What autolock does and why you might want to turn it off

Autolock on the Honda S2000 is a feature that automatically locks all four doors a few seconds after you shift into Drive or Reverse. The system is designed as a safety measure — once you're moving, the doors lock to prevent accidental opening or unauthorized entry while the car is in motion.

Many S2000 owners disable autolock because it interferes with their driving routine. If you frequently open and close doors while parked (loading passengers, retrieving items from the trunk, or working on the car), autolock can lock you out mid-task. Some drivers also find it annoying to hear the locks engage every time they move the car a few feet in a parking lot or driveway.

The good news is that autolock is not a safety-critical system — disabling it does not affect braking, steering, airbags, or any other protective function. It is purely a convenience and anti-theft feature, and Honda made it straightforward to turn off through the vehicle settings menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Autolock engages a few seconds after you shift into Drive or Reverse and locks all doors automatically.
  • You can disable autolock through the vehicle settings menu on the dashboard — no tools or dealer visit required.
  • The process takes less than two minutes and involves navigating to the door lock settings in the main menu.
  • Disabling autolock does not affect any safety systems and can be re-enabled at any time using the same menu.

Accessing the settings menu on your S2000 dashboard

Start with the engine off and the key in the On position (not started). Look at your instrument cluster — you should see a small menu button or a set of buttons labeled with arrows and an OK or Select button. On most S2000 model years, these buttons are located on the left side of the steering wheel or on the dashboard near the steering column.

Press the Menu button to enter the main settings screen. You will see several options displayed on your instrument cluster screen, typically including items like Clock, Language, and Door Lock settings. Use the arrow buttons to scroll through the menu until you find the option labeled "Door Lock" or "Auto Door Lock."

Navigating to the autolock setting

Once you have located the Door Lock option, press OK or Select to enter that submenu. You should now see a second-level menu with options related to door locking behavior. Look for an option that says "Auto Door Lock" or "Auto Lock" — this is the setting that controls whether doors lock automatically when the car is in motion.

The setting will typically show two options: On or Off. If it currently shows "On," that means autolock is enabled. Press the arrow button to highlight "Off" and then press OK or Select to confirm the change.

Confirming the change and testing autolock

After you select Off, the menu should display a confirmation message or return you to the Door Lock submenu. Press Menu or Back to exit the settings and return to your normal instrument cluster display. The change takes effect when ready — you do not need to restart the engine or drive the car for it to explore.

To verify that autolock is now disabled, start the engine and shift into Drive. Listen for the door lock sound and watch the door lock indicators on your dashboard. The doors should remain unlocked as you move the car. If the doors still lock after a few seconds, return to the menu and double-check that the setting was saved as Off.

Re-enabling autolock if you change your mind

If you decide later that you want autolock back on, the process is identical — straightforward return to the Door Lock menu and change the setting from Off back to On. Some owners disable autolock for certain seasons or situations (like when loading gear) and then re-enable it for highway driving or when parking in unfamiliar areas.

There is no penalty or wear on the system for toggling this setting on and off repeatedly. It is purely a software preference stored in your vehicle's computer, and changing it does not require any mechanical work or dealer involvement.

What to do if you cannot find the setting on your model year

S2000 model years 2000 through 2009 all have autolock, but the menu structure varies slightly depending on whether your car has the original single-line instrument cluster display or an upgraded multi-function display. If you have an older S2000 with a very basic cluster, the Door Lock menu may not be accessible through the steering wheel buttons.

In that case, check your owner's manual for your specific model year — it will show the exact button sequence for your cluster type. Alternatively, you can contact a Honda dealer with your VIN and model year, and they can walk you through the steps or disable it for you during a service visit, though this is rarely necessary since the manual method works on all S2000s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling autolock affect my car's security or insurance?

No. Autolock is a convenience feature, not a security system. Your S2000 still has door locks, a steering wheel lock, and an alarm system that function independently. Insurance companies do not track autolock settings, and disabling it will not change your coverage or rates.

Can I disable autolock for just one door instead of all four?

No. The autolock setting is all-or-nothing — it either locks all doors when you shift into Drive or Reverse, or it locks none. You cannot configure it per-door through the menu. If you need to lock only specific doors, you can use the manual lock buttons or the key fob after disabling autolock.

What if I accidentally enable autolock again and forget how to turn it off?

The process is the same every time. Go to Menu, find Door Lock, select Auto Door Lock, and change it to Off. If you forget the exact steps, your owner's manual has a diagram and written instructions for your model year, or you can search online for your specific S2000 year and the phrase "disable autolock" to find a video walkthrough.

Does disabling autolock use more battery power?

No. Whether autolock is on or off, the power draw is negligible. The feature uses the same door lock motors and electrical system either way — it is just a software setting that tells the computer whether to send the lock signal when you shift gears. Disabling it will not drain your battery or affect fuel economy.