'96 Camry automatic locks

[hufhouse]

I don't own a Camry, but I'm active on a couple of other boards here at automotiveforums.com, and I've got a question for a friend.

At church this morning, one of the young ladies was complaining that she got locked out of her Camry when she got out to get something and the wind blew her door shut. She said it locks as soon as you start the car.

I told her that a lot of cars can be reprogrammed to lock when you put the car in gear or even not lock at all. I mentioned she should read her Owners Manual and check on that.

But, I thought maybe somebody here would know. I've done a search and couldn't find anything related.

Thanks.

[jdmccright]

'92 to '96 Camrys do not have factory installed alarm systems, but she may have an aftermarket installed. If they do not have a operating manual for it, then an Internet search for the brand/model may pull up one. You are correct, though, there is usually a sequence for enabling/disabling certain automatic functions.

[somick]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

'92 to '96 Camrys do not have factory installed alarm systems, but she may have an aftermarket installed. If they do not have a operating manual for it, then an Internet search for the brand/model may pull up one. You are correct, though, there is usually a sequence for enabling/disabling certain automatic functions.

That is exactly right.
When I accidentally push a button on my aftermarket alarm even when I am driving it will get activated. When I exit the car it will set off.

Sam

[hufhouse]

I'm not sure I've made myself clear. This has nothing to do with an alarm system...it has to do with the automatic door locks.

She says that the doors automatically lock when she starts the car. Is there a way to disable that or change it to lock when you put the car in gear?

[somick]

Originally Posted by hufhouse

I'm not sure I've made myself clear. This has nothing to do with an alarm system...it has to do with the automatic door locks.

She says that the doors automatically lock when she starts the car. Is there a way to disable that or change it to lock when you put the car in gear?

It is quite easy to reprogram it on my 2004 Camry LX. The procedure is in the owners manual. The guys who have manuals for 96 may help here I guess.

Sam

[xfeejayx]

I believe the car locking when the car is turned on is just a standard "feature" on camrys. I don't think it has anything to do with the alarm system.

However, the door will not lock when you turn the car on if a door is open. I'm confused how she locked herself out due to this "feature" since she had to have unlocked it to get out of the car.

[jdmccright]

Usually, cars with automatic locking feature won't activate the locks until the vehicle is shifted from Park...so I'm thinking maybe there is a park safety switch that isn't working or is misadjusted. If the switch is never activated, the car might think it is always in gear, locking the doors as soon as it is started. Just a thought.

[PAHA740IL]

my mom owns a 1999 toyota camry V6 LE and i know excatly what you are talking about...but you can start the car and leave, it wont lock it self....the only way, is like jdmccright said, when you put it in drive or reverse...in a couple seconds, the doors lock....and when you put it in park again and open the door, it shouldnt lock...unless put in gear again......Camrys are really nice cars, but they got some fetures that are good for some, bad for others....like the headlights are always on....there is no way to turn them off....i think its the same story with the locks.