• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

Door Lock warning

Z

zuhl555

Full Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
260
Well, I stopped this weekend it the small Texas town of Eagle Lake to get gas for $1.47. I figured I was gonna save a few bucks over getting it in Houston. Anyway on my way out the door, I hit the lock button on accident. No big deal I figured, the key is in the ignition and it wont lock. It just did that annoying beep thing it does. So after about 10 seconds I am filling the truck and I hear "kachunk" and I just about crapped right there. The doors decided to lock themselves while I was outside. With the keys in the ignition. I do not know if the Data-bus adapter that I put in with my alpine radio has anything to do with it, but I just want to warn you all not to be stupid like me and not have a spare stashed somewhere. $50 later and a lot of work from the locksmith I was in my truck. Turned out to be the most expensive fill-up yet.

PS:
It was comforting to see how hard it was for the locksmith to get in. Skeleton key would not work. Special "slim-jim" did not work. He had to get this inflateable shim that he wedged in the door at the top to create a gap and then with the good old coathanger method. Didnt damage the truck at all. I now ahve a spare.

 
I don't know if this helps any, but I have noticed that if you don't close the door all the way, i.e. door is latched by not fully closed, the locks don't engage. At least that's how my '03 works.

Sorry to hear about your predicament :(, and the expensive gas stop.
 
keep forgetting to do this, but with my last truck I always carried a spare key in my wallet.... ever since leaving my keys at work dowtown Calgary, and not realizing it until I got off the C-train.... no one was at work for me to go back to get my keys... had to call the dealer in Idaho where I bought it to get the key code, got my roommate to pick me up and drive me to the local dealer to get a new key cut....

Also in case this happens since I have not gotten a spare key made, I have a 2 peice keyring, key on one half and remote fob on the other.

I always grab the fob if I am leaving the key in the vehicle... so I can still get in if it locks....

Grey
 
I was curious, so I tried this (after lowering the window). Mine didn't do the delayed locking at all....
 
Did your sales consultant deliver the truck to you or just hand you the keys and say goodbye?

You obviously had the 2nd happen to you.
Anyway, when you lock the doors and you hear the 3 chimes, delayed locking is on. The doors will lock 5 seconds after the last door is closed.

This allows you to open the back or any door and get your belongings out, close the door with your arms full and let the truck lock on its own. Check your owners manual and reprogram the lock setup if you don't like this option.

Next time call 1-800-chev-usa for free roadside assistance and save yourselves $50.

:E: :E: :E: :E: :E: :E: :E: :E: :E: :E: :E: :E: :E: :E:

 
Something else that I've noticed about the Av that is different from Ford is that the Key Fob (at least on the '02) still works even with the ignition on. I live in a fairly safe area, and I don't do this all the time... but I'll pull all but the ignition key off, leave the truck running, and lock it from the key fob once I'm outside and the driver's door is shut. I know for short stops and stuff, I'd be better off with a remote start unit, but it's interesting to know.

DavidC166
 
Davidc166,

Yeah that feature does still work on 03'. Handy if I want to light up the back-up lights without actually having to put in reverse.

Going to have to test the Lock-out feature. Says it's not to lock if key left in ignition.

But I do also keep the the key fob seperate.
 
Does the truck detect the key in the ignition if the fob is not hanging from it? In other words, when you use key 1 or key 2, how does the truck know? Is the "chip" that tells the truck this in the key or in the fob?

What I'm speculating is that perhaps if you have the fob seperated from the key (seems that you do from your post) that the key in the ignition won't override the delayed locking. ???

Also, if you press the transmitter lock button twice, will the doors lock anyway, even with the key in the ignition? Did you perhaps press lock twice?

And just out of curiosity, I've never felt the need to detach the key from the fob. Is this an up-north thing so you can keep the truck running and lock your doors or something? ???
 
FYI...


While at our last TG in St. Augustine, my daughter was getting out and accidently hit the lock....Well, needless to say my key with in the ignition.

Thank God for roadside assistance :love:

I have left my key in the ignition several times and never once has it locked by itself...Thank God!!!.....In fact every time I get fuel, I leave my keys in the ignition and close the door.

GoBot
 
Thanks for the info JamesThomas. I kenw that you could program the autolocks, but I thought that was for when the vehicle was on and being put into gear or the like. Anyway I am gonna check this out cuz I dont want it to happen again. And yes, my dealer was an idiot, only interested in the sale, so I got crappy service, but awesome financing and a free 60K GM warranty to boot. So I guess it works out. I am gonna check the manual when I get home. Thanks everyone!
 
My wife is on first name basis with the onstar lady...........opps....locked the door.....ohh well....she has onstar on her cell phone............probably speed-dial.....lol
gotta love that onstar
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top