Shift into park, keep engine running, open driver's door, keep it open, turn off engine. The reminder chime starts to sound. Why does it chime? I thought maybe as a reminder to take the SmartAccess key but if you shut the car off before opening the door the chime does not occur.

 

I can't really answer your question but can confirm the my car does the same thing. I haven't really paid much attention to it but because if often happens when I pull into my garage I have have wondered if it isn't related to the fact the the headlights are on.

Dave Mac

 

When the sunroof is left open, it chimes and gives you the message on the dash that the sunroof is open. For your example, it chimes with no message. And, the lights can be off too.

Mine does it too. I have always wondered myself, but placed it on the "not concerned" list.

However, if anyone else knows why...I'd love to know.

 

The owner's manual does list this scenario as expected behavior. There is an "Electronic Key Alarm" section that has a chart and lists all the scenarios where the chime will be triggered and this is one of them but there is no explanation as to WHY the chime sounds in this situation.

Alarm: Interior alarm pings continuously

Situation: Turned the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY mode while the driver's door is open (Opened the driver's door when the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is in ACCESSORY mode.)
Correction Procedure: Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF and close the driver's door.

Situation: Turned the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF while the driver's door is open
Correction Procedure: Close the driver's door.

 

Try turning off the car first then opening the door.

 

Yes, I know THAT will avoid the chime, I'm just curious why it does it in the first place if the door is opened first.

 

IIRC, it chimes because the steering wheel is not locked. Just press and release the black rubber door switch by hand, and the steering wheel will lock and the buzzer will cease. It's annoying and seems pointless to me.

 

Please elaberate on the black rubber door switch....thanks

 

Seems pointless to me too but that explanation does make sense since when I turn the car off first and then open the door I hear the steering column lock itself.

 

It's certainly annoying. I've learned to turn the car off before opening the door.

 

While the door is open reach over to the inside of the door jam and you will find the rubber switch beside the "tire and loading information" sticker that is right below the striker plate. Press in and release.