The Lincoln Nautilus represents the perfect blend of midsize luxury and cutting-edge technology. At the forefront of this sophisticated SUV’s design are its innovative door and lock systems, which combine convenience, security, and elegance in a uniquely Lincoln way. This comprehensive guide explores all aspects of the Nautilus door operations, from keyless entry to power features, helping you make the most of your luxury vehicle experience.

Smart Access and Entry Systems

Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start

The Nautilus features the refined Lincoln intelligent access system that makes traditional key use optional:

• Approach detection activates at approximately 2 metres
• Welcome lighting sequence illuminates as you near the vehicle
• Door handles glow with soft illumination
• A simple touch on the door handle sensor unlocks the doors (when enabled)
• Push-button start requires no key insertion

Key fob operations include:

• Single press of unlock button opens driver’s door
• Double press within three seconds unlocks all doors
• Press and hold unlock button for three seconds to lower all windows and open the panoramic roof
• Press lock button once to secure the vehicle and arm the security system
• Double-press lock button to receive confirmation flash and horn chirp

SecuriCode™ Invisible Keypad

The Nautilus features the signature Lincoln SecuriCode system with an updated invisible keypad that only appears when touched. Located on the driver’s door B-pillar, this system provides entry when you don’t have your key fob:

1. Touch the B-pillar to illuminate the hidden keypad
2. Enter your 5-digit personal code
3. Press the 1•2 button within five seconds
4. All doors will unlock upon successful authentication

To program a new entry code:

1. Enter the factory-set code (found in your owner’s information)
2. Press the 1•2 button within five seconds
3. Enter your new 5-digit code
4. The doors will cycle lock/unlock to confirm successful programming

Advanced Door Operation Features

Lincoln Embrace™ Door System

The Nautilus features the Lincoln Embrace system that provides a choreographed welcome experience:

• As you approach with the key fob, exterior lights activate in sequence
• Door handles extend slightly and illuminate
• The Lincoln logo welcome mat projects onto the ground
• Interior ambient lighting gradually illuminates
• The driver’s seat adjusts to your memory position

When departing, the experience reverses:

• Interior lighting fades gracefully
• Exterior lights remain on for a customizable duration
• Door handles retract flush with the vehicle body
• Welcome lighting gradually dims

Power-Cinching Doors

All doors on the Nautilus feature power-cinching technology:

• Doors need only be pushed to the first latch position
• Sensors detect the door’s position
• Electric motors automatically complete the closing process
• The system ensures proper door seal for optimal climate control and noise isolation
• A soft, solid sound confirms proper closure

Hands-Free Liftgate

The Nautilus features an advanced hands-free liftgate system:

1. With the key fob in your possession, make a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper
2. Motion and proximity sensors detect both the movement and the key fob presence
3. The liftgate opens to your programmed height setting
4. A second kicking motion or press of any liftgate button closes it

Customizing your liftgate height:

1. Manually open the liftgate to your desired position
2. Press and hold the liftgate close button for three seconds
3. A confirmation chime indicates your setting has been saved

Personalization Through Technology

Central Touchscreen Customization

The Nautilus 38.1-centimetre panoramic touchscreen provides access to all door and lock settings. To access these options:

1. Select the Settings app from the home screen
2. Choose “Vehicle”
3. Select “Doors & Locks”

Available customization options include:

• Auto-lock timing (Off, Speed-activated, Shift-activated)
• Auto-unlock settings (All doors or driver’s door only)
• Remote unlock sequence (Driver first or all doors)
• Keypad access code management
• Key fob feedback preferences
• Welcome lighting duration and intensity
• Auto-fold mirror settings

Personal Driver Profiles

The Nautilus can store door and access preferences within your personal driver profile, which activates automatically when you approach with your assigned key fob. These profiles include:

• Power liftgate height position
• Door unlock preferences
• Mirror fold settings
• Welcome lighting configuration
• Easy entry/exit seat adjustments
• Climate control settings upon door opening

Comprehensive Security Features

Perimeter Plus Alarm System

The Nautilus features the most advanced Lincoln security system:

• Dual-stage sensors monitoring all entry points
• Glass breakage detection technology
• Interior motion sensors with intelligent pet recognition
• Inclination sensors to detect unauthorized towing
• Independent power supply for alarm functions

When triggered, the system activates:

• Progressive horn alarm pattern
• Flashing exterior and interior lights
• Notification to your Lincoln Way™ app when connected
• GPS location tracking (when subscribed to Lincoln Connect services)

Multi-Layered Lock Protection

The Nautilus incorporates several advanced security features in its locking system:

Auto-Relock

If a door is not opened within 45 seconds after unlocking via remote, the vehicle automatically relocks and rearms the security system.

Drive-Away Locking

Once the vehicle reaches 20 km/h, all doors automatically lock for safety and security. This feature can be customized or disabled through the touchscreen menu.

Anti-Lockout Protection

The system prevents you from locking your key inside by:

• Detecting key fob presence inside the vehicle
• Refusing to lock doors when key is detected inside
• Providing warning chimes and messages when attempted

Child Safety Systems

Rear doors feature both traditional mechanical child locks and electronic child locks, controllable from the driver’s door panel, preventing the doors from being opened from the inside.

Convenience Features

Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors

The Nautilus side mirrors automatically fold when:

• The vehicle is locked, and you walk away
• You manually activate folding via door controls
• The park assist system detects tight parking spaces

Programming auto-fold preferences:

1. Access Settings on the touchscreen
2. Select “Vehicle” then “Mirrors”
3. Choose “Auto-Fold” and set your preference

Door Edge Protection

The Nautilus features advanced door edge protection technology:

• Small protective strips automatically deploy when doors begin to open
• Sensors detect nearby objects and limit door swing accordingly
• The system retracts when doors close
• Visual and audible warnings activate if opening risks contacting objects

Memory-Linked Door Functions

When linked to the driver memory system, the Nautilus will automatically:

• Adjust side mirrors to your stored position
• Set power liftgate height to your preference
• Configure easy entry/exit settings based on profile
• Adjust lighting welcome sequence to personal settings

How to Fix Common Door Issues

Key Fob Recognition Problems

If your Nautilus doesn’t respond to the key fob:

1. Check the key fob battery (CR2450 type) and replace if necessary
2. Move closer to the vehicle (within 1.5 metres)
3. Try your secondary key fob if available
4. Use the SecuriCode keypad as backup entry
5. Check for electronic interference from other devices

Liftgate Operation Issues

If the power liftgate doesn’t function properly:

1. Ensure the transmission is in Park
2. Verify the vehicle battery has adequate charge
3. Clear any snow, ice or debris from the liftgate area
4. Reset the system by manually closing and holding the interior liftgate button for 10 seconds
5. Check for obstructions in the liftgate’s travel path

Door Handle Extension Problems

If the door handles don’t extend when approaching:

1. Replace the key fob battery if indicator shows low
2. Verify the feature is enabled in your vehicle settings
3. Stand closer to the vehicle (within 1.5 metres)
4. Ensure the key fob isn’t shielded by metal objects
5. Perform a system reset by locking and unlocking using the physical button on the key fob

Maximize Your Nautilus Door Experience

The Lincoln Nautilus door and lock systems represent a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design. Taking time to understand and personalize these features will significantly enhance your ownership experience.

Explore the various customization options available through the touchscreen interface, experiment with the hands-free features, and create a personalized profile that matches your preferences perfectly. The sophisticated systems anticipate your needs and provide effortless operation in every situation.

Whether you’re appreciating the choreographed welcome as you approach your vehicle, enjoying the convenience of hands-free access with your arms full, or simply valuing the peace of mind that comes from knowing your vehicle is secure, the Nautilus door systems exemplify the Lincoln commitment to creating a luxury experience that begins before you even enter the vehicle.

The remarkable attention to detail in these seemingly simple aspects of vehicle operation demonstrates the Lincoln understanding that true luxury isn’t just about the destination—it’s about making every moment of the journey exceptional.

5 Facts About the 2025 Nautilus Door Systems

1. The Nautilus features the most advanced proximity sensors yet, capable of distinguishing between the vehicle owner and other individuals approaching the vehicle.
2. The door hinges on the Nautilus incorporate special fluid dampers that create the signature Lincoln “vault-like” door closing sound.
3. The acoustic side glass in the Nautilus doors is 5.6 millimetres thick—nearly 40% thicker than standard automotive glass—dramatically reducing road noise.
4. The Nautilus intelligent doors can sense when you’re exiting in tight spaces and limit the door swing angle to prevent damage.
5. The hidden capacitive sensors in the door handles are designed to work even when wearing thick gloves in winter conditions.

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Nautilus Door Systems

How do I operate the doors if my vehicle’s battery is completely discharged?

• Each door handle has a small cover that you can remove to reveal a mechanical key cylinder. Use the emergency key blade hidden in your key fob to unlock the driver’s door manually. Once inside, you can use the manual release handles to open other doors.

Can I program my Nautilus to automatically unlock all doors when I shift into Park?

• Yes, you can enable this feature through the touchscreen menu. Navigate to Settings > Vehicle > Doors & Locks > Auto Unlock, and select “All Doors” and “When Shifting to Park” options.

What happens if something blocks the liftgate while it’s closing?

• The liftgate features obstacle detection sensors that will stop and reverse direction if any resistance is detected during closing. This prevents damage to both the liftgate and any objects in its path.

Is there a way to temporarily disable the hands-free liftgate feature?

• Yes, you can temporarily disable the hands-free liftgate through the touchscreen menu. Go to Settings > Vehicle > Liftgate, and toggle the “Hands-Free Mode” to Off. This is useful when washing your vehicle or in situations where unintended activation might occur.

How do I activate the emergency release if I’m trapped inside the vehicle?

• Each door features an illuminated emergency release handle that will mechanically open the door even without electrical power. In the rear cargo area, there’s a glow-in-the-dark emergency release handle that can be pulled to open the liftgate from inside.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*