Have you ever walked away from your Honda only to wonder if the doors locked? Or approached it with arms full of groceries, wishing the doors would open automatically? Many Honda vehicles come with a convenient auto lock and unlock feature. Learning how to program the Honda auto lock unlock feature can give you control over this handy function.
This guide will walk you through the steps for various models. We’ll cover everything from basic settings to troubleshooting common issues.
How to Program the Honda Auto Lock Unlock Feature
Programming this feature typically involves using your vehicle’s multi-information display (MID) or audio/infotainment screen. The exact steps can vary by model year and trim level. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most specific instructions for your vehicle.
Understanding the Auto Lock/Unlock Functions
Before you start, it’s good to know what you can adjust. Honda’s system usually offers a few key behaviors you can turn on or off.
- Auto Door Lock: Doors lock automatically when you shift out of Park, or when your vehicle reaches a certain speed (e.g., 10 mph).
- Auto Door Unlock: Doors unlock automatically when you shift into Park, or when you turn the ignition off.
- Walk Away Auto Lock®: On some newer models, doors lock automatically when you walk away from the vehicle with the key fob.
- Keyless Access Unlock: Doors unlock when you grip the front door handle while carrying the key fob.
General Step-by-Step Programming Guide
For most modern Hondas (2016 and later), you will use the touchscreen. Here is a common method that works for many models like the CR-V, Civic, Accord, and Pilot.
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position. You can often do this by pressing the ENGINE START button twice without pressing the brake pedal.
- On your audio/infotainment touchscreen, navigate to the “Settings” menu.
- Select “Vehicle Settings” or a similar option.
- Look for “Door/Window Settings” or “Door Lock Setup.”
- You will see a list of options, such as “Auto Door Lock” and “Auto Door Unlock.”
- Select each option to choose your prefered behavior. Common choices are “With Vehicle Speed” or “Shift from P” for locking, and “Shift to P” or “Ignition Off” for unlocking.
- Once you have made your selections, back out of the menus. The settings are usually saved automatically.
- Turn the ignition off and test the new settings by taking a short drive.
Programming for Older Honda Models
For older vehicles, the process might involve the dashboard buttons or the key fob itself. If your car has a multi-information display (MID) in the gauge cluster, try this.
- Use the steering wheel controls to scroll until you see the “Settings” menu on the MID.
- Find the “Vehicle Settings” option and select it.
- Scroll to “Door Lock Setup.”
- Press the button to enter the submenu. You can then cycle through options to customize them.
- Some very old models may require a sequence with the ignition key and door lock button. Check your manual for a precise sequence.
Using the Driver Information Interface (DII)
Some models use the DII, which is a screen in the gauge cluster. You control it with buttons on the steering wheel or a stalk. The menu path is very similar to the touchscreen method, just navigated with physical buttons.
Setting Up Walk Away Auto Lock®
This feature is available on select newer Hondas. It requires your vehicle to be equipped with keyless access and must be activated in the settings.
- Ensure the vehicle is off and you have the key fob with you.
- Access the “Vehicle Settings” menu on the touchscreen as described earlier.
- Go to “Door/Window Settings.”
- Look for “Walk Away Auto Lock” and select it to turn it On.
- You may also be able to adjust settings like the confirmation beep or the distance at which it locks.
- To test, close all doors and the hatch, and walk away with the key fob. You should hear a beep and see the lights flash after a few seconds.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, the feature might not work as expected. Here are some simple fixes.
- Feature Won’t Activate: Double-check that you selected the correct option and saved the setting. Some models require you to hold a button to save.
- Only Some Doors Unlock: There is often a setting for “Auto Door Unlock” that lets you choose “All Doors” or “Driver Door Only.” Make sure it’s set to your preference.
- Walk Away Lock Doesn’t Work: Ensure all doors and the trunk are fully closed. The system won’t engage if a door is ajar. Also, check that you have the key fob with you and not left inside the car.
- No Confirmation Beep: The beep can be turned on or off in the same settings menu. Look for “Keyless Response” or “Beep” settings.
- Settings Reset After Battery Change: If your car battery died, some custom settings may revert to default. You will need to reprogram them.
Resetting Your Honda Door Lock Preferences
If things get confused, or you bought a used Honda, a reset can help. The simplest reset is to disconnect the car battery for a few minutes. This will clear all custom settings, including radio presets, so use it as a last resort.
A better way is to manually go back into the settings menu and change each option back to it’s default state, then reprogram them to your liking. Your owner’s manual lists the factory default settings.
Important Safety Notes and Tips
While auto features are convenient, always be mindful of your surroundings.
- Manually verify your doors are locked in unsafe or unfamiliar areas. Don’t solely rely on the auto feature.
- If you often have passengers, setting the auto unlock to “All Doors” is more considerate and safer for quick exits.
- Keep your key fob battery fresh. A weak battery can cause inconsistent operation of keyless entry and walk-away lock features.
- Remember that these features are designed for convenience, not as a primary security measure. Always take your keys with you.
FAQs About Honda Auto Lock/Unlock
Can I program my Honda to lock automatically when I walk away?
Yes, if your Honda is equipped with the Walk Away Auto Lock® feature. You can usually activate it through the vehicle settings menu on the touchscreen. Not all models or trim levels have this capability.
Why did my Honda stop auto locking?
A common reason is that the setting was accidentally changed in the menu. Another possibility is a weak key fob battery, especially for walk-away lock. Also, check that no door is slightly ajar, as this will prevent automatic locking.
How do I turn off the auto lock feature on my Honda?
You follow the same programming steps, but instead of turning the option on, you select “Off” for the auto lock behavior. This is done in the Door Lock Setup menu.
Can I set the auto unlock to only the driver’s door?
Yes. Most Hondas offer an “Auto Door Unlock” setting where you can choose between “Driver Door Only” and “All Doors.” This is a matter of personal preference for security and convenience.
My Honda’s settings menu is grayed out. What do I do?
For safety, many vehicle settings can only be adjusted when the vehicle is in Park and often with the ignition on but the engine not running. Make sure you meet these conditions. If it’s still grayed out, there might be a system fault that needs dealer diagnosis.
Do I need a special tool to program these features?
No. All programming is done through the vehicle’s built-in interfaces—the touchscreen, gauge cluster display, or steering wheel controls. You do not need any special scanners or tools for basic lock/unlock customization.
Final Thoughts on Customizing Your Honda
Taking a few minutes to program your Honda’s auto lock and unlock features can make your daily routine smoother and more secure. The process is straightforward once you know where the menu is located.
Remember, your specific Honda model might have slight variations in the menu names or steps. The owner’s manual that came with your car is the definitive source. If you’ve lost it, you can usualy find a digital version on the Honda owner’s website.
With these settings adjusted to your liking, you can enjoy the blend of convenience and security that modern Honda vehicles are designed to provide. It’s a simple way to make the car work better for your specific needs and habits.