Question from newbie about power locks on 94 850

WMC · Post by **WMC** » 06 Nov 2002, 19:18

I'm new here and very happily... new to Volvos.. anyway my question is in regards to the power locks. When I start the car the doors lock automatically. If I want to get out of the car and leave the engine running I must first unlock the drivers door. It is not that the door won't open. What happens... if I don't unlock it first with the engine running... when I close the door the car locks with the keys inside!! So far, this has happened when I had another key handy. At some point my luck will run out.... Is this typical? Is there a way to reprogram the locks?

WMC · Post by **WMC** » 24 Nov 2002, 15:26

??????????????????????????

Post by **matthew1** » 24 Nov 2002, 19:02

My 97 850 does not lock the door unless I
a) use the remote,
b) use the key on the door lock,
c) use the dash lock/unlock button, or
d) push down the knob.

Therefore, I can't relate to the genesis of your problem.

Nevertheless, let's look at what's causing the problem. By what you said, the doors lock when you start the car. Then you arrive somewhere and get out -- to do this let's say you unlock the driver's door. You get out while the car is idling; door is unlocked. You shut the door; car's still idling; door is unlocked -- but the car locks it of its own accord once it's shut?

WMC · Post by **WMC** » 25 Nov 2002, 17:43

yes... the doors lock EVERY time I start the engine

no..... if I unlock the doors, get out, and close the door with the engine idling they stay unlocked

but if I FORGET to unlock the doors before I get out with the engine idling, first everything unlocks when I open the door then once I close the door everything locks... keys inside... engine running

this happens every time

Is this a programming glitch?????

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Nov 2002, 18:51

but if I FORGET to unlock the doors before I get out

So if you unlock all 4 doors rather than just the driver's door prior to exiting, you don't experience the locked-out problem?

Sounds like very strange behavior. My advice is to call a Volvo dealer and ask them if they've heard of this on your (model year) 850. Something's not right.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » 19 Feb 2003, 01:32

does your car have a non factory car alarm fitted, some of these alarms can be programed to lock the doors as soon as the engine is started, its called anti-hijacking, designed to prevent some one who is unwelcome opening the car door while stoped. this my not be even relavant to your car but i know this is what happens my r33 skyline and volvo 850's aftermarket alarm which i have to have fitted to help bring insurance down.