I installed the central lock module and the alarm module into the trunk. Upon testing the locking system I discovered a new problem. The pump motor, which produces vaccuum for locking and pressure for unlocking, was not shutting off properly in the unlocking mode. It was running on for up to 30 seconds and getting very hot to the touch. To make a long story short...

On the circuit board within the central locking module is a curiuos little assembly consisting of a vaccuum diaphram chamber, an actuator rod with two adjustable wheels on it, and a tiny reed switch extending between the wheels. When the chamber gets pressure the rod moves out and the switch closes against a contact. Vaccuum pulls the rod in and the reed closes against an opposite contact. The at rest position is center, with both contacts open. Since the chamber has a pipe connecting it to the pump, I guessed that this device generates a signal to stop the motor in both the lock and unlock mode. I checked for electrical continuity and found that the contact on the vaccum side was indeed in need of a thorough cleaning. As the parts are very small and close together, I was barely able to administer a thorough scratching with the point of a #11 Exacto blade. However, it was enough, and upon testing the locking system seems to be restored. I only hope the chips, diodes resistors, etc. are all working, as this board works in harmony with at least 5 other modules throughout the car to make all the bells and whistles work properly.

As it now stands, the locks and alarm now work as they should. And the fog lights and marker lights go off when I turn off the ignition. I still cannot get the auto dim-to-off feature to work, so the interior light switch must remain in the off position to save the battery. I have checked the side door switches and they both are operable. I have not yet located the hatchback light switch to see if it is stuck in the "on" mode. I suspect I have some dirty contacts in a connector in the trunk, or maybe something on the board was ruined by moisture. It's not the illumination control module, since they replaced it under Dad's waranty last week.

I also cannot get the headlights to come back on after locking the doors with the remote, as they do on my wife's srt. I hope it is dirty contacts and is related to the other problem.

And I still have to find the leak.

More to come...