Automatic door locks are a convenient safety feature in modern vehicles, ensuring doors are securely locked while driving and offering ease of access when needed. Many vehicles come equipped with customizable settings for these locks, allowing you to program them to best suit your needs. This guide will explain how to program your car door locks, focusing on models without the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), based on standard procedures.
Understanding Automatic Door Lock Features
Automatic door locks typically have two main programmable features: auto door lock and auto door unlock.
Auto Door Lock: This feature automatically locks all vehicle doors when certain conditions are met, usually when the vehicle reaches a specific speed, is shifted into gear, and all doors are closed. This enhances safety by preventing doors from accidentally opening while in motion and deterring unauthorized entry.
Auto Door Unlock: This feature automatically unlocks the doors when the vehicle is shifted into park or neutral, the speed returns to 0 mph, and often when the driver’s door is opened. This provides convenience by automatically unlocking doors when you are ready to exit the vehicle.
Programming Car Door Locks Without EVIC
For vehicles not equipped with an EVIC system, programming these features usually involves a manual procedure using the ignition key and door lock switches. Here’s how to enable or disable the auto door lock and auto door unlock features in vehicles without EVIC:
Enabling or Disabling Auto Door Locks (Non-EVIC)
To program the auto door lock feature, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Vehicle: Ensure all doors are fully closed.
- Ignition Cycling: Insert your key into the ignition switch. Cycle the ignition from the LOCK position to the ON position and back to the LOCK position four times in quick succession, ending in the LOCK position. Do not start the engine.
- Engage Lock Switch: Within a few seconds of the ignition cycling, press the power door lock switch to the LOCK position.
- Verify Programming: To confirm whether you have successfully enabled or disabled the auto door lock feature, drive the vehicle above 15 mph (24 km/h). If the doors automatically lock, the feature is enabled. If they do not lock, the feature is disabled.
Enabling or Disabling Auto Unlock (Non-EVIC)
The procedure for programming the auto door unlock feature is very similar to the auto door lock procedure. The key difference is the switch you press in step 3.
- Prepare the Vehicle: Ensure all doors are fully closed.
- Ignition Cycling: Insert your key into the ignition switch. Cycle the ignition from the LOCK position to the ON position and back to the LOCK position four times in quick succession, ending in the LOCK position. Do not start the engine.
- Engage Unlock Switch: Within a few seconds of the ignition cycling, press the power door unlock switch to the UNLOCK position.
- Verify Programming: A single chime sound typically indicates the completion of the programming for auto unlock. To verify, drive the vehicle, bring it to a complete stop (0 mph), shift to NEUTRAL or PARK, and open the driver’s door. If the doors automatically unlock, the auto unlock feature is enabled. If they do not unlock, it is disabled.
Important Note: The only procedural difference between programming the auto door lock and auto door unlock is whether you press the lock or unlock button in step 3.
Important Considerations
- Local Laws: Always use auto door lock and auto unlock features in compliance with local traffic laws and regulations.
- Door Unlocking Behavior: Auto unlock typically functions when the vehicle is shifted into park or neutral and the driver’s door is opened. The system is designed to unlock doors when the vehicle is stationary and ready for passenger exit. It’s important to note if the auto unlock feature unlocks all doors or just the driver’s door, depending on your vehicle’s specific programming and factory settings.
By following these steps, you can easily program your car’s automatic door lock and unlock features to enhance your vehicle’s security and convenience. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate and vehicle-specific instructions. You can often find a digital version of your owner’s manual on the manufacturer’s website for detailed information.
