97 Camry XLE remote door lock issue?

[RobertV]

Just picked up a 97 Camry XLE 4cyl from my in-laws and am having issues with the remote door lock factory system with panic button. I have searched, but not had any luck yet.
Here is the issue:
Doors will unlock and lock from the door switch.
Doors will unlock from both remotes and the lights flash BUT not lock - no flash.
The panic button works - light flash and horn honks.
The automatic/passive lock function works - as in if you unlock a locked car with the remote and don't open any of the doors, the doors will lock again.
The door switches all turn off the dome light when the doors are closed and turn the dome light on when the door is open.
I looked inside the drivers door for the connector to test the the door lock / unlock wires that feed the control module - as is described in another post - the connector is not in the door on this year.
What can I do?

TIA
Robert

[BamZipPow]

It's the remote buttons. You'll have to take it apart and clean the rubber pads and the contacts with alcohol. The rubber pads pick up yer skin oils and they leech through to the contacts. Unless you cover the entire button side with a sealer it will continue to do it over time.

Had to do that with the 97 Camry XLE V6 we got about a week ago. The contacts/pads were covered in oil.

[RobertV]

I am surprised that both remotes would have the same problem?
I'll clean them up and report back.
THX
Robert

[mkll/mx83]

I had the same problem in my 97. I could not lock using the remote. According to the Toyota Tech, its the drivers side lock actuator. This controls all the locks.
Hope this helps
R Bodiot

[RobertV]

Thank you so much - I just needed to clean the remote circuit board and the rubber buttons on both remotes.
Now it works just fine!