Why is my car locking itself? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

DonM · 04-29-2021, 02:55 AM

Lately, ever since I started having battery issues and replaced the battery, the car has locked itself a few times for no apparent reason. It's not a really big deal since I never leave the keys in the car, but I was curious as to why it might be doing that.

Moto-Mojo · 04-29-2021, 08:07 AM

I've had the FOB in my pocket many times and locked/unlocked/or set off the panic alarm just from it moving around in there.

InFiD3ViL · 04-29-2021, 11:44 AM

My car used to do this when I had a water issue in my driver side door harness. Also, it can happen if you have messed with stereo (or any other) wiring, for example installing an aftermarket head unit. The door lock buttons run through the CanBus decoder used for aftermarket systems.

Assuming none of this fits your scenario, I would consider what Moto-Mojo said. Maybe its a sensitive FOB playing games with you? But I would also take a step back and think about ANY other things the car has had issues with lately and if there is any relation. The electrical system in these cars are so dang sensitive and are greatly susceptible to add-on devices, electrical interference, or any changes made to the original wiring.

xstuntman · 04-29-2021, 11:44 AM

Start with the owners manual since it lists all the locking options.
Yep, i've bent over with the keys on me and hit every possible thing the fob will do.
How many times I've walked in the shop and found the trunk opened is ridiculous.

InFiD3ViL · 04-29-2021, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xstuntman

Start with the owners manual since it lists all the locking options.
Yep, i've bent over with the keys on me and hit every possible thing the fob will do.
How many times I've walked in the shop and found the trunk opened is ridiculous.

Haha, same here. It is usually after I have gotten into the driver's seat, nice and comfortable and belted in. Then I see the DIC message 'Trunk Open'.

Vegas Bound · 04-29-2021, 12:26 PM

I had a car that would lock itself after 30 seconds. I found out because one time I opened the passenger door to put my crap in and reached through to put the key in the ignition to start the car. I closed the passenger door and walked around to the driver's door. By the time I got there, the doors had locked. I was in a parking garage with the engine running and doors locked in STL in the winter at 10 degrees and 30 miles from home in the middle of a snow storm. I had to wait several hours for a tow truck to show up and open the door. I went to the dealership and had that programming changed the next day.

PaulsSS · 04-29-2021, 07:43 PM

Long time ago I came out of the shop after a very long day. Got in my 89 GTA and someone called me back, like a dummy I locked the door with the engine running not thinking. Came back 1/2 hr later jammed a coat hanger in the door and unlocked it. Those were the days.

SSFury · 05-04-2021, 05:33 PM

I've had this happen many, many times OP. I will NOT leave my keys in the car, ever. Ive had the keys on the ground, car in the garage walking by it not even touching the car, and hear it lock itself. It hasn't been a "Problem", I just have learned not to leave the keys in it, ever.

Mr_Draco · 05-04-2021, 05:51 PM

There are several locking options that you can change through settings in the radio. One of them I think is called Delayed Auto Lock. After you open the door, when you close the door the car will automatically lock after so long. Turned that setting off 1st day I got the car.

If you had battery issues and replaced the battery, it's possible the settings could have changed back to factory settings.

DonM · 05-05-2021, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

There are several locking options that you can change through settings in the radio. One of them I think is called Delayed Auto Lock. After you open the door, when you close the door the car will automatically lock after so long. Turned that setting off 1st day I got the car.

If you had battery issues and replaced the battery, it's possible the settings could have changed back to factory settings.

I have an aftermarket radio and a different than stock surround. But there are two buttons on the surround that I've been curious about. On is a locked lock, the other is an unlocked lock. Could these be what you are referring to?. I'll try to get a pic in the morning.

gtstorey · 05-05-2021, 08:12 AM

Mine occasionally locks itself also, and seems to maybe happen more when it's wet. I figure there is chaffing on the door wiring harness that I need to track down. It's not an autolock option problem on mine.

Danial · 05-05-2021, 08:43 AM

It's the GM curse. I've owned 4 GM products over the years that did this and it had nothing to do with the fob. In three of the cases, there was no fob to begin with. Out of the almost 80 cars I have owned probably a third of them have had power door locks and the only time this issue ever cropped up was in an 86 Camaro, 91 Camaro, 92 Firebird and my 04 Monte Carlo.

Celticclark · 02-17-2024, 11:30 AM

Mine has suddenly started doing this. What is the cure?

11/SS/RS · 02-18-2024, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonM

I have an aftermarket radio and a different than stock surround. But there are two buttons on the surround that I've been curious about. On is a locked lock, the other is an unlocked lock. Could these be what you are referring to?. I'll try to get a pic in the morning.

Are those the lock and unlock buttons for the doors?

04-29-2021, 02:55 AM	#1
DonM Camaro #4 Drives: 2017-Hyper Blue Metallic-2LTmanual Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: NE Ohio (Akron) Posts: 1,210	Why is my car locking itself? Lately, ever since I started having battery issues and replaced the battery, the car has locked itself a few times for no apparent reason. It's not a really big deal since I never leave the keys in the car, but I was curious as to why it might be doing that. __________________ Don M Supercharged LGX + 6 speed manual = FUN!!

04-29-2021, 08:07 AM	#2
Moto-Mojo Fast Cars and Old Guitars Drives: 2015 2SS RS (L99, baby!) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: N. CA Posts: 3,973	I've had the FOB in my pocket many times and locked/unlocked/or set off the panic alarm just from it moving around in there. __________________ “I don’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member.” - Groucho Marx

04-29-2021, 11:44 AM	#3
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,575	My car used to do this when I had a water issue in my driver side door harness. Also, it can happen if you have messed with stereo (or any other) wiring, for example installing an aftermarket head unit. The door lock buttons run through the CanBus decoder used for aftermarket systems. Assuming none of this fits your scenario, I would consider what Moto-Mojo said. Maybe its a sensitive FOB playing games with you? But I would also take a step back and think about ANY other things the car has had issues with lately and if there is any relation. The electrical system in these cars are so dang sensitive and are greatly susceptible to add-on devices, electrical interference, or any changes made to the original wiring. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

04-29-2021, 11:44 AM	#4
xstuntman Drives: 2012 Victory Red LFX Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: west central Texas Posts: 1,310	Start with the owners manual since it lists all the locking options. Yep, i've bent over with the keys on me and hit every possible thing the fob will do. How many times I've walked in the shop and found the trunk opened is ridiculous. __________________ 2018 SS wheels, red Heritage grille, actual driving lights, ZL1 strut tower brace, GM Performance billet aluminum fuel door, front grille Bowtie delete, painted red rotors and calipers, 1/4 window American Flags, splash guards, AEM dry panel air filter.

05-04-2021, 05:33 PM	#8
SSFury My Road Rage is Legendary Drives: 2011 IOM 2SS/RS "Fury" Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Sahuarita AZ Posts: 735 View My Garage	I've had this happen many, many times OP. I will NOT leave my keys in the car, ever. Ive had the keys on the ground, car in the garage walking by it not even touching the car, and hear it lock itself. It hasn't been a "Problem", I just have learned not to leave the keys in it, ever. __________________ Every Time You Buckle Up In That Car, Tonight Might Be The Night That You Die.

04-29-2021, 12:26 PM	#6
Vegas Bound Account Suspended Drives: 2013 Sparkly Red One Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Hospitality State Posts: 2,558	I had a car that would lock itself after 30 seconds. I found out because one time I opened the passenger door to put my crap in and reached through to put the key in the ignition to start the car. I closed the passenger door and walked around to the driver's door. By the time I got there, the doors had locked. I was in a parking garage with the engine running and doors locked in STL in the winter at 10 degrees and 30 miles from home in the middle of a snow storm. I had to wait several hours for a tow truck to show up and open the door. I went to the dealership and had that programming changed the next day.

04-29-2021, 07:43 PM	#7
PaulsSS Drives: 15SS Camaro Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: US Posts: 346	Long time ago I came out of the shop after a very long day. Got in my 89 GTA and someone called me back, like a dummy I locked the door with the engine running not thinking. Came back 1/2 hr later jammed a coat hanger in the door and unlocked it. Those were the days.

05-04-2021, 05:51 PM	#9
Mr_Draco Drives: 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 7,182	There are several locking options that you can change through settings in the radio. One of them I think is called Delayed Auto Lock. After you open the door, when you close the door the car will automatically lock after so long. Turned that setting off 1st day I got the car. If you had battery issues and replaced the battery, it's possible the settings could have changed back to factory settings.

05-05-2021, 08:12 AM	#11
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,155	Mine occasionally locks itself also, and seems to maybe happen more when it's wet. I figure there is chaffing on the door wiring harness that I need to track down. It's not an autolock option problem on mine.

05-05-2021, 08:43 AM	#12
Danial Drives: 2013 SS/RS, 2015 Camaro SS/RS Vert Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Southern Nevada Posts: 2,128 View My Garage	It's the GM curse. I've owned 4 GM products over the years that did this and it had nothing to do with the fob. In three of the cases, there was no fob to begin with. Out of the almost 80 cars I have owned probably a third of them have had power door locks and the only time this issue ever cropped up was in an 86 Camaro, 91 Camaro, 92 Firebird and my 04 Monte Carlo.

02-17-2024, 11:30 AM	#13
Celticclark Drives: 2010 CamaroSS 1954Belair 28 Model A Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: Sand Springs Posts: 27 View My Garage	Mine has suddenly started doing this. What is the cure?