The car continually locks itself (power locks). If I'm outside the car I have to repeatedly try to unlock it while at the same time it relocks itself. After numerous attempts it will stop and let me in. Same is true if I'm in the car except now I can't get out. It's usually much worse during the day than at night. Doesn't matter if you're in the car, trying to get in or nearby (I don't have a remote nor is it an option). The car can be sitting idle for hours and then all of a sudden starts locking and unlocking itself in rapid succession. Rarely if ever does it end up unlocked. Will occasionally go through the same procedure while driving. It doesn't effect anything but all the door locks (at least that I have been able to ascertain). If it matters I could send a video of this problem. The question below of when does this happen is moot. It happens every day at anytime. I've tried numerous workarounds with little success because the car seems to adapt and then becomes more difficult. ( believe me, I know what this sounds like.)
1996 Mercury Villager: doors won't lock, open or latch
18 of the 187 complaints about the 1996 Mercury Villager describe doors won't lock, open or latch.
- owner complaints
- 18
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- recalls
- 0
Doors won't lock, open or latch by model year
What owners say
The power door lock system engages on its own at unpredictable times and occasions when the engage button has not been touched. For example, the locks have frequently engaged right after the doors have been closed and even if the engine is not running and the ignition is not on; at the same moment the front door access latches are pulled; and when the vehicle is parked and no one is in it and it is not running. Our problem is identical to the problem reported by cbs evening news on september 7, 2001 (network television news). According to the news report, this problem occurs not only with the mercury villager, but also the nissan quest.
When exiting vehicle automatic door locks automatically lock without owner manually locking the doors. Also, while vehicle is being driven doors automatically lock. This problem has caused occupants to be either locked inside vehicle or locked outside vehicle. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please provide any further details.
When exiting vehicle automatic door locks automatically lock without owner manually locking the doors. Also, when vehicle is being driving doors automatically lock. This problem has caused occupants to be either locked inside vehicle or locked outside vehicle. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please provide any further details.
Door locks will lock automatically. This can happen when rolling down the window/ opening doors or closing doors. Consumer does not know when it's going to happen. Consumer has contacted dealer.*ak
Rear door latch would disengage while traveling. Notified dealer for repairs. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
Passenger and sliding door locks failed to engage or disengage with or without keyless entry system or internal locking system used. I have had the sliding door locks actuator changed at my expense. The passenger door lock actuator needs to be replaced also. Actuators emit a grinding sound when keyless entry system or internal locking system is engaged and takes several (5) times to engage or disengage.
Head control module wire harness in back of the dash panel burned up. Wires were completely melted. *ak several electrical related problems: battery failure, open circuit in main engine harness to egr solenoid, overhead light failed, power door locks were operating by themselves, power locks would not lock with the switch, rear windshiled wiper switch failed and rear wipers would not stop even after fuse was removed, sliding door would not open with remote or switch. Check engine light illuminated. Power steering pump noisy and was replaced. Air conditioner motor failed. When locking vehicle with key, horn would operate, keyless entry had just been installed.
Intermittently door locks open and close automatically. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and could not solve problem. Manufacturer has been notified.
Vehicles power door locks will activate and lock doors on its own. The doors have locked with children in car and when no one was in car.mainly does it when the drivers door has just been shut.
The rear side door unlatches when going down the road. It doesn't unlatch all the way. The dealer has tried to adjust the door, but it still happens. We do not have to hit a bump for it to unlatch. They are going to put on a new door latch.
Automatic door locks are working intermittently. Consumer's child was locked in the vehicle, and they couldn't get the child out.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 Mercury Villager door locks
Is doors won't lock, open or latch a common problem on the 1996 Mercury Villager?
18 of 187 owner complaints about the 1996 Mercury Villager (10%) mention doors won't lock, open or latch. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Mercury Villager?
There are 0 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Mercury Villager
Fuel smell 17Stalling 8Fuel pump 7Wipers 7Airbag light 6Brake failure 5Fire or smoke 5
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