Well I think the
Martyuk wrote:

I wonder if your key in switch is working properly...

You shouldn't be able to "slam lock" a P38 from about 96 onwards... If you've hit the sill lock button and closed the door, it should always unlock all the doors automatically... Especially if the key is detected as being in the ignition... Definitely something strange going on there

I think it's the door open switch (or whatever the correct name is). It was frosty this morning so I started the car and started scraping the windows. Not wanting to get locked out I left the window open AND the door :) I was suprised to see the windows rise up as I was scraping them - the EAS was doing its thing even with the door open. Yep, no Door Open RH-F showing on the dash. It seems the door is showing closed all the time.

So if you're working under the car and using the door/tailgate open technique to disable the EAS I'd say it's well worth checking the dash before you crawl underneath!

BrianH wrote:

Lpgc wrote:

Smug mode ;-) I've developed the habit of never leaving keys in a vehicle unless at least a window is down, I won't even do it with my own cars. P38s are among vehicles I'd worry most about breaking the habit with.

With you on that one - Fords being particually bad, I've only ever locked myself out of the car once, by locking the keys inside the boot (including the house keys) when putting stuff into it. Though i've known the locks on a few of mine to be heard trying to lock or unlock when driving along for no apparant reason, so I just don't trust them.

Ford bonnets that need the key to open them.. so it's possible to lock keys under the bonnet even if the car is unlocked, never done it myself but know of a few people that have. Also make it necessary to turn the engine off to open the bonnet.

Morat wrote:

Yep, no Door Open RH-F showing on the dash. It seems the door is showing closed all the time.

That figures. If it thought the door was already closed then sill locking would still work as it assumed all doors were shut and you were in the car.

I don't know how much of January I will be about at the moment, but if you are coming past, then I'm happy to take a look.

I can't remember what door latch(es) I've done on yours now... I know the LHF I did, because I tweaked that at summer camp one year. I can't remember if I've sent you a RHF at all?

Either way - if I'm about, I'm happy to take a look at it. It could even be a pinched wire in the door or something simple like that between latch and outstation - but sure it's fixable, whatever is causing it.

Fantastic :) I don't think you've done the driver's door. I'll be in touch re dates, it might work out or I might just make a road trip anyway. It'd be good to meet up again :)

I know I'm a bit late on this one but my story might be of interest - I think I told it before somewhere here. Was taking my 6 Border Collie puppies to Switzerland in the P38 and stopped in Madrid for petrol. Middle of August and hot. Left key in ignition - windows closed 'cos aircon had been on. As I was standing filling the tank suddenly all the locks went on as one of the puppies jumped on a door button. Thought OMG what the hell do I do now. Went to the pay desk to pay and explain I couldn't move the car and the old guy behind the desk listened to my problem, turned round and reached to a wire coat hanger on the wall behind him and handed it to me without saying anything. I realised there must be an answer here so managed to bend and wriggle the wire hanger past the edge of the door and reached down to hook up the button. To my great relief all the locks came up and I was in !!! Nowadays, if I leave ignition key in and get out I ALWAYS open window.
Maybe it was between glass and rubber - can't remember now !

Probably round the edge of the door - there's quite a bit of space but the door tops are also deeper than most so it's hard to get round them without bending them out.