12 Volt Relay Wiring Diagram Door Locks

Are you tired of manually locking and unlocking your car doors? Installing a 12 volt relay for your car’s door locks can save you time and energy. With the help of this article, you can learn how to properly wire your door locks using a 12 volt relay.

What is a 12 Volt Relay?

A 12 volt relay is an electrical device that allows a low power signal to control a higher power circuit. It works by closing or opening a circuit, which can turn on or off a device. In this case, we will be using the 12 volt relay to control the locking mechanism of your car doors.

FAQs:

Question Answer
What kind of relay do I need for my car? You will need a SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) relay with a 12 volt rating.
How many relays do I need? You will need one relay for each door that you want to control.
Where can I purchase a 12 volt relay? You can purchase a 12 volt relay at any automotive or electronics store.

Materials Needed:

Before you start wiring your door locks, you will need to gather the following materials:

  • 12 volt relay
  • Wire strippers
  • Wire cutters
  • Electrical tape
  • Wires (16 gauge or thicker)
  • Door locks (if not already installed)

Wiring the Door Locks:

Follow these steps to wire your door locks using a 12 volt relay:

Step 1:

Disconnect the negative terminal of your car’s battery to avoid accidents while working on the electrical system.

Step 2:

Locate the wires that control your car’s door locks. These wires can be found in the driver’s side door or in the fuse box under the dashboard. The wires are usually color-coded and labeled in your car’s owner’s manual.

Step 3:

Cut the wires that control the locking mechanism of your car’s door locks. Strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation from each end of the wires.

Step 4:

Connect one end of each wire to the common (C) terminal of the relay. This is usually the center terminal of the three terminals on the relay.

Step 5:

Connect the other end of each wire to the normally open (NO) terminal of the relay. This is usually the terminal on the left side of the C terminal.

Step 6:

Connect wires from the positive terminal of your car’s battery to the positive (30) terminal of the relay. This will power the relay when your car is on.

Step 7:

Connect a wire from the negative terminal of your car’s battery to the negative (85) terminal of the relay. This will ground the relay when your car is on.

Step 8:

Connect a wire from the switch or keyless entry system to the positive (86) terminal of the relay. This will activate the relay when you press the button on your keyless entry system or turn the key in the driver’s side door lock.

Step 9:

Wrap electrical tape around the exposed wires to secure them and prevent them from coming into contact with each other or other metal components in your car.

Testing Your Door Locks:

Once you have finished wiring your door locks using a 12 volt relay, it’s time to test them. Reconnect the negative terminal of your car’s battery and try locking and unlocking your car’s doors using the keyless entry system or the driver’s side door lock. If the door locks work properly, you have successfully installed a 12 volt relay for your car’s door locks!

FAQs:

Question Answer
What if my door locks don’t work after installation? Double-check your wiring connections and make sure they are secure. Also, check your car’s owner’s manual to ensure that the wires you connected to are the correct ones. If you are still having issues, consult a professional mechanic or electrician.
Can I wire my door locks in reverse, so they unlock when I turn off my car? Yes, you can wire your door locks to unlock when you turn off your car by connecting the wires to the normally closed (NC) terminal of the relay instead of the normally open (NO) terminal.
Can I use a 12 volt relay for other electrical components in my car? Yes, you can use a 12 volt relay for other electrical components in your car, such as your headlights or stereo system. However, make sure you follow the proper wiring diagram for each component to avoid damaging your car’s electrical system.

Conclusion:

Wiring your car’s door locks using a 12 volt relay can make your life easier and save you time and energy. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully wire your door locks and enjoy the convenience of keyless entry. If you have any questions or concerns, consult a professional mechanic or electrician to ensure your safety and the integrity of your car’s electrical system.