Use for the door latch push/pull "lock" button?

[theslide]

I haven't been able to find an identified use for the door latch push/pull "lock" button (see pic below). The owner's manual does not address it. I assume it is a manual lock--but what would the purpose be if there's already electric lock/unlock buttons? Can someone solve this probably simple mystery?

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[ZackDanger]

So you can lock/unlock the door mechanically, separate from an electronic process.

 

[Bonnie6G]

Someone was born after 2000….

 

[theslide]

Someone was born after 2000….

I wish that was the excuse.

 

[nwGTS]

So you can lock/unlock the door mechanically, separate from an electronic process.

Close this thread.

 

[cmcbronco]

Is this a joke?

 

[theslide]

Is this a joke?

Not at all. The question is: why is this lock/unlock (ie manual and electric) redundancy needed? Why not just have the electric buttons and be done with it? What’s the point..

 

[cmcbronco]

Not at all. The question is: why is this lock/unlock (ie manual and electric) redundancy needed? Why not just have the electric buttons and be done with it? What’s the point..

Electronics do fail from time to time…

 

[theslide]

Electronics do fail from time to time…

That is true. Yet if that were a widespread concern, why doesn't every vehicle come with both manual and electric lock/unlock buttons? Is the Bronco somehow more susceptible to lock/unlock failure than others? The owners manual doesn't address it at all, leaving it open to question. Anyway--thanks..

 

[M4Madness]

My 1996 Jeep XJ that I'm sitting in as I type has electronic door locks, yet each door has its own mechanical lock/unlock rocker switch.

I'm sure being locked in your vehicle without electrical power would be fun, especially on a very hot day or while sinking in a body of water. Lol!

 

[drew707]

That is true. Yet if that were a widespread concern, why doesn't every vehicle come with both manual and electric lock/unlock buttons? Is the Bronco somehow more susceptible to lock/unlock failure than others? The owners manual doesn't address it at all, leaving it open to question. Anyway--thanks..

It’s redundancy. Considering the rather “extreme” scope of capability the Bronco was built for and what owners might put it through I’m not sure why you have so much concern with it. Ford has been placing mechanical backups in door mechanisms since they started doing electronic releases and locks. This is the mechanical backup

I guess I can forward this through and suggest the owners manual be annotated with a message saying “in case of unexpected system failure such as a broken electrical plug from removal and attachment of doors please remove top panels (hard top) or unlatch the soft top for emergency egress”

 

[Silver-Bolt]

All vehicles must have a manual method to unlock the doors from the inside.

 

[WuNgUn]

It's probably a legally required feature to still have these in cars sold in the US, despite power locks.

 

[theslide]

It’s redundancy. Considering the rather “extreme” scope of capability the Bronco was built for and what owners might put it through I’m not sure why you have so much concern with it. Ford has been placing mechanical backups in door mechanisms since they started doing electronic releases and locks. This is the mechanical backup

I guess I can forward this through and suggest the owners manual be annotated with a message saying “in case of unexpected system failure such as a broken electrical plug from removal and attachment of doors please remove top panels (hard top) or unlatch the soft top for emergency egress”

That's the most plausible reasoning yet. That or what Silver-bolt mentioned that it is required for certain vehicles..

What piqued my curiosity is that neither my Edge or Ranger have the redundant manual/electronic lock feature (just electric) but the Bronco does. The owner's manual glossing over it just made me want to know more as to why. My intention wasn't to p*ss anyone off and I apologize if anyone finds this useless or trivial

 

[Bonnie6G]

That is true. Yet if that were a widespread concern, why doesn't every vehicle come with both manual and electric lock/unlock buttons? Is the Bronco somehow more susceptible to lock/unlock failure than others? The owners manual doesn't address it at all, leaving it open to question. Anyway--thanks..

Electronics fail quite frequently in car accidents. I’m pretty sure every car comes with manual backup. Doesn’t take much force to rip the wires from the battery. Would you rather slowly burn to death trapped in a car that’s on fire, or would you rather have a double or triple redundant backup system to open your door and get out? Some cars have the door unlock mechanically as well if you pull on the handle from the inside. I’m one of those kinda guys who’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I also carry a glass breaker and seat belt cutter in my pocket at all times. You just never know when shit will save your life.

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