Many Honda CR-V owners appreciate the convenience of the Walk Away Auto Lock feature, which allows them to secure their vehicle simply by walking away from it.
However, there are instances when this feature may cease to function properly, causing some frustration and concern. This article covers the main causes and solutions.
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting Steps
When the Honda CR-V’s walk away auto lock feature is not working properly, there are specific steps one can follow to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue. This section outlines a focused approach to identifying and addressing common problems that may prevent the system from functioning as intended.
1. Full Reset
For troubleshooting the walkaway feature on your Honda CR-V, start by performing a complete reset of the vehicle’s head unit. This involves turning off the unit, waiting a few moments, and then restarting it to clear any temporary glitches or errors.
After the reset, navigate through the vehicle’s settings menu to locate the walk away auto lock feature. Once you find it, try turning it off and then on again. This process can help reinitialize the system’s settings and potentially resolve any issues preventing the walk away feature from functioning correctly.
Make sure to consult your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions on resetting the head unit and toggling the walk away feature, as the steps may vary slightly depending on the model and year of your Honda CR-V.
2. Check All Doors Are Closed
For the lock mechanism to activate, all doors must close properly. The sensor in each door detects if it is ajar. It’s crucial that one examines whether all doors are securely closed, as even slightly open doors can prevent the locking feature from engaging. Proper closure of the doors must be confirmed to maintain the functionality of the walk away lock feature.
Related: 8 Common Honda CR-V Locking Problems (Solved & Explained)
3. Settings Verification
- Verify if the walk away lock feature is enabled, as it defaults to ‘off’ after a reset and needs manual reactivation.
- Listen for the initial single beep indicating all doors are closed; remain close to the vehicle to hear the second beep, signaling doors are locked.
- Avoid fast walking away immediately after closing the door to prevent the fast triple beep, indicating the vehicle hasn’t locked due to rapid departure.
4. Use the Other Key Fob
First ensure that the walk away lock feature is enabled in the settings, checking both before and after any resets. Then, use an alternate key fob to deactivate and reactivate the walk away lock feature in the vehicle settings.
“What ended up working was using the other key fob, I turned off and then back on the feature in settings. I would have tried this earlier but my wife was away at work with the other fob, so I exhausted all possibilities short of going to the dealer until she came home.” – CRVOwnersClub.com
5. Misaligned Hood Latch
The intermittent issues with the walkaway lock and alarm may be caused by a misaligned hood latch, subtly confusing the fob while not being noticeable to the naked eye or registering as an open hood to the car. This misalignment doesn’t visibly appear as an issue but affects the vehicle’s security features, leading to sporadic malfunctions.
“My dealer was the one who originally figured out this problem, but did not fix/replace anything. About once a month my walkaway lock will stop working, or I’ll get woken up in the middle of the night to the alarm going off right outside my bedroom window. Opening the hood and letting it slam shut from a foot or so up corrects the problem 9 times out of 10.” – CRVOwnersClub.com
6. Cell Phone Near Fob
Cell phones emit radio frequencies that can interfere with the signal from your key fob to the vehicle, preventing the auto lock feature from working correctly. When the cell phone is in close proximity to the fob, this interference is more likely to disrupt the communication necessary for the auto lock functionality to engage. To avoid this issue, it’s best to keep cell phones and key fobs separated.
“I have noticed that a cell phone near my fob will prevent the auto lock feature from working.” – CRVOwnersClub.com
7. Loose Connector on the Hood Latch Actuator
One potential cause for the walkaway lock not working correctly is a loose connector on the hood latch actuator. This disconnection can disrupt the system’s functioning.
The solution involves diagnosing the vehicle with a scanner, locating the disconnected connector, and securely reconnecting it. This action should restore the vehicle’s alarm system to normal operation. It’s advisable to consult with a dealer or technician for such issues, especially when related to vehicle security features.
8. Spare Fob Nearby
One possible cause for the malfunctioning vehicle features is the presence of a second key fob in close proximity, such as being left inside the glove box. Removing the additional fob can resolve these issues, restoring the vehicle’s functions to normal.
“Figured out it was because the other FOB was in the glove box because I was moving. Took it out and presto! Everything worked as it should.” – CRVOwnersClub.com
9. Groceries and Passenger Interference
The walk away lock feature’s effectiveness can be influenced by groceries in the back seat, passengers, and particularly the timing of exiting and closing doors. To ensure the feature works consistently:
- Before Exiting: Manually unlock all doors.
- After Exiting: Close the driver’s door and listen for a confirmation beep.
- Retrieving Items:
- Open the back passenger door to access groceries or attend to passengers.
- Close the door after retrieving items or once passengers have disembarked.
- Timing with Passengers: If children or passengers are exiting after you, ensure you close their doors while you’re within 5 feet of the car. Walking away too soon, especially when others are still inside or exiting, can disrupt the lock’s activation.
By being mindful of these steps and the presence of passengers or groceries, you can significantly improve the reliability of the walk away lock feature.
10. 12V Battery Inspection
The condition of the car’s battery should be inspected to ensure it has adequate charge, as a low battery can affect the vehicle’s electrical systems. Using a voltmeter to check the battery’s voltage can verify if a replacement is needed. If the battery voltage is below the normal range, it may require replacement.
11. Faulty Door, Hood, or Tailgate Switch
A faulty door, hood, or tailgate switch can disrupt the Honda CR-V’s signal circuitry, hindering the auto lock from detecting a fully secured state. Malfunctioning switches may mistakenly signal that an entry point is open, thus preventing the walk away auto lock from initiating. It’s imperative to check and ensure all switches are functioning correctly to maintain the auto lock’s effectiveness.
Should a malfunction in any of these switches be detected, prompt inspection and necessary repairs or replacements are vital to ensure the auto lock operates as intended.
12. Defective Key Fob
A defective key fob might not send the correct signals to the Honda CR-V’s auto lock system, thereby failing to activate the walkaway feature. The solution involves either replacing the key fob battery or reprogramming the fob to reestablish effective communication with the vehicle’s security system. Consistent upkeep and testing of the key fob can avert such malfunctions.
13. Faulty Outer Door Handle
On a Honda CR-V, a dysfunctional outer door handle may interfere with the signal needed to confirm door closure, consequently stopping the walk away auto lock from functioning. To rectify this, the faulty door handle must be repaired or replaced to ensure the auto lock system can accurately detect a securely closed door and activate accordingly.
Auto-Lock Beeps 3 Times
Multiple beeps often indicate issues with the walk-away auto-lock feature, triggered when you step away from the car too quickly before it locks. The owner’s manual notes that the auto-lock won’t activate if the smart entry remote is too far from the vehicle (beyond 8 feet).
To prevent this, pause briefly before walking away to ensure the vehicle locks, or try opening and shutting the door again to reset the locking mechanism.
Related: Honda CR-V Beeping Problems? (7 Causes & Solutions)
Common Issues and Solutions
When the walk away auto lock feature on a Honda CR-V stops functioning, it is generally due to software glitches, hardware malfunctions, or user setting errors. Identifying the exact cause is crucial for finding the right solution.
Software Glitches
Software issues in the vehicle’s system can lead to the malfunction of the walk away auto lock feature. Sometimes, the system may require a simple reset to function properly. Owners have discussed how the problem can occasionally be resolved by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to reset the car’s computer systems. Another potential software issue could be related to the vehicle’s firmware, which may need an update from a Honda dealer.
Hardware Malfunctions
Key hardware components, such as door lock actuators or the key fob battery, can fail and cause the auto lock feature not to engage. For instance, a weak or dead key fob battery is a common culprit and is easily fixed by replacing the battery. Alternatively, should there be an issue with the car’s door sensors or locking mechanisms, these might require professional inspection and repair.
User Setting Errors
The walk away auto lock feature may be inadvertently turned off in the vehicle settings. It’s important to check the customization settings on the dashboard to ensure the feature is activated. Honda provides a guide on locking the doors and tailgate which details the steps for turning the auto lock feature on or off. Additionally, user error, such as leaving the key fob inside the vehicle, will prevent the system from locking the doors for safety reasons.
