Blog - Chrysler 300 Power Door Lock Failure Guide
Power door locks could quite possibly be the greatest convenience feature of the last 50 years. They are also one of the most incredibly annoying features when they don’t work. Quit struggling with how to fix your Chrysler 300 power door locks. Here is how to fix them.
Before you begin to work on your power door locks, it is important to first spend time correctly diagnosing the problem. You will want to check all the doors and the key fob. Once you have correctly determined exactly what is going on, find the section below corresponding to your problem.
All Doors Fail to Lock/Unlock
If all the doors are failing to lock/unlock, you most likely have a bad lock relay. This relay sits on an electric board under the dash.
In order to fix this problem, you will either need to replace the relay or purchase a new board. Replacing the relay is the cheap way to go ($10-20), yet you will need to know how to solder a new one in place. If you don’t have an electronics background or haven’t done this before, it can be difficult.
The more expensive route is to replace the entire electric board ($250-350). This can be ordered from WeRMopar.com.
Single Door Fails to Lock/Unlock
If you have a single door which doesn’t lock/unlock, you most likely have a problem with the actuator motor. This motor powers the locking mechanism.
When this is the problem, you will need to remove the door panel and have a look. In order to remove the door panel:
- First, unhook the negative battery power supply. We will be working with the electrical system and, as such, the power needs to be off.
- Next, remove the trim plate on the inside of the door-open latch and handle. There are screws behind it. Remove them.
- Find and remove the push-pin fastener at the front of the door.
- Then, remove screw/bumper from the rear of the door trim.
- Using a trim tool or by gently using a flat screwdriver, remove the panel from the door. You will hear a popping sound as the plastic trim snap retainers are disengaged.
- Next, raise the door trim panel upwards to clear the locking pin.
- As you raise the door, keep a watch for an electrical cable attached to the door handle. This connects the power door locks to the locking system.
- After the door is removed, peel back the plastic shroud.
Now that the door panel is removed, inspect the locking system. Check the electrical connections to make sure they are tight and look over the actuator motor. Find the opening for the motor and spray in WD-40 to see if the actuator is simply locked up. Test it by reconnecting the power supply.
If it doesn’t work and/or you hear a buzzing noise, the actuator motor has/is gone out. Order a new replacement part and swap it out.
Key Fob Fails to Lock/Unlock
If your key fob fails to lock/unlock, it is most likely a dead battery within the fob itself. In order to fix this problem, you will need to replace the battery. Here is how to do it:
- Find a small groove running the length of the key fob
- Squeeze this and the key fob should pop into two pieces
- Next, find the battery and carefully remove it. Be careful to not bend the metal. It is recommended as well to not touch the electrical board. Quite often, a small pair of pliers and/or tweezers is your best tool to use.
- Replace the battery and put the fob back together.
If changing the battery doesn’t work, you may have a larger issue with the remote key relay and/or a larger electrical issue. In this case, bring it to your local dealer for repair.
Hopefully, one of these sections addressed your problem and your power door locks are working like they should. If not, it is time to visit your dealer. In any case, getting the power door locks fixed is a must.