Locked itself with keys in the ignition & wouldn't open to spare

I went to open the door of my '06 Access 6-speed and it was strangely locked. I didn't lock it, nor did anyone else. Keys in the ignition, where they always reside. Passenger locked, too. I dug out my spare key from the canopy and the fob didn't work, but the key did so no problem. I left the key in the ignition, closed the door, and put the spare back. Next morning the truck's locked again, but this time the spare won't open the door using the lock. I notice the parking lights are randomly flashing, and the lock actuator is clunking away. I went inside and pulled the spare fob apart, dried out some moisture, and replaced the battery. Still no luck for a while, but eventually the key did work in the lock and opened it up. Weirdest thing. Ideas? Was it the condensation in the spare fob playing tricks on me?

 

Remove the battery from the fob.
That’s the easiest diagnostic step.
If problem goes away, fob is bad.

If problem persists, it’s likely the door control receiver.
The only time the parking lights flash is when the doors are locked with the Fob.

On a side note, the fob doesn’t have to continuously keep pressing the button.
However, it seems you’d have to have a bad lock detection switch AND a signal problem.

Repeat Function
If the lock detection signal in response to the output signal is not received after the body ECU has output the lock signal, the lock signal is output again.

 

I hate the auto lock function. My 06 locked me out with the vehicle running. If the passenger hits the lock button and closes the door it will lock the truck with keys in ignition and engine running. Anybody have a hack to delete auto lock?

Sorry I don’t have any constructive ideas for your problem. Good luck

 

Give this a try.
https://itstillruns.com/change-door-lock-sequence-toyota-5640027.html

I know I've done something like this in the past and it actually works.

 

I don't think that works on the Tacoma 2nd Gen.

 

TnShooter, thank you for that detailed response.

That trick that Winkle posted sounds handy, but won't work for mine (2nd gen, standard transmission) but very handy info. A weird, convoluted way to change a personal preference, but handy to know.

On a different note, my fob battery died a few years back on a hunting trip after I had locked it up (guns inside) for the night. The next morning even though I could unlock the door manually (it was a 1st gen), the alarm would go off and it wouldn't start because no fob. I felt screwed, but another guy whipped out a couple of feet of thin wire, stripped the ends, and hooked up the truck battery to the fob and it worked! 12V is 12V. I always keep a spare battery now. Thanks for the feedback everyone.

 

If it’s the OEM system. You don’t have to worry about a NO Start if you don’t have a fob. The security system work off of a chip INSIDE the KEY. You don’t need a fob. The fob is for convenience.