* Check the Owner's Manual: This is the most crucial step. Your Sport Trac's year and trim level will determine the exact menu options and locations of settings within the vehicle's computer system. The manual will specify if there is a setting to disable automatic door locking after a certain speed, or after a set time delay.
* Speed-Sensing Door Locks: Many Ford vehicles have a feature where the doors lock automatically when the vehicle reaches a certain speed. The owner's manual will detail how to access and potentially disable this feature, usually through the vehicle's settings menu (often accessed via the infotainment screen). It might be labeled as "automatic door locking," "speed-sensitive locking," or something similar.
* Delayed Door Locking: Some vehicles have a setting that locks the doors a few seconds after the vehicle is put in gear. Again, consult the owner's manual to find where this might be controlled.
* Remote Locking Settings: Check your remote's capabilities. The way you lock the doors with the remote might influence whether auto-locking is active. Some systems only engage the automatic locking feature if you use a specific button sequence or hold the button down.
* Dealer Intervention: If you can't find the settings in the owner's manual or via the vehicle's controls, a Ford dealership service center may be able to assist. They have access to diagnostic tools that could reveal more about your vehicle's specific configuration and perhaps even offer software adjustments.
Important Note: While disabling automatic door locking might seem convenient, consider the safety implications. Automatic door locks are a significant safety feature, particularly in the event of a collision. Disabling them completely could increase the risk of passengers being ejected from the vehicle. Weigh the convenience against the potential safety risks before making any changes.
