Car locked me out with keys inside

[HeyBales]

I drive a 2020 Equinox for work. Push button start. When I want to warm it up, I have to lock it with the fob outside the vehicle. If I manually lock it and close the door, it unlocks. Ford? My wife's C-RV autolocks when you walk away with the fob. Ford?

So 1st reaction for your description is the fail safe.
Good post earlier on regarding the Lariat with keyless entry exact steps required because it does the same pretty much.
(doesn't the RKE system allow remote start for warmup?)
Also - this is cheaper truck, probably not as many sensors to discern if fob inside or outside cabin, and would raise price to do so. Besides increased complexity of system.

2nd reaction would indeed be a nice option to have a setting for.
That should just take programming - if signal from fob is getting weaker - lock it.

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[HeyBales]

And even with that option - don't you have to get the keyless entry option for it to work?

Nope! I got the base XL, and the fordpass works for remote start and lock/unlock from my phone. The keyless entry code thing is a dealer added option I believe now (my truck didn't have it when it arrived, only added with the dealer prep). But even without it I'd get the fordpass app working as it does.
[/QUOTE]

I see they have that non-keyless entry version now. Program and stick - dealer better not have much setup charge for that and adding the chip key code to the truck list of keys.

But ya Fordpass is an option for everyone, even using keypad if it's stolen or battery dies in it.
OP did mention that option was forgotten but she knows now. Hopefully battery in truck is doing well to support it.

 

[HeyBales]

What make and model were those 3 vehicles? Probably something I've never owned.

And yes, I do expect tehnology to replace common sense, in some cases, because for me, it already did a couple decades ago! Like I said, I've never owned a modern vehicle that allowed me to lock the keys inside! You get used to things, like expecting a 2024 vehicle to operate the way a 2014 vehicle did. Or better. Not go backwards to some earlier time.

So keyless entry push button start type systems it sounds like. Though some of the early keyless entry still didn't do push button starts. Actually I recall renting at least one non-keyless entry that still had push button start. So it varied.

For them to discern if your fob is in or out requires more sensors. More expense. Opportunity for errors.

Were those vehicles on the lowest end of the price scale for their time, like the Maverick is today?
Many times it's not going backwards in tech, but leaving some tech out of base models.

I'd be curious how many of those earlier system had plenty of complaints of it not working correctly as designed.
Probably wouldn't take too many lawsuits of key locked in vehicle running with kids accidentally, for system improvements to better prevent that, but raising cost of the system even more.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

it wont lock with the key in the ignition, but will if they are in the console. That is why I have the external keypad on the door. I like to leave the keys in it when
I go to the beach play golf etc. This addon is under $200 well worth it.

When I got an extra fob key from eBay, I had the local locksmith cut the key (I programmed the fob myself, per owner manual). Before she cut the fob key, she first cut a metal fob-less test key to make sure she could cut a key for the new Maverick truck. It works on the doors but won't start the truck, of course. If going hiking, walking, biking, I lock the fob in the glove box and take the lighter/smaller metal key. The locksmith gave me the metal key, n/c.

My XL can be locked with the power lock button on the door, when the fob is in the truck, but not if the fob key is in the ignition. If you try, the truck immediately auto-unlocks the doors.

 

[HeyBales]

it wont lock with the key in the ignition, but will if they are in the console. That is why I have the external keypad on the door. I like to leave the keys in it when
I go to the beach play golf etc. This addon is under $200 well worth it.

My 1st experience was with key in ignition and running.

It'll lock, if you accidentally press that door handle lock.

I haven't tested the master lock-all button though.
That's next with house unlocked so I can go get extra key just in case.
I'm betting it locks.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

My 1st experience was with key in ignition and running.

It'll lock, if you accidentally press that door handle lock.

I haven't tested the master lock-all button though.
That's next with house unlocked so I can go get extra key just in case.
I'm betting it locks.

Video it.

 

[Rojo]

It happened to me, luckily I was able to put the keycode in on my pillar lock and get inside. I was seriously worried for a moment.

 

[dochawk]

2025 you have to order it with it...making me wish I did now hearing this story.

it's a dealer installed option; you should be able to retrofit.

With auto lock, the only chance you have for all four doors to be unlocked is to unlock them yourself or never drive over 12MPH for more than two seconds.

corollary: if your maverick auto locks with you not in it . . . it's a really bad thing!!!

Curious why you think it knows your keys are on the inside, and not just outside the door?

Because it's 2024?


More seriously, cars have had multiple sensors for decades to let them locate the remote.

my '06 Miata uses a credit card sized remote that stays in my wallet and a stub in the ignition to turn. It will only start if the key is inside, only unlock by the door and trunk buttons if you're within a couple of feet, etc.

Annoyingly, as it's a convertible, it auto locks the doors as you walk away! I never, ever, want my convertible locked! Take what's inside (nothing); just don't slash my roof!

(the manual says that there's an option that dealers can enable to have it unlock as you approach. Noone on the fora I used back then ever found a dealer willing to set this, some citing "liability".)

Some of my Chrysler products,

chrysler. blech.

about 20 years ago, I got a free "upgrade" to a pt cruiser as I was about to drive off in the beginning of a blizzard. We left the engine running for the heater as we loaded it up, with the doors closed.

And when I dropped the rear hatch, that psychotic misbegotten monster locked all of the other doors!

We had to wait, with the engine running, while Enterprise came by with a spare key to unlock it . . .

I lock the fob in the glove box and take the lighter/smaller metal key.

There used to be companies that sold credit-card size emergency keys. They were cut into the plastic frame, and bent out to use (and not very many times!).

Oh, and contrary so some others here, I very much do not want that keypad, or anything else for which exists a number that allows access!

 

[Kenv24]

Video it.

I just tested the points mentioned above. I have a 2024 XLT with the flip key. Key is in the ignition turned to the run position. If you open the door and get out and accidentally hit the manual lock just the driver’s door will lock. (just like everyone is doing even with the key in their hand). Key still the ignition……If you get out and press the lock button with the symbol, it will beep when you try to hit lock/shut the door. It will NOT let it lock. If the door stays shut, of course it will let you lock all four doors by pressing the lock button with the symbol….if you are sitting in the truck or reaching in through the open driver’s door window.

 

[Rivers90]

I know - I never set it up. I’m definitely doing that today! But as a more serious issue, why did it lock me out?

My Maverick does not auto lock, The door handle on the inside is right under the lever to lock the doors, I have accidently bumped the lever when I was opening the door from the inside and locked the door as I was opening it.

I think only the Lariat auto locks but it does have a sensor to know the keys are still inside so it does not auto lock if they are. I just have an XLT so no auto lock and no sensor to know if the keys are inside. I guess that is one of the things that comes with the Lariat.

Do you have a XL, XLT, or Lariat?

 

[HeyBales]

Video it.

Probably shouldn't have rushed. But hey - that's what happens when keys get locked in cars!

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Probably shouldn't have rushed. But hey - that's what happens when keys get locked in cars!

Thank You

 

[JMJB]

Hell , my first car didn't have door locks , in fact , it didn't even have door handles !
You had to slide the plastic window open , reach inside , and pull a lanyard to open the door .....

 

[Headbanger]

Hell , my first car didn't have door locks , in fact , it didn't even have door handles !
You had to slide the plastic window open , reach inside , and pull a lanyard to open the door .....

Very cool pics! I’ve heard that they’ve improved on the technology these days, albeit some might argue that simpler is better..

 

[SoccerMav]

My 1st experience was with key in ignition and running.

It'll lock, if you accidentally press that door handle lock.

I haven't tested the master lock-all button though.
That's next with house unlocked so I can go get extra key just in case.
I'm betting it locks.

My keeps locking the driver's side door. Which is a pain since I do deliveries.

Started carrying the extra key. Then realized the Ford app will open. But haven't yet figure out why it gets triggered so easily.

Now gotta figure out why the alarm goes at odd times when I open the door.

Thought my base XL would haven't such techy issues.

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