Hi Guys,

I was messing about with the door lock from the Beemer earlier, (want to try use the locks so i dont end up with loads of different keys for glove box boot etc) and stumbled across the central locking solenoids from the doors.

I was wondering how easy they were to use on their own? Basically i was thinking of using it to unlock the boot, no need for a key or anything, just a simple switch hidden somewhere under the dash etc, so i can open the boot remotely?

Could it work? The solenoid box has 6 pins, but id imagine several of them would jsut be little switches to tell the ecu on the donor whats happening. Could it be that i only need to of the pins to control the motor in there, so i can operate a lock and unlock?

Cheers
Mikkel

I did exactly the same years ago on a classic capri, I used an electric aeriel switch to energise the solenoid.
You will only need to find the two pins which energise the solenoid in whichever direction you need, push or pull, the return spring on the latch will do the rest, providing you match the stroke of the solenoid.

[Edited on 3/6/10 by r1_pete]

excellent cheers pete,

I might be able to make a neat install using these, and they were free from the donor

Will look into which pins etc tomorrow

Keep clear of the cheap aftermarket type, mine burnt out, leaving a door that cannot be opened. The OE types are better.

Darren