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Dorma kaba lock that is flashing yellow but will not accept any keys.



Dorma kaba lock that is flashing yellow but will not accept any keys


I have a dorma kaba lock that is flashing yellow but will not accept any keys. I have already tried reprogramming it, but it still would not flash green, and the door would not open.

When I programmed it from the Saflok HH6, it did say exit 1 door was programmed successfully. So I don’t believe the lock has malfunctioned. The lock flashing light is flashing as a lock-out key has locked it, but when I use both my keys, the lock-out key and the e-key, it does not change the lock’s status.


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It sounds like you’re having some trouble with your Dorma Kaba lock, specifically a Saflok system, as it’s flashing yellow and not accepting any keys despite successful reprogramming.

Please note that if the yellow light of the Kaba lock is only flashing, please specify the number of times the yellow light flashes because different flashes represent different problems. The following are the problems represented by the number of yellow lights flashing:

  • The yellow light flashes rapidly eight times when a keycard is used.
    • The key could be expired; make a new key.
    • The lock may be in electronic lock-out mode; use the ELO key and remove the lock-out.
  • The yellow light flashes slowly 12 times when the keycard is used.
    • A lock is in privacy mode (dead bolted); use the Emergency key to open the door.
    • Check for proper cam position.
  • The yellow light flashes once (1x) when a keycard is used: Lock or key is not programmed for the hotel, reprogram the lock or make a new key.
  • The yellow light flashes twice (2x) when the keycard is used: The key is an old key or the wrong key for the room; remake key.
  • Yellow and red flash four times (together) when the keycard is used: Lock cannot read all the information on the key, and the key may be damaged or not properly encoded.
    • Try using a key in the lock again to make sure the key is being used properly.
    • The lock may need to be cleaned (use a cleaning card in the lock)
    • Try making a new keycard and use the new keycard in the lock.

Remember, while resolving these issues, ensure that you have an alternate way of securing the premises in case of prolonged lock malfunction.

Now, according to the above information and your operation:

You have reprogrammed it, used your lock-out key and the e-key; please try the following solution:

  • A lock is in privacy mode (dead bolted); use the Emergency key to open the door.
  • Check for proper cam position.
  • The key is an old or the wrong key for the room; remake key.
  • The lock cannot read all the information on the key, which may be damaged or not properly encoded.
    • Try using a key in the lock again to make sure the key is being used properly.
    • The lock may need to be cleaned (use a cleaning card in the lock)
    • Try making a new keycard and use the new keycard in the lock.

The most important is: Please specify the number of times the yellow light flashes, and then you can know the specific problem.

For more information about Kaba door lock problems and troubleshooting, please check this article: Kaba Door Lock Troubleshooting: Expert Step by Step Guide.

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Vincent Zhu

Vincent Zhu Vincent Zhu has 10 years of smart lock system experience and specializes in offering hotel door lock systems and home door lock system solutions from design, configuration, installation, and troubleshooting. Whether you want to install an RFID keyless door lock for your hotel, a keyless keypad door lock for your home door, or have any other questions and troubleshooting requests about smart door locks, don't hesitate to contact me at any time.

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