Is there a way to disable the auto-lock function when you start the car?

[r2t]

2001 GM

Right when you start the car the doors automatically lock. I know why it's in place but I HATE this feature! 2 times I have locked my keys in the car while moving it to service or wash the car.

IE-hopping in, backing my car up to the water hose or service ramps with the door open, cut car off, leave keys in ignition, hop out and shut the door.....DOH!

I know I should pay better attention but this is the FIRST car I have owned that auto-locks upon startup so it's a hard habit to break.

So I ask, is there ANY way to disable that damn auto-lock function.

[91waggin]

It's the same as a ford truck:
http://www.fordf150.net/howto/autolocks.php

[gadget73]

the older ones involved a key sequence on the keyless entry pad. It used to be in the owner's manual how to shut it off.

[91waggin]

I just googled disable ford autolock. I found instructions on how to do it with the keypad, but it doesn't look like he has that feature in the picture, so I didn't mention it.

[gadget73]

oh the non-keyless ones autolock now? Used to be that only existed on keyless entry cars. Mind you I'm like 20 years behind the times when it comes to current vehicle features. I always hated autolock though.

[P72Ford]

My truck doesn't lock until I get going about 10 mph. Its an '04.

[r2t]

OK this is REALLY weird....

I went digging and found the Owners Manual online. It is listed in there with a way to use the ignition and door locks in sequence to turn autolock off but it does NOT work for me. See attachment.

The manual also says the doors will only autolock when:

All doors are closed
Ingnition is on
Shift into gear

I am totally confused cuz when I get in the car with the driver door still open, as soon as I start it the doors lock. Grrrr!!!

[sly]

don't start it. ignition is on... not running.

[1987cp]

How do you feel about doing without power locks?

[r2t]

don't start it. ignition is on... not running.

As far as following the steps in the attachment? I don't start it. Just click to ON. Still doesn't disable autolock. What I am saying is the car is autolocking when it doesn't even meet the criteria as listed in the manual for the autolock to engage.

How do you feel about doing without power locks?

Nah, this is a big car. I want to keep my power locks.

[tjc78]

Is there an aftermarket alarm installed?

[r2t]

Nope. No alarm.

But what's also weird is my keyless remote. It isn't like any others I have seen for my make and model. It's a 3 button and it says Ford, not Mercury. I have scoured the internet for a replacement remote case cuz the loop part that attaches to the keyring is broken. I can't find this particular case ANYWHERE. /offtopic

I bought the car with 38k from a 1 owner old lady but this sure is a strange car...

[tjc78]

Nope. No alarm.

But what's also weird is my keyless remote. It isn't like any others I have seen for my make and model. It's a 3 button and it says Ford, not Mercury. I have scoured the internet for a replacement remote case cuz the loop part that attaches to the keyring is broken. I can't find this particular case ANYWHERE. /offtopic

I bought the car with 38k from a 1 owner old lady but this sure is a strange car...

That is your problem. Obviously you have a dealer installed keyless entry system. Many of those systems have auto-locking as soon as you turn on the igntion. The regular owners manual cannot help you. Try googling "dealer installed Ford keyless entry" or something along those lines. I would be willing to be that you can disable it somehow with the key fob.

Another thing may be peek around under dash and look for a module that appears to be added on.

[r2t]

Aaah ok. Glad I mentioned it. Thanks

I'll update with my findings.

[1987cp]

Nah, this is a big car. I want to keep my power locks.

- since power locks were optional on Vics at least through '87.


Do you know whether the autolocking is controlled by a computer or via a wire that tells it when to lock? Seems to me it should be possible to just clip the wires that tell it to lock itself, thus disabling the autolock figure. But if the regular lock switches operate the locks via a chassis control module, that approach is probably worthless.