Door Locks Re-Locking With Transmitter - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

steelstr45 · 09-29-2011, 06:12 AM

Hi everyone,

I've been living with my '03 Camry for a few weeks now, and noticed an odd 'feature'. When I unlock the doors via the key fob transmitter, the doors will re-lock within a minute unless I open a door.

I assume this is a built in feature designed to stop people from accidentally unlocking their doors with the transmitter in their pocket, but it's really annoying!

So first off, is this a feature, or something wrong? And secondly, is there a way to disable this behavior?

Thanks.

eflw1029 · 09-29-2011, 06:19 AM

Same on my 2007 Camry LE. Noticed this when I got the vhicle home and took a while to get used to this quirk. Unlike my other vehicles (prior cars were Fords and Chevy's) this took a while to get used to but I assume this is by design since you normally start driving after you unlock to get in

TedL · 09-29-2011, 06:34 AM

This feature is clearly explained in the owners manual for my 03 Avalon. I assume they have similar language in the Camry OM, available online at the manufacturer's site if you don't have paper. The indicated interval is 30 seconds.

The unlock button can easily be depressed by something in a pocket or purse. This feature prevents doing so and then walking away and leaving it unlocked. Many features that can not be changed by users can be done with a Toyota Techstream. Whether this is one would be a question for a competent dealer service department. Many users have reported trouble finding one that is competent/knowledgable. And then there's the charge for making the change...most bill a min of 1 hr for something that can be done in a few minutes. Myself, I think it's a very good feature.

Glenn8963 · 09-29-2011, 07:08 AM

my 2010 camry does the same thing as well. it's normal.

all you got to do is open the door then close it, it will remain unlocked from that point on, till you hit the lock button.

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 09-29-2011, 09:09 AM

It's normal.. and a good feature to have!

workerant · 09-29-2011, 09:32 AM

I find it odd that there are actually ppl don't like this feature. It give you like 1 whole minute to open the door.

Anyway, I think the dealer can change the setting. Check in your owner manual.

steelstr45 · 09-29-2011, 05:33 PM

Thanks everyone.

I don't like this feature because for one, I don't ever push unlock by accident. Even if I did, I'm not even usually in range of my car anyway.

However, I do have to cross a busy street to get to my car every morning. I like to unlock it from across the street, and when I have an opening, run across and get in.

However, my doors were locking on me before I got an opening and got across. So now I've got to push my transmitter, right when I get to the door. It is definitely closer to 30 seconds than a minute.

Not a huge deal, just an annoyance. Not something I'm going to pay a dealer to disable.

I'll just get used to it like everything else. Thanks for all the help.

Pujols85 · 09-29-2011, 07:43 PM

06 highlander / 07 camry / 2011 camry all have this feature.

workerant · 09-29-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelstr45

However, I do have to cross a busy street to get to my car every morning. I like to unlock it from across the street, and when I have an opening, run across and get in.

However, my doors were locking on me before I got an opening and got across. So now I've got to push my transmitter, right when I get to the door. It is definitely closer to 30 seconds than a minute.

How about press it in the middle of crossing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pujols85

06 highlander / 07 camry / 2011 camry all have this feature.

Lexus too have this feature. I have the smart key and it annoy me sometimes when it doesn't unlock right away with the touch. It takes about 0.1sec so I already pulled on the door handle, had to let go and wait for that 0.1sec hearing it unlock than pull the handle.

there is a new after market smart alarm that will unlock when you are in the proximity with the fob.

***arabianobsession*** · 09-30-2011, 10:46 AM

It's a wonderful feature that's there to protect you....if you unlock it and get distracted by something else, I find it great that it will automatically re-lock after a minute so it's not vulnerable to creepy people lurking around. My 2011 Camry has the feature and the dealer can change the settings to different times or to disable it.

Why not wait til you get closer to your car before unlocking it? Anyone around the car will see how early you're unlocking it anyway and be able to jump in your car-and may even K.O. you to steal your keys....and steal your car.

***Joe Dirt*** · 09-30-2011, 01:46 PM

I'll go in for not liking it. I don't know how many times I've unlocked a door from inside, or in the yard to get something and by the time I get out there, or get distracted for a second and get there, they're locked again. Of course not always having the keys with me, I have to go all the way back in to get the keys and do it again.

Worse yet, if the doors are already unlocked after turning off the engine and you hit unlock again later for some reason, it still locks it after 30 seconds.

Just personal preference, I'll have to check at the dealer about changing it, if they can disarm that feature. Hey, some things people like to do to their cars I find odd, too. Part of being different I suppose.

Not liking that nanny feature.

workerant · 09-30-2011, 02:19 PM

^ always should have the key with you. To get into the car or into the house, never know when u accidentally get lock out of your house. No fun when it's snowing too.

So... always, always....ALWAYS bring the key with you. Get out of the car too, bring the key with you. Don't leave the key inside the car conveniently for people to drive your car away.

***arabianobsession*** · 09-30-2011, 03:13 PM

Dealer can change it. Some might charge you, so keep that in mind.

***Joe Dirt*** · 10-07-2011, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by workerant

^ always should have the key with you. To get into the car or into the house, never know when u accidentally get lock out of your house. No fun when it's snowing too.

So... always, always....ALWAYS bring the key with you. Get out of the car too, bring the key with you. Don't leave the key inside the car conveniently for people to drive your car away.

I hear ya workerant... problem is, I don't even lock my house- I go through the garage, I'm in a nice 'hood over here in the mitten. In fact, if someone wants in, I haven't even locked my slider in about 2 years unless I'm leaving for a week or longer... No way I carry a giant key ring with me all the time. Just isn't a feasible solution for me. I'll deal though, I know why Toyo added it.

workerant · 10-07-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Dirt

I'm in a nice 'hood

I hear this on the news all the time.

In this bad economy, trust is in short supply.

I wish there is a better way to organize all my stuff in my coat. Keys + cell phone + wallet and extra is P&S camera. I used to have lots of keys, now I strip it down to only car key and house front door key. Before I pull the front door shut I check for these 3 items.

Summer is a challenge though, no coat so everything goes into the pants pockets.