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Avoiding lockout incidents

The Passive Entry system is designed not to perform a lock request if the key fob is detected inside the vehicle. Yet, in certain situations, you can still become locked out of your vehicle. Here’s how to avoid some of these situations.

What can cause a lockout?

Here are some common ways you can become locked out of your vehicle when you turn it off and exit:

 

  • You lock the vehicle and close all doors, unaware that the key fob is still inside. The vehicle doesn’t detect that the key fob is still inside, so it doesn’t activate the triple chirp of the horn that lets you know the key fob is still in the vehicle. It also doesn’t unlock the driver door as designed.
    • You will only hear three horn chirps if you’ve enabled the “Remote Left in the Vehicle” alert by selecting: Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start > Remote Left in Vehicle Alert. If this alert is not enabled, you will hear a chime if the key fob is detected in the vehicle instead of horn chirps.
  • When Passive Locking is equipped and enabled, it automatically locks your vehicle within several seconds after the vehicle is turned off and all doors are closed. The vehicle doesn’t detect the key fob still inside, so it doesn’t unlock the driver door as designed.

 

Often, the vehicle doesn’t recognize that the key fob has been left inside the vehicle because of interference with the signal the fob uses to operate. This can happen when your key fob comes into close contact with a smartphone or when other interference sources are involved.

 

  • Any key fob signal interference may be caused by other devices that use wireless technology, such as charging cases for wireless ear buds.

How to avoid lockouts:

  • Be aware of any other sources that may interfere with the key fob signal.
  • Avoid keeping the key fob in the trunk, as there are certain areas where it might not be detected.
  • To help minimize lockout incidents, it is recommended that you keep your key fob on you (in either a bag or pocket), instead of leaving it in the cabin when you exit the vehicle.

For your security, please don’t include personal info such as phone number, address or credit card details.

Q&As

Why did my doors lock without alerting me that the key fob was still inside?

There may be interference with the signal the key fob uses to operate. When this happens, the vehicle may not be able to find the key fob in the vehicle. This can be caused when the key fob comes into close contact with a smartphone (or other wireless device) or when other interference sources are involved.

What do I do if my key fob isn't working at all?

Contact your dealer for assistance.

Why did my door lock when I put my hand on the handle?

Some vehicles with fixed door handles have a small emblem on each of the front door handles. Touching this emblem will lock the doors. Be sure to avoid touching the emblem when opening your door.

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To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner’s Manual for more information about features.