Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.



Join the Independent Ford Owners' Club

Our community has been built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and proudly run by Ford owners' for over 18 years. As an independent, non-official club, everything you’ll find here, advice, support, and opinions, comes directly from members with genuine Ford ownership experience.

Join our friendly community... it's Free!

 

Central Locking problem?

adrian109
adrian109
in Ford Focus Club

Featured Replies

Hi,

I have just bought an 1998 S Reg Focus 1.6 Zetec SE, 5 door hatchback and I am having trouble with opening the rear door (the one behind the passenger seat).

When the car is first unlocked the door will not open from the outside, to open the door I have to open it from the inside. Once it has been opened from the inside it can then be opened quite happily from the outside until the car is locked again and then its back to opening it from the inside again.

Has anyone had the same problem? And if so, how did you fix it? What did you have to replace?

I hope someone here can help me.

Thanks.

  • Quote


    Quite a common problem with back door locks failing. Mine did this, took the door card off unplugged multiplug, liberal spray of WD40 on lock plugged it back in. Touch wood its been fine since.....

  • Quote
    • Author
    Quite a common problem with back door locks failing. Mine did this, took the door card off unplugged multiplug, liberal spray of WD40 on lock plugged it back in. Touch wood its been fine since.....

    So you had the same problem - but you found it to be a mechanical problem (i.e. lock stuck) rather than an electrical problem?

    I would have thought this particular problem would be more electrical rather than mechanical as the door does open once it has been open from the inside and is only put into the dis-functional state after the car is locked.

  • Quote

    Mine was the lock mechanism sticking. Mine wouldn't unlock, wouldnt lock or unlock with the others and didnt double lock either. Did the procedure I stated and its been fine. To sum up yes it was mechanical not electrical. As long as its getting a feed thats all it needs and it was. Theres a lot of mechanical bits to the lock tucked away inside the door you never see and never get lubricated in general maintainance so its not really surprising.

    It could always be the motor on the lock thats failed. This might not be so if its locking properly and just not unlocking. If it is its a complete new lock time. The motors are not replaceable on their own. Priced one up for mine £127+VAT. That was 2 years ago....

  • Quote
    • 2 weeks later...
    Mine was the lock mechanism sticking. Mine wouldn't unlock, wouldnt lock or unlock with the others and didnt double lock either. Did the procedure I stated and its been fine. To sum up yes it was mechanical not electrical. As long as its getting a feed thats all it needs and it was. Theres a lot of mechanical bits to the lock tucked away inside the door you never see and never get lubricated in general maintainance so its not really surprising.

    It could always be the motor on the lock thats failed. This might not be so if its locking properly and just not unlocking. If it is its a complete new lock time. The motors are not replaceable on their own. Priced one up for mine £127+VAT. That was 2 years ago....

    I took the door card off and got access to the lock mechanism....tried for ages to get the multiplug off the unit but would it unplug...no you need babies hands to get anywhere near it and its held on with 2 little tabs which you cant unhook because of where it is. Nightmare

  • Quote

    I never said anywhere that it was easy. Although my hands arent small and I didn't have a problem lol

  • Quote

    • Latest Deals

    Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessories

    Disclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club

    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Reply to this topic...
    Go to topic listing

    The "Digestive"

    • The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026)

      Steve ·
      The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026) We hope this email finds you well and enjoying your week. As always, our forum has been buzzing with activity, so we’ve compiled the highlights for you. Plenty of interesting discussions are taking place, especially around the Ford Focus and Fiesta models. Starting off with the Focus, many members have been discussing issues with the Emergency Call System, particularly in the Mk4 model. PLB raised concerns about persistent malfunctions, a se
      Steve
      Steve
      • 173 views





    Background Picker
    Customize Layout

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.