immobiliser sends the start enable to the engine.

Remote control

Remote controls are being used with increasing frequency in small cars, replacing the functions of a conventional key to all intents and purposes. A signal transmitter sends a signal or a coded order instruction to a receiver inside the vehicle, which usually controls a number of functions. Infrared remote controls have a range of up to 15 m. They rely on direct “visual” contact between transmitter and receiver. Today, infrared remote controls are only used rarely as they have been overtaken by other technologies. Wireless remote controls transmit on radio frequencies and have a range of up to approximately 100 m.

Keys

The basic function of keys and remote controls is the locking and unlocking of doors, luggage compartments, fuel filler caps, etc. they are also used to control the

• interior lighting
• electronic immobiliser
• alarm system and the
• window lifters.

The keys comprise two units: the milled, toothed key blade and the key bow. The latter is home to an increasing number of electronic functions such as the remote control for the central locking system or the boot lid.

Start/stop system

Today, keyless systems are increasingly being used to start engines. In a keyless system, a transmitter – which usually also houses the controller for the central locking – is inserted into a reader in the vehicle and the engine is then started by pressing a button. A more recent development has seen the use of systems that work without any contact at all.

Steering lock

Steering locks have been a mandatory requirement set by insurance companies since 1969. They provide protection against theft. They are the means by which the steering column is unlocked and the engine is started – either electrically or in by conventional mechanical means.

If you have any problems with your central locking Townsville Mobile Mechanic can help. Call Sandro on 0400401171 or book in through our website www.townsvillemobilemechanic.com.au