Door locks not working

1999 FORD EXPLORER
172,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JAMES BURCKY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
A few months back I had an aftermarket bluetooth radio installed in my car. And just prior to that my key fob stopped working, but the power lock/unlock controls on the inside of my car were working. After I had the radio installed, the power lock/unlock stopped working and I also cannot open up the hatch at the rear of it, because the only way to unlock and lock it is with the power lock/unlock. I'm not sure if the issue is connected to the new radio, but it could be for all that I know.
Aug 24, 2019 at 11:57 AM
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SCGRANTURISMO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Okay, so first lets check the fuse and make sure that it isn't blown. It's fuse #18 in the fuse junction panel on the left side of the vehicle under the dash. In the diagrams down below I have included a wiring diagram of the power door locks in your vehicle as well a diagrams of the location, fuse junction panel with callout for your vehicle. Please look over these guides and get back to us with what you find out about the fuse. I have also included a link below for you if you need to know how to check a fuse as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Aug 26, 2019 at 4:34 AM
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JAMES BURCKY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
So I checked fuse #18 and it was blown, so I went to AutoZone to buy another, and i got a pack of 4 bussman 25 amp fuses (they were clearish/white). I put one in and as soon as I tried to lock my car, it blew. Then, I tried it one more time just to make sure that it wasn't a fluke, and it blew again.
Aug 27, 2019 at 12:41 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Okay, the fuse keeps blowing because you have a short to ground in the power door lock circuit. In the diagrams down below I have included wiring diagrams for your vehicle's door lock circuits and a guide on how to find short to grounds in an automotive electrical circuit. Here is a link on how to use a digital multi-meter (DMM), as you will need to use one to find the short to ground.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Aug 28, 2019 at 9:54 PM