Diodes

Ok I installed door locks, they work perfect with diodes/relays in place.  I do know that the diodes I am using have a 0.7 voltage drop across them.  Now I need these diodes so the system doesn't short and blow fuses.  My question would be is there a way to get around the voltage drop.  From what I have been reading it seems like the answer would be a 12volt Zener Diode.  That way it will keep the 12v, constent and break down anything go the opposite way.  Would this be correct thinking??

Thanks for the help..

Alright, then perhaps I just got the wrong impression of what the Zener diode is/does. Thanks for the help.  I guess I can live with the 0.7v drop.

One more question for you guys though:

I was working on locks and generally the way I wired it up is:  I have the switches Unlock & Lock which provide power to the actuator.  I have unlock wired to make the actuator go up and lock to make it go down.  Well right off the switch I have a diode that allows the power to go from switch to actuator.  Now everytime I hit the unlock or lock button the diode smokes a bit, until it eventually burns out.  Now I figured I need a resistor to lesses the load on the diode.  Question is how much resistance will I need?  Or is this the best way to even go about it.

Power source is: approx. 12V

Thanks for the help..

Well I have an alarm/remote keyless entry/remote start/etc...

Originally I didn't have power windows or locks.  I had the installer put in power locks and I did the power windows myself.  Well the alarm company installed the locks and ran to wires from the alarm module to the actuators.  I figured the easiest thing to do would be to run a wire from my switch right into their corresponding wire.  The hole operation worked until I either held down the unlock or lock button and it work burn the diode and stop working.  Or after a while of just constently pushing the lock and unlock button it burned out.

Here is a basic wiring diagram, now don't laugh I made it in a hurry.  The reason I have diodes there is that I will also have to more wires running between the already installed lines going to the actuators so I can connect both sides. (i.e. hit the unlock on the drivers side and it will unlock the passenger side)

Diagram:

hmm my last post didn't seem to go through so I have to retype...

If I am understanding correctly you are telling me to put diodes on the lines running from the alarm module to the actuators before they branch off to go to the switches.  Now that makes sense to me to protect the alarm module from any current going back.  However, that was the first thing I tried, and I ended up having to take the diodes back out.  With those diodes in place it caused my alarm remote not to work in locking or unlocking the doors.  With no diodes in place there the remote worked fine.

If this is not what you are talking about could you help me to understand then...

Thanks for the help, and more ideas are welcome, I will try it all....