My 2003 Escape sat all summer and now I tried to get it going today. The battery was totally dead so I tried to jump start it. When power was attached the alarm system went off. Lights flashing/horn blowing. I was able to get the vehicle started by turning the key but the lights/horn kept going. I was able to drive it but the lights/horns still are going. I finally pulled the horn fuse. Does anyone have any ideas? Could this be a key fob issue? Is there a way to reset things to factory settings without the trip to the stealership? Any ideas are appreciated.

 

Could be acting up due to the dead/low battery. I would see if a properly charged battery fixes the alarm first. I would disconnect it, charge it, then try again.

Batteries tend to sulfate when sitting for a long time and can be permanently damaged if a plate shorts out so even charging may not help.

I would also try only using the key to unlock the doors, not the remote. Sometimes that can reset it.