While driving, the door locks keep locking and unlocking?

Tiny
DON GRANT
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Also, the dome lights flash on and off at the same time also the door ajar warning comes on.
Saturday, August 27th, 2022 AT 10:46 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,465 POSTS
The common reason for this is that the switch in the door latch that tells the body module that the door is shut is dirty or the latch isn't fully latching. Try this as a first step, open the doors, now take a screwdriver and trip the door latch. Spray some contact cleaner into the latch first, this is to clean out dirt and contaminated grease as a first step. Spray a bit then hold the door handle and trip then release the door latch to free it up. Next spray some white lithium grease to lube the latch assembly and work the latch some more.
This shows using the screwdriver to move the latch as you follow the clean and lube steps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-door-hood-or-trunk-will-not-close

Now if you are doing this but the latch still is very stiff it could be that the interior parts are corroding. They are made by molding plastic over a steel inner part and the steer can rust which expands the plastic parts until they bind. If that is the case the latch needs to be replaced. However, lubing usually takes care of the issue. In the event it doesn't the interior door panel can be removed, then move the membrane so you can get to the latch, disconnect the lock and handle rods then remove the bolts and the latch. Reverse the process with the new latch. It is possible to disassemble the latch and clean it as well as refurbish it so that it functions properly but that isn't as easy as it sounds.
Another item can be that the door hinges are worn and allowing the door to drop, and this is causing the door latch to not fully close. To check for this is simple, gently close the door and watch as it hits the striker. If it rises up like it is hitting a speed bump the hinges are worn and should be adjusted or replaced.
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Saturday, August 27th, 2022 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
DON GRANT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Did what you said to no avail. Locks are still doing the same thing as soon as the truck does 20klm it starts.
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Monday, August 29th, 2022 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
DON GRANT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Any other suggestions?Thanks
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Monday, August 29th, 2022 AT 3:20 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,465 POSTS
Okay, the speed trigger means it is seeing one of the door latch switches is open, so it thinks the door is open. The next step will involve testing the wiring for a grounded wire. The way the switch works it simply grounds. To test for a bad switch or wire, you need to move the rubber boot between the door and the body, then on the drivers (left) side look for a Tan wire. Now take a needle and poke it into that wire, next use a continuity tester or a meter set to ohms connected between the needle and ground, now trip the door latch and see if the meter or light changes. If it does then the switch is working, if not then either the switch is bad, or the wire is grounded. To test that you need to access the latch and unplug the wiring while watching the meter. Now if the drivers (left) side tests okay, then repeat the test on the passenger side (right) and look for the tan wire with red stripe.
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Monday, August 29th, 2022 AT 10:56 PM

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