A car that can’t be locked is a security issue for the owner. Usually this comes down to a switch or a module problem but not always. SureTrack community member griffsautoservice had a Volkswagen Jetta that couldn’t be locked with the keys or the fobs. It was a head scratching problem for them but they finally figured it out. The fix is documented below.
Vehicle
2010 Volkswagen Jetta S 2.5L
Title
Can’t lock doors, turn off factory mode.
Complaint
Customer states they can’t lock the doors on the vehicle.
Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Confirmed the customer’s complaint. The doors will not lock from any key fob or switch in the car. They will unlock from key fob and door switches. I can lock the doors with the scan tool. Checked hood switch and it is functioning properly. I can watch in the scan tool while hitting each door switch and the PID for the door switch shows lock position. No other faults found in system or wiring.
Cause
Figured it out, “factory mode” was turned on in the BCM which was causing the no-lock issue. Unsure how factory mode got turned on in the first place. Will see if customer returns with same issue.
Correction
Turned factory mode off and everything works as it should.
Editor’s Note
Factory mode is used by the manufacturers to keep the vehicles from becoming locked on the assembly line. This is similar to Transport Mode that is used when shipping cars. There is no easy way for a consumer to turn this on in their own vehicle.