I recently got a 6 position chip and was installing it yesterday. Disconnected the batteries and took the key out.

Somewhere along the way someone sloppily installed a crimestopper remote start system. It never worked for me and had some cut wires and bits always falling down. I decided to remove it which maybe was a mistake...

Now when I turn the key to start, there is a relay click under the hood and the parking brake light and other dash warning lights (water in fuel, etc.) come on. This is with/without the chip installed.

It acts kind of like a shifter interlock issue, have tried the shifter in all different positions. Any ideas on how to reset it or bypass?

 

Sounds like you might have messed with a ground of some kind. I'd look to see if that thing was acting as a ground

 

Could it be some kind of antitheft deal?

It really seems like some type of ford code because the parking brake, abs and other warning lights come on when the key is in start.

 

Sounds like the security system starter interrupt.

Some installers cut the wire from the ignition switch that sends the signal to the solenoid on the fender. Then they put a relay in there that will only allow current to the starter solenoid if the alarm is in the disarm state.

I think you may be able to turn the key on, make sure the truck is in Park, and jump the solenoid on the fender with a screwdriver to see if the starter will turn. Never tried that though. Correct way to test it is to put a volt meter on the solenoid on the fender and see if it gets the 12v signal when the key is in start. If not, trace your wire back to the ignition switch.

Are the dash lights staying on or just on while the key is in the start position? Some lights come on for bulb check when key is first turned on, then some others are only on for bulb check while key is in start position.

Kevin

 

Either that ^^^^^^ or the starter or starter relay are done. Do the test referenced above; that will narrow the search down about in half.

The warning lights aren't tied to the PCM / chip; they're all tied to electromechanical controls. They come on when you turn the key to START as a bulb check; they do that whether the engine cranks or not.

For anti-theft, put an NRA sticker in the topper window....

 

Hey guys thanks for the ideas. I will look into that solenoid wire. Everything I saw connected to the alarm system looked like it was just a splice and the factory wiring was intact.

A couple new developments: radio does not turn on. The fuse in the cab looks ok.

Also, the chip I installed ended up being for a 99 manual truck where I have a 96 automatic. Will that cause any harm?

I never remember those dummy lights coming on when I turn to start, but good to know.

 

Should not cause any harm but might shift hard.

 

Kevin, you totally called it. The start signal from the key and one major 12V+ were cut and routed through the keyless system and it's relays. Pretty much just had to look for a similar color wire cut in the same spot. Got all functions back to normal.

One of those times when stepping away and getting some other input really helped. Thanks guys!

 

Glad to help and it is good to hear that you got it going.

Thank you for coming back and posting the fix.

Kevin