Starting Problems
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Starting Problems
I just purchased a used 1997 Eddie Bauer Expedition with a factory alarm. Test driving the vehicle, it started just fine. I turned the vehicle off then got in a few minutes later and when I turned the key, nothing happened. The lights, radio and everything turned on fine but there was just a click under the hood....the motor wouldn't start. After messing with the alarm remote and pressing the unlock button...it started. This seemed to happen everytime I would get in the vehicle and start it after that. I figured it was a safety feature or something, because as soon as I would press the unlock button...the motor would start. However, after not starting AGAIN...the thing finally left me sit. Now it won't start at all no matter what I do. This seems like some kind of problem with the factory alarm. Can anyone tell me what this may be and where I can start to find out the problem. I would appreciate any info anyone can give me. Also, there was some kind key mechanism that looked almost like a computer chip on a key ring that was included that I have no idea what it is for. Does anyone know?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
Starting Problems
There is NO factory alarm system that requires you to use the remote to deactivate it to start the vehicle. That is an aftermarket alarm or a dealer installed alarm. If you heard a thunk noise under the hood then it was getting juice to the starter relay. So you may have starter relay or starter problems.
The key chip sounds like one of those security devices that you plug the chip into usually in a socket mounted under the dash. If it was an active device it would prevent starting untill you placed the key into the socket. It is an antitheft device.
You may also have wiring problems with the security system or simply a bad security module. I would look around under the dash for inline fuses that may have blown to the alarm system as well.
The key chip sounds like one of those security devices that you plug the chip into usually in a socket mounted under the dash. If it was an active device it would prevent starting untill you placed the key into the socket. It is an antitheft device.
You may also have wiring problems with the security system or simply a bad security module. I would look around under the dash for inline fuses that may have blown to the alarm system as well.
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Starting Problems
Thanks so much for the reply...you are correct, this is not a factory alarm like I had originally thought. The dealer fixed the problem which was a wire going to the starter. But I do have another question, since I know nothing about the alarm systems and how they work, I still have to press the unlock button for the vehicle to start. Is that normal and the way it is supposed to work? Thanks again for the reply and info.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
Starting Problems
Yes, that is how many aftermarket alarm systems work or are wired to work. Unlock deactivates the alarm ignition lockout. You could bypass that feature if you wanted too, and just use the perimeter alarm system. It would require simply cutting out the starter override and resplicing the factory ignition wire at the ignition switch.
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Hey guys i got a question
I bought a 98 explorer with the factory anti-theft system (keys and remote). Anyways I asked my parents to get me a spare key. (I already have 2 but need an extra one) and they got a regular key instead of the one with the chip. They tried opening the door before letting me know that they got the key made. Anyways it locked up my car. It wouldnt start now. I called the dealership and they said to wait for 5 to 10 minutes and it should restart the anti-theft system. so I did. and it still wouldnt start.
I let it go for another 30, another hour. and still wouldnt start.
the dealers said that I would have to tow the car there so they could find out whats wrong with it.
do you guys know of a way to manually restart it?
I bought a 98 explorer with the factory anti-theft system (keys and remote). Anyways I asked my parents to get me a spare key. (I already have 2 but need an extra one) and they got a regular key instead of the one with the chip. They tried opening the door before letting me know that they got the key made. Anyways it locked up my car. It wouldnt start now. I called the dealership and they said to wait for 5 to 10 minutes and it should restart the anti-theft system. so I did. and it still wouldnt start.
I let it go for another 30, another hour. and still wouldnt start.
the dealers said that I would have to tow the car there so they could find out whats wrong with it.
do you guys know of a way to manually restart it?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
Well for one thing, the keyless entry system and alarm system are totally independent of the Passive Antitheft System (PATS) with the coded keys. A standard key can be used to open the doors with zero effect on the keyless entry system/alarm system. That system would react to the lock switches attached to the door locks and are not coded in anyway. The PATS system would disable the vehicle if you attempted to START the vehicle with an uncoded or unprogrammed coded key, for a short time. If your pre-programmed keys arent working there is a problem with PATS or the programmed key. Even a bad relay for the system in the power distribution box can cause this.
There is NO way to over ride the PATS system.
You could TRY to clear any theft codes in the PCM by disconnecting the NEG battery cable for a couple minutes. This of course will also cause you to have to relearn idle strategies as a negative effect. I have my doubts that the problem is theft codes however after this long.
There is NO way to over ride the PATS system.
You could TRY to clear any theft codes in the PCM by disconnecting the NEG battery cable for a couple minutes. This of course will also cause you to have to relearn idle strategies as a negative effect. I have my doubts that the problem is theft codes however after this long.
Last edited by HomerWinzlow; Oct 31, 2003 at 09:56 PM.
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Originally posted by HomerWinzlow
Well for one thing, the keyless entry system and alarm system are totally independent of the Passive Antitheft System (PATS) with the coded keys. A standard key can be used to open the doors with zero effect on the keyless entry system/alarm system. That system would react to the lock switches attached to the door locks and are not coded in anyway. The PATS system would disable the vehicle if you attempted to START the vehicle with an uncoded or unprogrammed coded key, for a short time. If your pre-programmed keys arent working there is a problem with PATS or the programmed key. Even a bad relay for the system in the power distribution box can cause this.
There is NO way to over ride the PATS system.
You could TRY to clear any theft codes in the PCM by disconnecting the NEG battery cable for a couple minutes. This of course will also cause you to have to relearn idle strategies as a negative effect. I have my doubts that the problem is theft codes however after this long.
Well for one thing, the keyless entry system and alarm system are totally independent of the Passive Antitheft System (PATS) with the coded keys. A standard key can be used to open the doors with zero effect on the keyless entry system/alarm system. That system would react to the lock switches attached to the door locks and are not coded in anyway. The PATS system would disable the vehicle if you attempted to START the vehicle with an uncoded or unprogrammed coded key, for a short time. If your pre-programmed keys arent working there is a problem with PATS or the programmed key. Even a bad relay for the system in the power distribution box can cause this.
There is NO way to over ride the PATS system.
You could TRY to clear any theft codes in the PCM by disconnecting the NEG battery cable for a couple minutes. This of course will also cause you to have to relearn idle strategies as a negative effect. I have my doubts that the problem is theft codes however after this long.
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Junior User
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Originally posted by southprk
Just means it re-learns your driving style, etc... Don't be so worried, it's no big thing.
Just means it re-learns your driving style, etc... Don't be so worried, it's no big thing.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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You wont have to reprogram them, but if for some reason you do:
Turn the ignition off
Wait 5 minutes
turn the ignition on, then off 8 times, leaving it in the on position:
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
DO all that in 10 seconds, leave it in the ON position.. if you lose count or mess up wait a few minutes and do it again.
That puts your car in "program" mode, then just press any button on your keychain remote, and it's all reprogrammed.
Pretty simple to do.
Those instructions are for an expedition, doubt it's different for an explorer.
Turn the ignition off
Wait 5 minutes
turn the ignition on, then off 8 times, leaving it in the on position:
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
off
on
DO all that in 10 seconds, leave it in the ON position.. if you lose count or mess up wait a few minutes and do it again.
That puts your car in "program" mode, then just press any button on your keychain remote, and it's all reprogrammed.
Pretty simple to do.
Those instructions are for an expedition, doubt it's different for an explorer.
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so, the memory on the system will not be affected by the lack of power right? what I mean its not like the radio that when u take out the cable, all your presets are gone and you have to reprogram it. I just want to rule out some things before I do it. I dont want to give the dealership another reason to charge me for a new system.
Senior User
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Your FACTROY keyless entry/alarm stuff will not be reset, your radio will. Your aftermarket should have a battery backup, or similar system that won't be affected from the battery being disconnected.
I bought my Expy 800 miles from home - on the drive back it wouldn't start, similar symptoms. The starter wire had broken off, since then it's been fine.
Iff the PATS system was bypassed, they did it by taking the chip out of your key(s) and putting it inside your dash. Look for a cut in the corner of your keys. They could have bought a bypass module from ford too. Most shops just cut the chip out of the key and save you money.
I bought my Expy 800 miles from home - on the drive back it wouldn't start, similar symptoms. The starter wire had broken off, since then it's been fine.
Iff the PATS system was bypassed, they did it by taking the chip out of your key(s) and putting it inside your dash. Look for a cut in the corner of your keys. They could have bought a bypass module from ford too. Most shops just cut the chip out of the key and save you money.