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While fixing the short in the OD OFF switch on the shift column (you know the one, and yes, I disconnected the battery and waited 30 min <grin>, when I reassembled everything and reconnected the battery, the key-in-ignition/seatbelt unlatched buzzer sounds when the door is open and no key in the ignition switch. Close the door and all is well, buzzer silences.
I noticed when putting the key tumbler back in the switch that there is a contact that mounts on the very outside of the hole that the key assembly goes into, and a metal tab meets the tumbler as it goes in, like some sort of ground or something. That plastic was pretty brittle and I inadvertently broke some of the part that holds it in place. I was able to get it in place and I think it's making good contact. I'm not sure what that contact does. If you look at the hole straight on, you'll see this contact at about the 8 o'clock position.
Any thought as to why the buzzer is acting this way? Doesn't seem to be a deal-breaker, just annoying.
And I'll bet I can find this contact at the pull a part, but thought I would run it by the brain trust first.
Locksmith, you are correct. That is the part *exactly*. When I pulled the key assembly (assuming that's the correct name), a bit of the plastic that holds that switch in place broke off, keeping it from staying exactly in place.. When I reassembled the unit, I tried to hold it all together, but it's not quite right, as you can imagine.
I may try the pull a part to see if I can get a decent one and splice it in. Or, like you say, take it out all together. I keep a hide-a-key close by.
Thank you, and apologies to you and everyone on the list, some search items about this opened up and talked of this problem, but Locksmith's answer is the most complete.
I hated that constant buzzing when keys left in the ignition switch because I purposely leave the keys in the van when it doesn't need to be locked. I removed that contact altogether to stop the noise. I have trained myself to always check my pockets for keys before locking the van, most often I carry my car alarm/deadbolt lock trigger key ring to be sure I'm not locking myself out.
Of course I have one of the Hide-A-Key boxes accessible on the outside just in case.
One last question to you both, setting the annoyance aside, there is no long term damage to the vehicle until I get this worked out? I've got a road trip coming up and don't want to crack anything open till I get back.
It's not going to damage anything to leave it like that you'll just have the key in ign chime every time you open the door. The only problem I think you could experience would be if you accidentally left your lights on. The chime is supposed to be for both and if it's going off all the time you might not associate it with your headlights. Then you'll have a dead battery.
I wouldn't recommend cutting wires. Since you have your key and it's super easy to remove the lock cylinder, just pull that connector out of the way and tape it off so it doesn't get grounded out.
My 2005 E-350 has a separate chime for the headlghts left on and key in ignition so when I didn't reinstall the tab fitting I'm still warned of lights on with key off and door open. My 2000 is the same way.
I could be wrong about there not being separate alarms but I know leaving that tab uninstalled, taped up and tucked inside the column shroud works to stop that )(#*$)# annoying buzzer!
, when I reassembled everything and reconnected the battery, the key-in-ignition/seatbelt unlatched buzzer sounds when the door is open and no key in the ignition switch. Close the door and all is well, buzzer silences.
