Power Lock/Keyless Entry Gremlins

[flyflicker]

The electric door locks in my '96 Explorer XLT have started unlocking themselves repeatedly and without any provocation, leaving the X unlocked and accessible. Whether it is locked manually, or by using the auto locking buttons in the doors, or by using the keychain remotes or the door keypad, the doors will lock OK, but after several minutes all four doors will electrically unlock, and the unlock relays over the left rear wheelwell will often cycle several times at odd intervals. It happens both in the driveway and away from home, so It doesn't seem to be from local RF interference. I have also disabled the keychain fobs by removing the batteries, but it still happens, so it doesn't seem to be a "stuck" remote. This is the factory keyless entry (keypad on driver's door and 2 keychain remotes). For security, I have temporarily pulled out the unlock relays, but would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had similar problems and what they were able to do to solve this.

TIA....

 

[TPLYNCH]

Could be a problem with the GEM. It controls all things electical in the Ex, and could have a hand in your problem. Another possibility is a short in the lock buttons on your doors maybe?

 

[flyflicker]

so, if it's the GEM...

Thanks for the feedback, Tom. I also found an old thread describing the same problem, but the solution (if any) wasn't posted. I've tried e-mailing the original poster.

It may be a switch, I suppose, but the symptoms seem to point to something in a control unit that's gone whacko. I had pulled the relays so I could lock it up, and then noticed the interior lights were going on & off on their own (as they do when using the keyless entry) often enough to pull the battery down overnight, so figured it could be the keyless/alarm module -- that's unplugged now, too.

Do you know if the GEM can be tested or is there a chance it can be replaced from a junkyard? Also, are there any codes to change or other settings required if it is replaced? I hate the thought of paying dealer service rates while they poke around and try to figure it out.

Thanks,
Ken H.