Hello a while back i posted how i was having issues starting my 2000 ford expedition. What i believed was a power issues actually turned out to be the factory alarm.For some strange reason the only way my alarm will disable and allow my vehicle to start is by opening the drivers door slowly and click the unlock button on the key chain very fast until the alarm will beep sounding that it just deactivated. YES it is that strange i only figured it out because the button on the dash would only blink when the door opened up just far enough. The problem was only intermittent until recently. I am only explaining in detail in case someone else has this problem. Now to the question is there any way for me personally to remove this alarm system or do I have to take this thing in to ford. I have been searching google for a how to guide but have not come up with anything. Can it be as easy as a fuse maybe?

Where is the kill switch and how should i wire around it?

 

I too am having Ford System 3 (or 4) Security System crazy happenings on my '00 Expi. My problems started after a dead battery and a jump start from Auto Club. I have not figured why it's doing inconsistent things yet but am able to turn off the Alarm System so I can start the car.
I posted this on another thread but this is how mine turns off:
If your '98-'00 Expi has the Ford System 3 (or 4) Security System it has a small red light (Valet Button) below the steering wheel, sort of between your knees. Look directly behind that little red light on it's wire loom that goes up under the dash, there is a very small Micro 'Emergency Override Button' about 3" behind the Valet Button on the loom. You'll need a flashlight.
When you find it, insert the key and turn on the ignition so all the dash lights are on - then push the Override Button, the Security System should now be disabled and the car should start.
You may have to hold down the Override Button while cranking the engine over.

 

I am not aware of a "Valet Button" in my 2000 Navigator which should be the same as the Expedeition but, here's some info from the Ford service manual;

The PATS is not compatible with aftermarket remote start systems, which allow the vehicle to be started from outside the vehicle. These systems may reduce the vehicle security level, and also may cause no-start issues. Remote start systems must be removed before investigation of PATS-related no-start issues.

 

Hi,
My system is the Ford System 4 Security System in my 2000 Expi installed by the Dealer when new.
Sure there are different types in these cars but just thought I'd explain how to get a vehicle started with the version that is in my car.
Mine is still not setting to the normal mode and I have to use the Override to start it each time. I cut the wire to the 125dB siren the other day when we were trying to jump the car and the alarm system has not been the same since. Today I rewired in the siren and it's still not working correctly.
When I called the local Ford Service Dept the electrical specialist I spoke to denied Ford ever installed a system like this. Funny, I have a Ford User's Manual for this System 4, printed by Ford but it just tells the basics. The Ford Dealer did not give me much confidence in their expertise.
Obviously I have more work to do before I get this issue settled.

 

It might be that your system is a Ford Licenced system or ??? My manual does not mention the system that you describe, but that doesn't mean that it was not produced. I may just have an inferior manual.

 

Here is a photo of the User's Manual that came with the car.

I noticed it has the date at 2/97 Rev. C, manual # INS0356B

If it's not in the Dealer Ford Service Manuals then ??
I'll do an internet search and see what I come up with.
Thank you for the interest!
I've solved a few problems on my car by reading these Forums, a very nice, informative website.
First time I've written though.


Edit:
BTW, I just found this thread in the F150 Forum, deals with the Ford alarm system like I have.
I'll try this tomorrow.... fingers crossed.
Security System 4 - F150online Forums

Edit#2:
I was able to reset my 'factory' alarm, it works correctly now - hooray!
The procedure for resetting your alarm was in the link above, it is:
Disconnect the battery. Wait 2 minutes for the module to lose all traces of voltage. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position. Reconnect the battery. Shut the key OFF and press LOCK on the drivers door switch. It's called reinitializing the alarm.

 

My battery is bad and replaced it today. The alarm sounds until the time limit is reached and the car will not start. How do I reset the alarm or correct my issue?

 

If your alarm system is the same as pictured above, the procedure is:
<hr style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" size="1"> Disconnect the battery. Wait 2 minutes for the module to lose all traces of voltage. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position. Reconnect the battery. Shut the key OFF and press LOCK on the drivers door switch. It's called reinitializing the alarm.

 

Our 2000 Expedition would not start and the alarm sounded every time we opened the door. We tried to jump start but it didn't work. Then we turned the ignition to just until the lights came on then switched a toggle switch on the left under the steering column. Then it started!

 

Glad to hear you got it started.
It is possible that your alarm's memory is conflicted.
I was also able to start the XP by using the 'micro' button under the dash, about 3" back on the wiring of the red Valet button.
That worked but was not a permanent fix.
Using the alarm reinitialization procedure as outlined above should reset a Ford System 3 or 4 Security System back to the default mode, so it will work as intended.

I went a step further and put a on/off switch inline with the Siren under the hood.
If I need to troubleshoot this security system again at least I can shut the d**n siren off while I work on it.
I think I'm going to crawl under the dash and take a picture of the Valet button and the 'override' micro switch.
I'll post it here when I do.

 

Moved to own thread. Here

 

I just experienced the same exact issue with my 2000 Expedition where after changing my battery the alarm system prevented me from turning on my car. Once I followed the instructions for re-initializing the alarm quoted above everything went back to normal.

Thank you so very much for posting this information it really helped!

 

You are welcome.

 

This is turning into the 'Thank Tug' thread.

I'm another who just today benefited from finding the secret hand shake above. My pristine 2000 Exp Eddie B fully loaded except it has the 4.0 SOHC. I finally had to change the intake seals. After reconnecting the battery it would start as long as it was with in one minute. After that it would not crank. Also, a curious (and loud) click/thunk was coming from in the dash, behind the glove box. The secret hand shake cured both!

Thank you Boat Tug!

 

I need help. I had to replace a completely dead battery today in my 01" expedition. I lost the foab a little while ago and was using the only key we got when we bought it from the previous owners. Now the alarm is going off and will not stop and the car will not start.