Car unlocked by itself - anybody else?

[MichaelM]

I have a C-Max SEL with the keyless ignition option. Because I don't require the key to start the car I always keep the fob in my pocket. I'm in the habit of using the lock buttons on the interior of the door to set the locks as I exit, then close the door. What has happened a couple of times is, after I close he door I will hear a click and the doors unlock themselves. It doesn't happen every time just about 3 or 4 in the three weeks I've had the car. Has anyone else had this happen? Just wondering.

[FoutsNC]

 

 Do you happen to be closing the door by the handle itself? If you have the fob in your pocket and you touch the door handle in areas other than the block square that locks it, it could unlock that way.

 

Here's some info from the manual that might help explain other causes:

 

 

Smart Unlocks for Intelligent Access Keys (If Equipped)

This feature helps to prevent you from unintentionally locking your

intelligent access key inside your vehicle’s passenger compartment or

rear cargo area.

When you lock your vehicle using the power door lock control (with the

door open, vehicle in park and ignition off), after you close the door the

vehicle will search for an intelligent access key in the passenger

compartment. If an intelligent access key is found inside the vehicle, all

of the doors will immediately unlock and the horn will chirp, indicating

that the intelligent access key is inside.

In order to override the smart unlock feature and intentionally lock the

intelligent access key inside the vehicle, you can lock your vehicle after

all doors are closed by pressing the lock button on another intelligent

access key or touching the locking area on the handle with another

intelligent access key in your hand.

When you open one of the front doors and lock the vehicle using the

power door lock control, all doors will lock then unlock if:

• the ignition is on, or

• the ignition is off and the vehicle is not in P.

[From Speed6ing 2 C-Maxing]

As stated above, i wonder if it's because the car sensed a key inside so it unlocked itself? You can then press the lock on the key fob to manually lock the doors. Is that what you did?

Edited December 16, 2012 by From Speed6ing 2 C-Maxing

[shaners]

If you have the key in your pocket then you need to keep your hands away from the outside door handle except to touch the black square with you thumb!

[MichaelM]

@Speed6ing 2 C-Maxing and @FoutsNC, I think you may be right in that the fob is sensed as still being in the car, so it unlocks itself.

 

@Shaners Thanks for the reply but I was not near the handle, just closed the door.

 

I think given the insight from everybody I'll just have to get in the habit of using the buttons on the fob after i'm a good distance from the car. I just want the car to actually be locked when i think it is.

But it is good to know that i probably wont be able to lock my keys in the car accidentally.

[Arthur]

I find that just brushing my hand along the door handle, it locks, seems I don't have to push the button.