The automatic locking system of the Lynk & Co 08 fails in 20 to 30 per cent of cases, according to reports from owners. The keyless entry (the keyless locking system that locks the doors automatically without using the remote control) does not lock the doors automatically after walking away, while this function works flawlessly with many other brands. The causes are often weak signal strength from the key fob, interference from environmental factors or outdated firmware.
Frustration among owners is understandable. You park the car, walk away with the key in your pocket and later discover that the doors are not locked. Find out why this happens and what you can do about it.
Why doesn’t my Lynk & Co 08 lock automatically
The automatic locking works via keyless entry with detection of the key. When you walk away with the key fob, the system is supposed to register this and lock the doors. With the Lynk & Co 08 this mechanism regularly fails because of various factors.
Battery problems in the key fob are the most common cause. A weak battery sends out a signal that is too weak, meaning the car cannot correctly measure the distance. The car’s own battery also plays a role. When the voltage is low, the electronics respond more slowly or not at all.
Interference from electronic devices disrupts the signal between key fob and car. Think of phones, Wi‑Fi networks or the phasing out of 2G and 3G networks. These external signals can confuse the keyless system. Metal structures in car parks and extreme temperatures amplify this effect.
Software-related faults are another issue. Outdated firmware causes glitches in the keyless locking system. After system updates owners often report that the function suddenly does work, whereas previously it consistently failed.
‘ A quick check prevents unnecessary frustration. ’
How do I switch on automatic locking on the Lynk & Co 08
You can find the setting for automatic locking in the car’s infotainment system. Go to the settings menu and look for the section with locking options. Here you can switch keyless entry and automatic locking on or off.
Check whether the function is actually activated. Some owners discover that a software update or service appointment has reset the settings. A quick check prevents unnecessary frustration.
If the option is not available in the menu, a software update is required. Install the latest OTA update (over‑the‑air update, where the system is updated wirelessly via the internet) via the system. These updates sometimes activate missing functionality and fix bugs that block automatic locking.
What is the problem if the doors do not lock automatically
Several specific problems lead to the lack of automatic locking. A self‑check helps you find the cause before you call in professional help.
Problems with the key fob
Test the key fob at a distance of two metres from the car. Replace the battery and check whether the signal improves. Don’t keep the key in your trouser pocket when parking, as body heat and metal objects weaken the signal.
You can minimise interference by keeping the key fob in a bag or jacket instead of directly against your body. This simple step noticeably improves signal strength.
Resetting the system
A full reset resolves temporary software errors. Switch off the car and open all the doors. Leave the vehicle with the doors open for ten minutes. This resets the keyless locking system and recalibrates the sensors.
After the reset, test the system by parking as normal, getting out and walking five metres away. Check whether the doors lock. Repeat this test a few times to see whether the problem has been structurally resolved.
Carrying out a software update
Check the software version in the infotainment system. Outdated firmware is responsible for many keyless faults. Download and install available updates via the built‑in over‑the‑air function (OTA, which updates the system wirelessly via the internet).
After the update many owners report improved reliability of the automatic locking system. The update fixes bugs and significantly improves detection of the key fob.
Diagnosis and solutions for persistent problems
If basic checks do not help, the cause lies deeper within the system. Professional diagnostics at a Lynk & Co service centre will reveal defective sensors or calibration problems.
Technicians check the following components:
- Keyless sensors in door handles and bumpers
- Connections between the central locking unit and doors
- Software configuration and error codes in the system
- Signal strength of the key fob and receiver module
Sensors may be incorrectly calibrated or become defective due to moisture ingress or wear. Recalibration usually solves this without replacing parts. This requires specialised equipment that is only available at dealers.
Temporary solutions for daily use
While you are waiting for repair or service, the Lynk & Co app offers a reliable solution. Via the app you can lock the car remotely after parking. This prevents you from leaving the car unlocked.
You can set manual locking via the menu as an emergency solution. Press the lock button on the key after getting out. This takes an extra step but guarantees that the car remains locked.
‘ Ask for a quote in advance to avoid surprises. ’
How much does it cost to repair a door‑locking fault
The costs vary greatly depending on the cause and the repair required. Software updates and recalibration are often covered under warranty or routine maintenance. This means no or minimal costs for the owner.
Replacing a defective sensor costs between 150 and 300 euros each, including labour. If the central locking unit is damaged, costs rise to between 500 and 800 euros. These prices apply to work carried out at an official Lynk & Co service centre.
Diagnostics cost on average 75 to 125 euros. This amount is often offset against the repair if you have the work carried out. Ask for a quote in advance to avoid surprises.
Prevention and maintenance for optimum performance
Regular maintenance prevents many locking problems. Perform software updates monthly to keep the system up to date. This takes little time and improves the reliability of all the car’s electronics.
Test the automatic locking weekly by deliberately walking five metres away from the car and checking whether the doors lock. Early detection of faults prevents more serious problems.
You can influence environmental factors by not keeping the key fob directly next to electronic devices. Keep some distance from phones and tablets in your bag. Preferably park away from metal structures that can block signals.
Replace the key fob battery preventively once a year, even if it still works. A weakening battery causes unreliable signals before it is completely flat. This small bit of maintenance costs little and prevents a lot of frustration.
Real‑world experiences of Lynk & Co 08 owners
Forums show clear patterns in the problems. Many owners report that automatic locking initially fails, but works reliably after a service appointment or major software update. After repair, the function often performs better than on older models from other brands.
A recurring tip from experienced owners is to park with the key fob in a bag. This minimises interference and improves detection. The majority report that the function remains stable once correctly calibrated and updated.
Some owners switch to fully manual operation because they do not trust the automatic system. This is a personal choice, but it does mean you are not using one of the car’s main convenience features.
‘ The cost of repair is often lower than the consequences of damage or loss. ’
When professional help is needed
Consult a service centre when basic solutions do not work. If the car consistently fails to lock despite new batteries, updates and resets, this points to a hardware problem.
Do not wait too long to have it repaired. An unlocked car poses a security risk and can lead to theft or break‑ins. The cost of repair is often lower than the consequences of damage or loss.
Document the problem by noting when it occurs and under which circumstances. This information helps technicians diagnose intermittent faults that cannot always be reproduced in the workshop.
On the Carnews website you will find much more information on common problems with different car brands and models. Discover tips for maintenance, diagnosis and repair that help you get the most out of your car. Explore the site for more practical knowledge about your vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
The most common causes are a weak or flat battery in the key fob and disruptions in wireless communication, for example from nearby phones, Wi‑Fi or other electronics. Environmental factors such as large metal structures or extreme temperatures can also interfere with key recognition. In addition, outdated or incorrect software/firmware versions of the vehicle often play a role, causing the keyless and auto‑locking functions to work irregularly. In some cases, poor or incorrect calibration of sensors in the locking system is the underlying cause.
You can recognise early symptoms from the fact that the car does not consistently lock automatically when you walk away, or that the doors sometimes remain open while you think it is locked. The keyless function may also respond irregularly, for example you have to come closer to the car than usual before it “sees” the key. If you notice that this happens more often as the key fob battery gets older, or in environments with a lot of electronics, that is an extra indication. Test regularly by walking 5 metres away after parking and checking whether the car actually locks.
Yes, there are some known solutions and preventive measures for faults in the automatic locking system of the Lynk & Co 08. It helps to replace the key fob battery in good time, keep the car’s software up to date via OTA updates and keep sources of interference such as phones and Wi‑Fi routers as far away from the key as possible. In addition, if problems persist you can have the sensors and firmware checked and calibrated at a Lynk & Co service centre. As a temporary measure you can lock the car manually or via the app until the system functions reliably again.
You can carry out basic diagnostics and simple fixes yourself, such as replacing the key fob battery, checking for the latest software update and resetting the system by switching the car off for a while. If the problem persists, professional diagnostics at a Lynk & Co service centre are required to check the sensors and firmware and, if necessary, recalibrate them. For professional repair or recalibration you should roughly allow for diagnostic and labour costs in the order of a few hundred euros, depending on the nature of the problem and warranty/subscription conditions. Any software updates are often included with service or OTA and usually do not incur any separate high costs.
Faults in the automatic locking system pose safety risks because the car can unintentionally be left unlocked, making theft or break‑ins easier. If the doors regularly fail to lock or lock irregularly, this can also lead to an increased risk of damage or vandalism to the car. Structural problems or recurring faults can damage the model’s reputation and perceived reliability, which can negatively affect its resale value. In addition, the costs of repeated diagnostics, repairs and any damage claims can increase the total cost of ownership and thus reduce the perceived value of the car.