how to figure out resistor needed

could somebody tell me the proper way to find out what resistor you need to activate the door lock if you dont have a tech sheet.thanks

Tell us what kind of a vehicle.

its a 2006 caravan

i think you missed my point.i want to know how to figure this out without having a tech sheet to tell me which to use.thank you

I thought that was what you wanted but when I asked what kind of vehicle?  I was waiting for the answer you just gave.  Since you told me what kind of vehicle you were asking about, I did the research for you.    How are you going to find the wire without the tech sheet?  If you can find the wire without the sheet, you will have to get an assortment of resistors and try them untill you get it to lock or unlock.

Okay look, you were given bad advice about determining resistor values for locks. You don't just try a bunch until it works, that's ridiculous. This is what you have to do. If you are starting from scratch assuming you know nothing about the vehicle, go to the source. You need door locks, so go to the switch. After gaining access to the lock switch, you will need a DMM to figure out resistance, if any. In your case, first test the suspect wire for voltage. The voltage will read less than 12 volts at rest on lock and unlock, and go to ground when pressing lock or unlock. Now, figuring out the resistance- cut the lock/unlock wire in half. Test the switch side of the cut wire and set your meter to ohms. Place one lead to a good ground source and the other lead to cut side of lock wire. Press lock, that will give you resistance #1, press unlock, that will give you resistance #2. Faster than the "process of elimination" test. I hope that makes sense, that's an awful lot to type and to have it all make sense!Big Al

Or you could just unplug the switch and measure the resistance between the terminals in both positions.C Renner's Auto Electronix

My service is cheap, quick, and good - pick any two

Damn you Chris, beating me again that's how I found out the first time I did a Voyager!