2001 Limited - I can lock myself out

[Pdl Pwr Girl]

Since I've owned my 4 Runner (brand new) I have never been able to lock the driver door when it's open - this I believe is a feature meant to prevent you from locking yourself out. The only way to lock the driver door is when it's shut either from the inside or with the key fob or key. Recently I got out of the vechicle, pushed the driver door lock down and shut the door! It locked! And I can do the same thing any day of the week now and it will lock. Does anyone know why or how to fix?

Appreciate your input!

 

[toto]

I know that you are not supposed to be able to lock the door by pushing the lock button down if the key is in the ignition. If the key is not in the ignition, then you can lock it a number of ways.

Yes, the idea is that you don't lock your keys inside the car. If the key is in the ignition, then obviously they're in the car.

 

[Pdl Pwr Girl]

You can lock the door (from the inside) if the key is in the ignition and the door is shut. That is by design. In my 01 the locks do not engage automatically when you put the vehicle in gear so if you want to lock the door while driving you do so by pushing the door lock button down with your finger or by using the power door lock. You should not be able to push the driver's door lock button down with your finger or the power door locks if the driver door is open regardless of whether the key is in the ignition or not. That's how it prevents you from locking the keys inside.