Can You Disable Automatic Door Locks? Our Guide

In the past, one had to manually lock and unlock the car doors. But modern cars have embraced the automatic door lock system. The system comes with numerous benefits. These benefits include preventing car occupants from falling out of a vehicle in motion, quickly opening and closing the car, and preventing hijacking and theft.

Electrical equipment problems highlights

• Level of urgency:low
• DIY inspection:possible
• DIY repairs:possible but complicated
• Can you drive?yes
• Price of repairs:$150 - $350
• Ifignored:problems may develop and escalate
• Ways to fix:diagnose and replace the broken parts, try resetting the affected units

How Does an Automatic Door System Work?

The Automatic door lock is a safety feature present in modern vehicles. It serves the purpose of automatically locking the car doors without the driver having to lock them physically. The auto lock comes into play when the driver changes gears or shifts into drive mode.

You can also activate some auto locks by accelerating to certain speeds. An example is when you accelerate to 10mph; the feature automatically locks the doors. 

Other cars with four doors have a child safety feature that prevents unlocking the door from the inside. Some locks allow the driver to control the auto lock system through a remote system in a keyfob or a smartphone app. You can also turn the feature on or off through buttons at the car's center console or switches at the interior part of the door.

The power lock system consists of electric motors that activate or deactivate it. Some cars' lock and unlock switch allows or cuts the electricity supply to the actuators. The actuator converts the signals it receives into motion, allowing it to lock or unlock the door. 

The lock system also has a body control module or unit that receives input from the keyfob, switches, or central console and coordinates the system activation. It also controls a lot of other electrical systems.

The body control module monitors any keyfob's radio transmitter or switch signals and then powers the actuator. The actuator closes or opens the door after receiving the correct radio transmitter's digital code or switch signal. 

Why Would You Want to Disable an Automatic Door Lock?

Removing the need to lock the doors manually may seem convenient. However, the auto lock system may become a safety concern in some circumstances. It can become an issue in the event of an accident. This happens when the power auto lock system is active, and the passengers cannot open the door, making it impossible for them to escape from the car.

Another reason is some car owners prefer complete control of the door locking system, where they can manually open and close the door at will. Another instance that the driver would want to turn off the power lock system is if the door locks itself after leaving the car.

This could be a case of forgetting the car keys in the ignition switch or inside the car. It can inconvenience the driver since one can't access the car from outside. 

Can You Disable Automatic Door Locks?

Yes, it's possible to turn off the auto door lock. Turning off the system in some vehicles is as easy as pressing the disable or manual override switch at the car door. Others require you to access the central lock feature in the dashboard's settings, while others may require you to press your keyfob's disable or unlock button.

To disengage your power lock system, you must consider factors such as the vehicle's lock type, brand, and make. Some car models require you to go through cycles to turn off the auto lock system. In other models, you can access the disable function in the car settings through the instrument panel. 

How to Disable Automatic Door Locks

Below are different methods to turn off your vehicle's automatic door lock.

1) Disabling Toyota's Auto-lock System

As a Toyota car model owner, you can turn off the power lock system. There are four modes programmed into the vehicle. These modes are Mode 1, mode 2, mode 3, and mode 4. Mode 1 involves the connection of the automatic door lock to the shift position. In this mode, the doors automatically lock when you turn the ignition on, and you push the shift bar out of park. Mode 2 turns off the auto lock system.

Mode 3 connects the unlock and lock features with the shift position. The doors lock when you turn on the ignition and leave park mode. When you return the lever to park, the doors unlock. Mode 4 connects the key and shift positions to the lock and unlock features.

When you set the key to the on position, and disengage from park mode, the doors automatically lock. They unlock when you turn off the ignition and return the shift lever to park. 

Here's how you can switch between the modes:

• Check the dome light at the control knob and shift to the door position.
• Ensure you shut the car doors and leave the car in park mode.
• Turn on the ignition until you see the dash lights come on. Ensure you don't start the engine.
• Before the 5 seconds are over, press the unlock button at the door handle for five seconds. You'll see flashes from the dome light to indicate a switch to a different mode.
• A single flash indicates you're on mode 1; two flashes indicate you're on mode 2, and so forth. You can then switch the auto to the desired mode.

2) Disabling Automatic Lock Systems of Ford 

Ford's auto lock system requires two cycles before it turns off the feature. Below are the steps to unlock it.

• Put the key in the ignition switch and turn the key to the on position.
• Press the unlock button at the driver's side door or the center lock button on the dashboard( depending on the car's model)three times.
• Turn off the ignition, followed by pressing the unlock button thrice.
• Turn the car's ignition back on. You should hear a short beep. This signifies that the lock system is disabled.
• Confirm if the auto lock system is off by changing the gear or switching to drive mode.

3) Using a Diagnostic Tool

Another option to disable your auto lock is a diagnostic scan tool. An example of such devices is Autologic, SDD, OR WDS. However, this sophisticated technique often calls for professional assistance, a dealer, or someone with specialized knowledge.

The method requires accessing the dealer configuration menu. You'll then have to find the Auto-lock disable option from the menu. You can use a manual to see whether the scanner is compatible with your car. 

4) Seeking After-Market Solutions

Another way to disable your Automatic Door Lock System is to look for after-market modifications. With the after-market modifications, you can customize the Auto door locking and unlocking to your liking. This is by activating or deactivating the auto door lock system within your vehicle settings whenever you enter accessory mode.

What are the Potential Implications of Disabling Your Automatic Door Lock

Before you turn off your car's auto lock system, consider some challenges you might face if you do so. Below are two of the most common ones.

1) Voiding Your Warranty

Turning off the automatic door locks system can have you voiding your dealership warranty. This is especially common if you've used an after-market product to turn off the auto-lock feature. Most dealerships partially or wholly void a warranty if you modify any car part or system after acquiring the car. 

For the dealership to consider the warranty, an authorized auto engineer has to do the modification. The engineer also has to use permitted parts to modify the component. For you to be on the safe side, contact the dealership, insurance provider, or manufacturer.

This will help to confirm whether the modification can affect your warranty. Doing that can save you a lot of hassle and money whenever you need to repair the car.

2) Legal Issues

Another challenge you may face is legal issues regarding turning off the automatic lock system. Before you disable the power lock system, you'll require due diligence by checking if any legal restrictions may prevent you from altering your car's lock system.

This will need you to research your local authority's laws and regulations. Doing that will put you in a better position to prevent any issues from arising once you turn off the auto-lock feature.

Bottom Line

There you have it- whether it's possible to disable your Automatic Door Lock, reasons for disabling it, how to disable it, and its potential implications. Before you disable your Automatic Door Lock, it would be best to examine your car owner's manual.

This is to determine the method you want to use to disable your auto lock is compatible with its brand, make, and type of lock. Try to also check with the dealership or manufacturer whether it's wise to do so. And lastly, it's advisable to seek the services of an auto expert if disabling the Auto Door Lock is not within your DIY scope.