Door Handle Lock Sensors Unreliable

[Loeb]

New '25 Badlands, purchased in February. Didn't have any trouble for the first 2 months, then I started to notice that when I tap the door lock sensor on the driver door, the lights flashed and the door locks clicked (though the sound was faint), ALL 5 DOORS REMAIN UNLOCKED. Over the last 2 weeks it does this more frequently. I tested the passenger door sensor and the cargo door sensor and I am able to recreate this with them as well (faint click, ALL 5 DOORS REMAIN UNLOCKED, REGARDLESS OF WHICH SENSOR I TAP), intermittently. To be clear, it's all or none- either all doors lock or none do, even though there is a faint click and lights flash. Doesn't matter which sensor I tap. The locks always unlock fine with the handle unlock sensors. The doors always lock or unlock fine using the interior switches, key fob, or phone app. The problem is intermittent, though it seems to be happening more frequently. Doesn't see to matter if its raining or not.

I have found other people with door sensor issues, though their symptoms seem to be specific to one door or a key fob/battery issue. I'm hoping to find more information before potentionally making a bunch of trips to/from and investing a lot of time at the dealer.

Sponsored

 

[Nibroc99]

New '25 Badlands, purchased in February. Didn't have any trouble for the first 2 months, then I started to notice that when I tap the door lock sensor on the driver door, the lights flashed and the door locks clicked (though the sound was faint), but none of the doors would lock. Over the last 2 weeks it does this more frequently. I tested the passenger door and the cargo door and I am able to recreate this with them as well (faint click, no lock), intermittently. To be clear, it's all or none- either all doors lock or none do, even though there is a faint click and lights flash. The locks always unlock fine with the handle unlock sensors. The doors always lock or unlock fine using the interior switches, key fob, or phone app. The problem is intermittent, though it seems to be happening more frequently.

I have found other people with door sensor issues, though their symptoms seem to be specific to one door or a key fob/battery issue. I'm hoping to find more information before potentionally making a bunch of trips to/from and investing a lot of time at the dealer.

It's likely unlocking when you're hearing the click. Make sure that you aren't grabbing the whole handle while touching the lock icon, but rather are only touching the lock icon itself. I usually touch it twice for good measure.

 

[Loeb]

It's likely unlocking when you're hearing the click. Make sure that you aren't grabbing the whole handle while touching the lock icon, but rather are only touching the lock icon itself.

Thanks, Nibroc99,
I noted that that has been mentioned as a potential culprit in other threads. I did make sure that I'm not making contact with the any other part of the door handle when touching the button with one finger tip.

 

[CalvinT]

I had a problem with my driver's door not unlocking.

Do what I did. I started keeping a log of when the door unlocked and when it wouldn't unlock. Turned out it was temperature sensitive. It only malfunctioned when outside temperature was between roughly 80-95 degrees. Also the Bronco had to sit at least 12 minutes after I locked it. The rest of the time it worked properly. This gave me enough information so the tech at the dealer could duplicate the problem. They replaced the latch assembly a couple of days ago.

Anyway, anytime you have an intermittant problem you need to do the same. Keep a log noting temperature, how long the Bronco sits, in shade, in sun, etc. You get the idea. Sooner or later a pattern will emerge that will aid the tech in diagnosing the problem.

I wrote up a procedure for the tech to follow to duplicate the problem.

 

[MachingBird]

When/If the truck is wet, EVERY PART of the truck becomes the "lock icon".

 

[Roger123]

When/If the truck is wet, EVERY PART of the truck becomes the "lock icon".

I notice that when washing it with key in my pocket. Lights are always flashing!

 

[MachingBird]

I notice that when washing it with key in my pocket. Lights are always flashing!

Yup, it’s locking and unlocking.

 

[Roger123]

Yup, it’s locking and unlocking.

Yes it

 

[23OBX2.7]

Yup, it’s locking and unlocking.

In my experience its normal for touch lock vehicles.

 

[Iceman62]

You'd figure the dealer would swap the lock mechanism by now - hope they get you fixed up...frustrating.

 

[chopperbobby]

I notice that when washing it with key in my pocket. Lights are always flashing!

I have same thing all during wash. Light flashing

 

[Q1svt]

I’ve had a couple times when the driver door was slow to respond. Reflecting on it believe I had doubled locked the vehicle w/ remote. I had walked away without locking, pressed twice to hear horn … then again.

 

[Loeb]

You'd figure the dealer would swap the lock mechanism by now - hope they get you fixed up...frustrating.

All 5 lock mechanisms? It's ALL the locks sound like they're trying to lock, but intermittently, none do.

 

[ThunderFlash]

This is a wild stab, but is it possible one of the doors is not closing completely? Due to a mod I made on my truck, my tailgate will not always close completely. If the TG is slightly a jar, the locks try to lock....but they don't.

 

[Loeb]

This is a wild stab, but is it possible one of the doors is not closing completely? Due to a mod I made on my truck, my tailgate will not always close completely. If the TG is slightly a jar, the locks try to lock....but they don't.

That's interesting. So, one door won't close completely, so all the locks try to lock but none of them do? That gives me some things to try. Thank you.

Sponsored