Wisconsin Lock Guard - Solution for Accidental Door Locking

[Lane]

For those not familiar - When grabbing the door lever to open the door, the side of your hand can accidentally push in the mechanical lock lever and a fingertip can also accidentally press the power lock switch.

Plenty of threads have been posted here showing that it's a common problem. In fact, Ford even put out a service bulletin on the topic (see here), feeling the need to state that it's a user problem and not a problem with the vehicle. Ha!

After having this happen to me one too many times (aargh!), it ended up being a good excuse to finally get familiar with 3D printing and come up with something useful that prevents it. Bought the cheapest and most neglected used 3D printer I could find on FB Marketplace and spent some time watching YouTube tutorials on the design software.

Measure, draw, print, fit, and repeat. Lots of trial & error involved but I ended up with a simple solution that works well.

So here's another item from Lane's Workshop (see my signature below for the other items I make & offer)... the Lock Guard.

Both pieces are mounted using 3m VHB adhesive tape. The left piece mounts next to the mechanical lock lever and sticks out about 5mm beyond it. It prevents the lock lever from being pressed with the side of your hand since your hand will contact that part and not the lever. The lever can still be pressed, but only on purpose now.

The right piece mounts over the elec lock switch and prevents you from pressing the button which locks. The unlock button remains available. If there's a need to lock all the doors, the button on the fob will need to be used.

This project turned out great so if anyone wants a set, I'd send them your way for $10. Add $5 for a flat shipping cost and that covers anything else that you may want to purchase at the same time as well (see my signature for the other items I make). Each is held on securely with good quality 3M VHB foam adhesive tape. Also be aware that these install on the driver's door only and cannot be installed on the passenger door. PayPal is strongly preferred as the payment method. If you have an interest, please send me a private message (don't post to this thread).

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[Lane]

So it prevents the door from locking totally?

No, the left piece prevents the side of your hand from unintentionally pressing the mechanical lock lever as you pull the door handle. You can still press it intentionally with any finger. The piece on the right sits over the electric lock button so you cannot press that button. The door can still be locked by pressing the lever or using your fob.

Since you are blocking the actuator above the handle I would think it would not allow any locking.

The left piece does not interfere with the motion of the mechanical lock lever. It sits next to it and is attached to part of the pocket trim next to that lever. All it does is keep the side of your hand from pressing the mechanical lever.

Am I missing something? I have a Lariat so my fob stays in my pocket maybe that is why I don't seem to experience this problem.

I don't follow. The accidental locking is from a person's hand and fingers pressing these things inadvertently. The fob has nothing to do with that problem. It does seem like there are others reporting other weird automatic locking behavior, but these parts address the simplest cause of accidental locking - unintentional presses with your hand and fingers.

 

[Silly Willy]

No, the left piece prevents the side of your hand from unintentionally pressing the mechanical lock lever as you pull the door handle. You can still press it intentionally with any finger. The piece on the right sits over the electric lock button so you cannot press that button. The door can still be locked by pressing the lever or using your fob.



The left piece does not interfere with the motion of the mechanical lock lever. It sits next to it and is attached to part of the pocket trim next to that lever. All it does is keep the side of your hand from pressing the mechanical lever.

I don't follow. The accidental locking is from a person's hand and fingers pressing these things inadvertently. The fob has nothing to do with that problem. It does seem like there are others reporting other weird automatic locking behavior, but these parts address the simplest cause of accidental locking - unintentional presses with your hand and fingers.

 

[Silly Willy]

For those not familiar - When grabbing the door lever to open the door, the side of your hand can accidentally push in the mechanical lock lever and a fingertip can also accidentally press the power lock switch.

Plenty of threads have been posted here showing that it's a common problem. In fact, Ford even put out a service bulletin on the topic (see here), feeling the need to state that it's a user problem and not a problem with the vehicle. Ha!

After having this happen to me one too many times (aargh!), it ended up being a good excuse to finally get familiar with 3D printing and come up with something useful that prevents it. Bought the cheapest and most neglected used 3D printer I could find on FB Marketplace and spent some time watching YouTube tutorials on the design software.

Measure, draw, print, fit, and repeat. Lots of trial & error involved but I ended up with a simple solution that works well.

So here's another item from Lane's Workshop (see my signature below for the other items I make & offer)... the Lock Guard.

Both pieces are mounted using 3m VHB adhesive tape. The left piece mounts next to the mechanical lock lever and sticks out about 5mm beyond it. It prevents the lock lever from being pressed with the side of your hand since your hand will contact that part and not the lever. The lever can still be pressed, but only on purpose now.

The right piece mounts over the elec lock switch and prevents you from pressing the button which locks. The unlock button remains available. If there's a need to lock all the doors, the button on the fob will need to be used.

This project turned out great so if anyone wants a set, I'd send them your way for $10. Add $5 for a flat shipping cost and that covers anything else that you may want to purchase at the same time as well (see my signature for the other items I make). Each is held on securely with good quality 3M VHB foam adhesive tape. PayPal is strongly preferred as the payment method. If you have an interest, please send me a private message (don't post to this thread).

Not trying to be smart, but why do you leave your keys in your car when you get out.

 

[spttrk23]

Not trying to be smart, but why do you leave your keys in your car when you get out.

I have found that when I stop to get gas, I shut the engine off, either leave the key in the ignition or place it on the console. I've never locked the door when getting out but can see it happening.

 

[Tremor N.C.]

That is great idea & work, this has happened to me alot.

 

[HeyBales]

Not trying to be smart, but why do you leave your keys in your car when you get out.

Do a thread search - you'll discover all too many scenarios why it happens.
Usually starts with the idea it auto-locked, but this solution takes care of the real reasons.

 

[mikellmikell]

The wife and I haven't had a locking issue since the software update in January. I guess it turned out to be the software like I had posted.

 

[Lane]

Just wanted to mention - in their current state, these install on the driver's door only and cannot be installed on the passenger door. If anyone would like a set for the passenger side, let me know and I'll look into printing a reversed set for that side.

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