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96 base.
The doors lock when I start the car and unlock when I turn the ignition off.
I have no remote. Searches only tell me how to turn it off by pressing buttons on the remote.
Is there another way?
There is an aftermarket alarm/pke/remote start installed. Probably a Viper or other "snake name" product of Directed Electronics. Auto-lock is a common feature of DEI stuff. Auto lock can be programmed on or off in the features menu of the DEI. Try to find the module. Typically under the dash. Other clues of a DEI install are a 'hidden' push button within reach f the driver, an LED indicator, and sometimes an antenna that also has the LED and the button in it usually placed above the rearview mirror.
If you do find an aftermarket installation, can identify it's make and model, and the install is clean enough that you want to retain it, I can help you with programming the auto-lock features OFF. If its a DEI, replacement fobs are available on Amazon at reasonable prices.
Holy cow, never thought about an aftermarket. I had the underside panels off when I removed the instrument cluster to be refurbished. I don't remember seeing any module or such. May have to look again.
Thanks for the reply!
Here's an IHBD brain-fart: If I had a fob-less PKE car and were to do an aftermarket RKE install I would interface the new install with the wiring at the PKE connectors. To access the PKE module and wiring requires removing the upper Instrument Panel pad. Not a trivial task but not bad once you've done one. So the aftermarket module may be somewhere other than above a hush panel.
One check to see if the PKE module is still present and functioning:
Put the PKE fuse back in. Put the driver window down so you don't lock the keys in the car. Leave the key in the ignition, in the OFF position. With the driver door open, lock the doors with the power locks. Close the door. The locks should automatically unlock when the door closes. << This is a feature of the PKE module. If this works, the PKE module is still present and wired; the feature works regardless of a PKE fob being present or not.
I'm not sure knowing the above is helpful with your auto-locks, but it tells you a bit more about your new-to-you car. Cheers.
Last edited by IHBD; Dec 23, 2025 at 01:08 PM.
Reason: Added the word "aftermarket"
Amazing!
Yes, following what you wrote the doors unlocked as I closed the door.
You're right, at least it is good to know why they are doing what they are.
Not sure I want to tear into it just to de-activate this feature, though.
Maybe I will just continue to live with it.
No, no. Re-read the first paragraph. I was surmising how I would do the aftermarket install by removing the PKE. You haven't noticed/found an aftermarket module. The "test" was to verify whether the PKE was still there or not. If not, the aftermarket RKE may be hidden up there. Because the PKE IS still there, the RKE install probably ISN'T.
The PKE does NOT lock or unlock doors with Ignition On/Off.
The factory PKE does not respond to Ignition for lock or unlock actuation unless there's something wrong with it. You tried it with its fuse removed, so the "locks with ignition" is not being caused by the PKE. The behavior you are objecting to is being caused by an aftermarket installation.
Now that you know to be looking for it, next time you're under the dash inspect the door wiring harnesses where they come into the interior from the boot. Following any wires interfaced at these locations (can be on either side of the car) should lead to the aftermarket module. There will be a black and blue wire that have been severed and (4) wires spliced to the car's wires. Happy Hunting.
My bad, I did not write my previous reply well at all.
I do understand that it is an aftermarket module that is causing the auto feature and that the PKE is present and working with the test that you provided.
I'll take a look at the door boots and see if I find something at some time in the near future.
I do remember a splice in the wiring when I had the hush panel removed, yet did not touch anything.
That may well be what leads to the aftermarket module.
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