Yesterday, I parked the Screw in the driveway, windows down and I guess I must have hit the door locks or keyfob on the way out....

Later in the evening, I wanted in the back drivers side door, so I reached inside the drivers door and pressed the unlock button. Nothing happened. Tried the lock button, doors locked (even though they were locked. I had to use the keypad to unlock the doors..... then the lock/unlock worked.

I presume that this is a safety mechanism... doors locked and vehicle parked, unlock button doesn't work? This would eliminate the hanger through the cracked window to depress the unlock button? Any ideas? Maybe I'll check the manual. Maybe this is only with the keypad and not without?

Also, if the engine is running and you lock the doors, the keyfob doesn't work. Only the keypad works.

My wife found out about the keyfob the hard way, on a long trip with dog in the summer. Locked dog in with A/C on... couldn't get back in.... Dog very confused... 2 hrs for AAA to show up.

 

If you pull on the door handles the door will unlock. It only works on the front driver and passenger side doors.

 

01BlkLariat,

Took me a minute to figure out what you meant...

I know if I pull on the inside door handles the door will unlock. I was outside the truck and the doors were locked and windows down. I reached in to press the unlock button and it wouldn't work. I expected it to work and it didn't... maybe this is common knowledge and I just didn't know it..... ?

 

You will also find that if you try to lock the doors with the keyless entry while the engine is running, it will not do it. I brought two keys with me with the idea of leaving the truck running to warm up while I got coffee, but it won't lock the doors.

 

BeastRider , You need to get a keypad.

jryager ,
I noticed this the first day i got my screw, I locked the doors with the windows opened and couldn't unlock with the button but could with the inside handle......I'm sure its some kind of anti-theft thing but it gets defeated by using the inside handle...go figure!

 

S'CrewLoose,

Love your moniker by the way.

I think it is anti-theft. I used to get into my wifes Windstar (when the keys were locked in) by snaking a wire coat hanger through the door to press the unlock button. Worked like a charm.

I guess if you have vent visors, you can leave the windows cracked and know that they would have to "hook" the door handle (which is much harder) to unlock the doors. Then again, if they want in, they'll break the glass !

 

jryager,

NO Question, if they want in, they get in. Still the keypad on the drivers door is the best insurance against getting locked out.

Ed

 

This is a power saving feature of the keyless entry module (called the GEM because it performs basically all the electronic functions of the truck, including windows, locks, and the PATS). After 2 minutes, when the truck is locked using the key fob, the module powers down and you can't use the switches in the truck. This proves to be a problem for installing an aftermarket alarm like I did. That is how I found out what this actually is. I did, however, get my aftermarket alarm to work correctly.

 

Are you sure it powers down everything? The lock button worked, the unlock didn't.

 

Yeah, the switches shouldn't work at all. Keep in mind this is only when you use the Ford key fobs. Otherwise it stays on.

 

dufunnel,

Thanks for the info, I guess that is an anti-theft system. So, does the electrical system come back when an IPAT key is inserted in the ignition? I guess the keypad turns it back on?

 

Okay here's the skinny - it IS an anti-theft feature (new for 2001)to keep someone from using a coat hangar to press the unlock button, open your door and take your stuff.

In effect, 20 seconds after you electronically lock the vehicle (i.e. using the keyfob, keyless entry keypad, or lock switch on the door) with all doors closed and the ignition OFF, the UNLOCK switch on the door will no longer function. The LOCK switch will still work though.

Unlocking from the keyfob or keyless entry keypad, turning the key to RUN, or opening the door will reset the system and allow the UNLOCK button to work again. This feature is controlled by the Central Security Module (the white box on the firewall behind the brake pedal) and can be enabled/disabled by your local Ford dealer if you wish.

This feature was only enabled for early 2001 models so yours may be disabled.

 

buschman,

Good stuff, where'd you find it? I would have thought mine was not an early model since I took delivery of a 2001 in July 2001. I guess I better check the build date....

 

In my opinion the electronic locks on the SuperCrews are over engineered. These things drive me crazy! You start the truck, drive few feet, the doors lock automatically. You have to then hit the unlock button again. This is a real pain when you are working with the truck and need to pull forward a little and open the doors, etc.

Does anyone know if the autolock can be disabled? I have an XLT without a remote entry keypad. Before buying the Screw I had an Explorer that worked the same way but you could disable the autolock through the keypad.

 

Disable procedure is in the Owner's Manual.... or at least it was on my 1999 SuperCab.