A tip I thought I'd share.

I thought one of my '97 Ranger remotes was bad. I had left it in storage for several years. New battery, cleaned the contacts, checked the circuit board for damage, etc. None of the buttons did anything. I was about to replace it when I ran across remote reprogramming instructions. Now it works again.

Reprogramming Steps:

1. Keep foot off brake. Turn ignition from Off to Run 5 times within 10 seconds. Leave in Run position on 5th time.
2. Locks will cycle to indicate computer has entered programming mode.
3. Press any button on a remote. Locks will cycle to confirm programming.
4. Repeat #3 with additional remotes--all remotes must be programmed during the same routine in order for all to work.
5. Turn ignition to Off. Locks will cycle to indicate computer has exited programming mode.

Key Fob Remote Programming Instructions: 1997 Ford Ranger Key Fob Remote Programming Instructions