2004 matrix ppower door locks 'problem'

[myhippocket]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and was hoping someone here might be able to help me with something. Did a pile of searches but could not find an answer. I have a 2004 Matrix with power door locks. I live in Alberta, Canada and it is starting to get cold up here. I am trying to find a way to have my car running and lock the doors. It seems that it is impossible to lock your keys in the car if the car is running. I want to warm the car up before heading to work in the morning, but when I start the car and try to lock the doors so no one drives off with my new car, the locks automatically unlock. Can’t even lock the doors with the keyless entry while the car is running. Anyone had any luck getting around this feature. I know it is designed that way to keep us from locking our keys in the car. It just that sometimes I want to lock my keys in the car Thanks for any help.

Hip

[CraigW]

It is simple (unless they made changes) Start the car then get out of the car shut the drivers door go around to the passenger side open it and use the lock button or a key to lock it and it will stay locked. If the drivers door is open the doors will not stay locked.

I ALWAYS carry 2 keys.

CW

[danimal]

with your key in the ignition you can't lock the doors with the remote or the power lock button, but when you got your car they gave you a second key, it's called the valet key (no rubber on it), you should be able to lock the doors with this key.

[myhippocket]

Thanks folks,
I can lock the door with the key. Never even thought of it. It seems to be the only way. I tried locking the doors before starting it with the passenger door open. It stays locked until you close the passenger door. Then it unlocks after about 2 seconds. And when I do lock it with the key, I can't unlock it with the remote. strange. Seems like a lot of work just to lock the doors with the keys in the car. Maybe I'll just get a car starter...... Thanks for the help!

Hip