How do you lock a Ford Transit custom?

Locking a Ford Transit Custom is straightforward and can be done with the remote key fob, a mechanical key, or the interior locking switch. Many newer models also offer smartphone-based locking through FordPass. This article outlines the common methods, along with tips for dealing with a dead fob battery or power issues.

Whether you’re parking for the night, leaving a loaded van unattended, or just need a quick secure exit, understanding your Transit Custom’s locking options helps you protect the cargo and occupants. Note that exact steps can vary by model year and trim, so consult your owner's manual for exact behavior on your vehicle.

Remote key fob locking

Remote locking is the quickest way to secure the van from outside. The steps below cover the typical process, with variations possible based on year and equipment. If your van supports FordPass Connect, you may also lock/unlock via a smartphone app.

• Stand within a short distance of the van with all doors closed.


• Press the Lock button on the key fob. The doors should lock, the exterior indicators may flash, and the horn or chirp may sound to confirm locking.


• To enable extra security where supported, you can activate the double-lock (deadlock) feature by pressing the Lock button twice quickly within a second. This prevents interior door handles from opening the doors.


• On models equipped with FordPass Connect, you can also lock the doors remotely via the FordPass app by selecting Lock on your vehicle page.

Remote locking is the preferred method for most drivers, offering convenience and quick confirmation that all doors are secured. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle supports double-lock or FordPass, check your manual or contact a dealer.

Additional note on FordPass compatibility

FordPass Connect-enabled Transit Custom vans allow you to lock/unlock and monitor vehicle status from a smartphone. Features vary by market and subscription plans; ensure your vehicle is equipped and activated for remote locking before relying on the app.

Manual locking options

If the fob isn’t available or its battery is dead, you can still lock the van using a physical key or the interior locking switch. These methods work even when the vehicle’s electronics aren’t cooperating.

• Driver’s door outside key: Insert the physical key into the outside lock cylinder on the driver's door and turn to the lock position to engage central locking for all doors.


• Interior central locking switch: Inside the cab, locate the central locking switch on the driver's door panel or dash. Press the switch to lock all doors. The cargo doors and sliding side door (if present) typically lock as part of the central system.


• Door status after locking: Ensure all doors are fully closed before locking to guarantee the central locking engages properly.

Manual locking provides a reliable alternative when electronics are unavailable or the fob is misplaced. If you’re unsure of your particular layout, refer to the owner’s manual for the exact location of the central locking switch and the behavior of the doors.

Extra security features: deadlocks and double-lock

Some Transit Custom models offer enhanced security through deadlocks or a double-lock feature. These add an extra layer of protection against forced entry, especially when parked in high-risk areas.

• Double-lock via remote: In vehicles that support it, tapping the Lock button twice quickly on the fob can engage deadlocks. When deadlocked, the interior door handles are disabled from opening the doors from inside.


• Deadlock via outside key: In certain trims, turning the key in the driver’s outside lock after locking can engage deadlocks as well.


• Model variations: The exact method to activate double-lock or deadlocks can vary by year and trim; consult your manual or dealership for the precise procedure for your van.

Using deadlocks or double-lock adds security when you need to leave valuables in the van, but it also requires awareness that interior entry is blocked until you unlock from outside with the key or fob.

Locking when power or key fob is unavailable

There are common scenarios where the fob battery or vehicle power may be low. Here’s how to proceed to ensure the van remains secured.

• Fob battery dead: Use the physical key in the driver's door to lock the van (and unlock if needed). Some setups also allow you to hold the key near the start button to enable the vehicle to recognize the fob when starting.


• Power loss or electrical issue: If the vehicle cannot power the central locking, use the outside key to lock the driver’s door and, if possible, engage manual locks on other doors by using any accessible interior switches or external cylinders where applicable.


• Locked out: If you’re locked out due to a degraded fob or power issue, contact roadside assistance or use a spare key fob if available.

In power- or battery-depleted situations, the mechanical key remains the reliable fallback to secure the vehicle until normal operation is restored.

Summary

The Ford Transit Custom offers multiple locking options: remote key fob for quick, full-vehicle locking; a physical key and interior switch for manual locking; and optional deadlocks/double-lock for enhanced security. If your van is equipped with FordPass Connect, you can also lock/unlock via a smartphone. Always verify features for your specific year and trim, and consult the owner’s manual for precise steps, especially regarding double-lock and deadlock activation. For power or key-fob failures, the mechanical key provides a dependable backup to secure the vehicle while you arrange a replacement or assistance.

How to lock a Ford Transit custom?

The power door lock control is on the driver door. Press the button to lock and unlock all the doors. The lamp illuminates with the doors locked. Note: If there is a ladder fitted to the rear cargo door, do not open the door fully if the side-loading door is open.

How do I lock my Ford?

Using your key fob, select the lock or unlock button. When on the Vehicle screen of the Ford app, press and hold the Lock or Unlock icon.

How to lock a Ford with keyless entry?

Lock All Doors
With the driver's door closed, press and hold 7•8 and 9•0 at the same time. You do not need to enter the keypad code first.

How to lock a keyless entry door from the outside?

To lock a keypad door from the outside, most locks require you to press a specific button, such as the Schlage button or a lock icon, before manually turning the exterior thumb turn to the locked position. Other models allow you to simply press and hold any key for a few seconds, use an auto-lock feature that engages automatically after a short delay, or lock it via a smartphone app if it's a smart lock.
 
This video shows how to lock a Schlage keypad deadbolt from the outside: 1mSmart TechVilleYouTube · Aug 22, 2023
Method 1: Use the lock button and thumb turn 

1. Close the door securely. 
2. Press the designated lock button (often a "lock" icon or a brand logo). 
3. Rotate the exterior thumb turn away from the hinges and towards the door jamb until you hear the deadbolt click into place. 

Method 2: Use a single-touch lock button 

1. Close the door securely.
2. Press and hold any key on the keypad for about two seconds.
3. The lock will automatically engage. 

This video demonstrates how to lock a Kwikset keypad deadbolt from the outside using the lock button: 25sSmart TechVilleYouTube · Oct 19, 2023
Method 3: Use the auto-lock feature 

1. Ensure the auto-lock feature is enabled in your lock's settings.
2. Simply close the door firmly.
3. The lock will automatically engage after a pre-set period (e.g., 30 seconds). 

Method 4: Use a smartphone app 

1. Open the mobile app associated with your smart lock.
2. Find the lock controls for your door.
3. Tap the "Lock" button to secure the door remotely. 

You can watch this video to learn how to operate a Schlage smart lock: 10sSchlageLocksYouTube · Jul 14, 2010
Method 5: Use a mechanical key 

1. Locate the physical keyhole on the exterior of the lock.
2. Insert the mechanical key and turn it clockwise to engage the deadbolt.