You can't.

The reason for this feature is that if you have your keys in your pocket and you accidently hit the unlock button, it will automatically lock the doors again.

 

I am pretty sure if you press unlock twice all your doors unlock and remain unlocked. Personally I like the re-locking mechanism. But try pressing unlock twice.

 

True, pressing the unlock twice does unlock both doors and rear hatch but if you don't open any of them the system will still relock after 30 seconds.

 

You have no idea how much this thread saved my sanity! My husband works 3 months stints of either 7-4 or 9-6. Last week began his 3 month stint of 'earlies', which means it began my stint of taking the kids in the morning and hubby picking them up in the evening. Since I bought the E at the end of January, I was picking them up in the evening, which is pretty straight forward - walk out of the sitter's house with them and unlock the E while walking up to it.

However, taking them in the morning, it's the whole 'trying to get everyone out the door' thing, and often, I would open the front door, unlock the E, and start trying to shoo the kids out to get in the E while I did the last minute 'look around to ensure none of us forgot anything' shuffle. Seems a few times, by the time one of the kids got out the door and down the steps, I'd be telling them to get in the car, only they would be telling me the car was locked.

I thought I was loosing my mind, because several times I have made a point to ensure I SAW the lights flash, meaning the doors had been unlocked, yet son-of-a-gun, a few moments later, the E was locked! Good, I'm NOT loosing my mind - I DID unlock it, but it ends up re-locking itself - I didn't know that!

 

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12496

 

just wait until you get closer to the car before you hit the unlock button....this will give you more time :lol:

 

I finally surrendered and now only use the key. Less stuff in my pocket as well.

Honda needs to buy some Toyotas and study up. The key only unlocks all the doors from the driver's side, and there is no toggle for opening all the locks in the passenger door.

I like a lot of stuff about the Element, but the people who made the door lock/beep/interior light decisions need to be banished to Kia's design dept.

Along with the engineers who put the oil filter on the back of the engine.

 

Windy Guy, how about you have your little girl push the unlock button for you? Might as well use her help!

This is the first vehicle I've had that has had this automatic lock feature. In defense of the feature, I'm really glad it's there. I'm a forgetful person and I also haul around music gear regularly (bass guitars and amps, PA gear, etc.). If I ever unlock the E, then remember to get something else, the E will make sure it's locked. I've also got the security system, which automatically locks the doors after 30 seconds when I get out, so I'm doubly covered!

 

Honda needs to buy some Toyotas and study up.

My RAV4 with standard Toyota security system relocks the doors if none are opened. It is basically the same in that regard as the Honda system, except the same button on the remote alternatively locks and unlocks. I prefer Honda's 2 button approach.

paulj

 

"My RAV4 with standard Toyota security system relocks the doors if none are opened. It is basically the same in that regard as the Honda system, except the same button on the remote alternatively locks and unlocks. I prefer Honda's 2 button approach."

Heh, so would I. With one button, how would you know whether you just locked it or unlocked it? Should I push it again?

Sorry to hear that Toyota is "helping" its customers so thoroughly.

I would really appreciate simplicity in this area.

-Push the button, ALL the doors unlock. Period

-Push the other button, they lock.

-Open the door, overhead light comes on. Otherwise stays off unless I turn it on.

I like the way Toyota's locks all open with two flicks of the key, and that you can open them all from the passenger side. And that the passenger side has an all lock/unlock toggle.

It's ironic, but I spend more time overcoming helpful features than I would have just operating things in the first place.