Hi - Just bought a 97 from a good buddy, 200k miles and I love it. Except for the key/alarm. I don't like to carry a lot of stuff around so I don't use the key fob, just the key. Surprised to find out that locking/unlocking from the driver door has no affect on rear door - key must be used. Is that just how they are made - or is there a workaround? Would love to know the reason for that design... Also, if the vehicle is locked and I use the key to open the back door first the alarm sounds, until i walk around and open the driver door.

Thanks, Lyle

 

HI Lyle,
I'm new here too, but this sounds familiar.
I'm not sure if the US models are the same as UK, but if they are then you can only operate the alarm on the drivers door key mech (alarm switch is on the back of the locking mech). It sounds like your central locking actuator has failed too, hence the unlocking of drivers door doesnt activate the slave actuators. I Had the same problem with mine a few weeks ago, I changed the actuator and it works fine.
Also, if you lock using the key you only activate the door alarm, not the motion sensor inside.
I know this is true for the UK models, I'm sure someone will be along to correct this inline with US models.

Hope this helps

Darren