I'm seeking feedback, regading how the security system in my 2000 model S Type is supposed to work and how to fix or modify.

Originally when I locked the car using the fob, the lights flashed 6 times before locking the doors on the first stage of locking only. The second stage of locking did not work. The doors locked soon after the car was driven. Most times, but not always, the passanger could not open the door without the driver unlocking his door.

During a recent timing chain replacement, I found the bonnet security switch (tucked under the air cleaner) and reinstated. The 6 flashes stopped, and pressing the lock on the fob, activated the second stage of locking, so the doors can not be opened from the inside. NOW, most times (but not always) after the car is driven and the doors auto lock, none of the doors will open including the drivers door without removing the key and using the unlock botton on the fob. A real inconvenience, and concerned I'll be stuck in the car if the fob battery goes flat.

I'm going to disconnect the bonnet/hood security switch in the short term, and hope it goes back to the way it was originally (without second stage locking), but ideally I want it fixed, (if there is a problem)

So what's normal? Should the car go into second stage of locking automatically after driving? Does anyone know how to fix this, short of taking to dealer? Is there a secret reset procedure (like turning the curtisy light on and off 5 times to reset the suspension leveling computer on a fairlane I own)

I'd appreciate your feedback.

 

I haven't heard of the security system acting up unless it was a battery problem but good luck with that

 

On mine, I do not lock the doors with the remote when I'm in the car. I just let the car auto-lock. That means anyone in the car can open their door from inside.

The point of the second stage of locking is to disable the interior handles so a thief cannot open a door. You are not expected to be in the car!

My model also has ultrasonic detectors which are enabled on 2nd stage so if you were in the car the alarm would likely go off. Again, you are not meant to be in the car as this is an anti-intrusion feature.

Yours just sounds broken but to me sounds more working when the bonnet (hood) switch was OK.

The auto-lock (aka lock on go) can be disabled if you don't like it (on my model, at least). I like it so ignored details of how (probably dealer only).