Experiencing issues with your 2014 Chevy Cruze remote unlock system can be frustrating. Before diving into complex diagnostics, a crucial first step is understanding your vehicle’s diagnostic port. This article, brought to you by the automotive experts at autelfrance.com, will guide you to the OBDII connector location on your 2014 Chevy Cruze and explain how it relates to troubleshooting remote unlock problems, alongside other potential solutions.
The OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics II) connector is a standardized port in your vehicle that allows access to the car’s computer system for diagnostics and monitoring. Locating this port is essential for using scan tools to read error codes and gain insights into various vehicle systems, including potentially the body control module (BCM) which manages functions like remote unlocking.
For the 2014 Chevy Cruze, you’ll typically find the OBDII connector located on the driver’s side underneath the dashboard. It’s usually situated near the steering column, often in the vicinity of the hood release lever. You might need to crouch down and look under the dash to spot it. The connector is trapezoidal in shape with 16 pins.
While the OBDII port itself might not directly solve your remote unlock issue, it’s a vital access point for deeper diagnostics if simpler solutions don’t work. Let’s explore some troubleshooting steps that might resolve your 2014 Chevy Cruze remote unlock problem, drawing from expert advice:
If your remote light is blinking when you press the lock or unlock buttons, this is a good sign. It indicates that your remote is indeed communicating with the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is a critical component that controls various electronic functions in your Cruze, including the door locks and security system.
Image: Location of the sixth plug on the Body Control Module (BCM) in a Chevy Cruze, crucial for diagnosing remote unlock issues and electrical problems.
It’s important to note that when the anti-theft system is armed and the security light is flashing, your inside door lock/unlock buttons will be disabled. This is a security feature; only the remote or a physical key in the driver’s door can disarm the system and unlock the doors in this state.
So, with the flashing security light off (meaning the system is disarmed), test your interior unlock button. Does it work? If your interior unlock button is also unresponsive, it could point to an issue with the BCM’s power supply to the door lock solenoids or a grounding problem.
Here’s a practical step to check if the BCM is sending power to the solenoids:
- Access the BCM: On the passenger side of your Chevy Cruze, you’ll find the BCM. Accessing it is straightforward, usually behind a kick panel in the passenger footwell. (You can find helpful videos online demonstrating how to access the BCM on a Chevy Cruze).
- Locate the Sixth Plug: Once you’ve accessed the BCM, you’ll see a series of plugs. Identify the sixth plug, counting from left to right. These plugs are usually different colors or shapes, making it easier to distinguish them.
- Unplug the Sixth Plug and Test: Carefully unplug the sixth plug. With this plug unplugged, press the lock and unlock buttons on your remote.
- Listen for a Click: Listen closely to the BCM area where you unplugged the sixth plug. If you hear a clicking sound coming from the BCM, this indicates that the BCM solenoid is likely functioning correctly. If you hear a click, the problem might be related to a bad ground wire connected to that sixth plug. This ground wire often goes to an area under the center console and a poor ground connection can disrupt the lock/unlock circuit and potentially affect other systems that share this plug.
- No Click? Check Fuses: If you don’t hear any clicking from the BCM when testing the remote with the sixth plug unplugged, it could suggest that the BCM isn’t receiving power. A common cause for this is a blown fuse. Consult your Chevy Cruze owner’s manual for the fuse box locations and diagrams, and check the fuses that supply power to the BCM.
Important Reminders:
- Reconnect the BCM Plug: After performing this test, remember to plug the sixth BCM plug back in securely.
- Reinstall Kick Panel: To put the passenger side kick panel back in place, first align and lock in the side closest to the passenger seat (it usually has tabs that interlock with the adjacent trim panel), and then secure the remaining push tabs.
By following these steps, you can systematically diagnose potential issues with your 2014 Chevy Cruze remote unlock system. While this guide doesn’t directly involve the OBDII connector in these initial steps, remember that the OBDII port is your gateway to more advanced diagnostics using scan tools if these basic checks don’t resolve the problem. If you’re still experiencing issues after these checks, consulting a professional mechanic or using an OBDII scanner to read potential error codes related to the BCM or security system might be the next logical step in diagnosing your Chevy Cruze remote unlock problem.
