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RKE, weird locking issue, 99 e150

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Old Oct 15, 2024 | 07:59 PM
  #1  
Ggatten's Avatar
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RKE, weird locking issue, 99 e150

Hi all,

So... I can't use my fob to unlock doors. I must unlock passenger door with key, which also triggers alarm, then I unlock with fob. Thieves messed up drivers key cylinder some time ago, things worked fine for many months after.

I also can't lock with fob, only the lock buttons, and only after I try to unlock with fob. When trying to lock or unlock with fob, I can hear relay clicking in RKE module.

I replaced RKE with a used one, same behavior.

This all started some months ago. Wouldn't unlock, got in through passenger door. Wouldn't start either, found a blown fuse and had to bypass the security module. Fixed fuse, removed bypass, starting works.

Checked all the lock button, all good.

So, either both RKEs bad, in the same exact way, or something else.... What else? Security module? As mentioned, once I unlock a door with a key, the fob works to unlock, but not before. It's not fob battery, it's not wiring, gotta be some logic controller, no?

TIA for any ideas. This is getting annoying, would like RKE functioning again.

Gary
 
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Old Oct 16, 2024 | 09:25 AM
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Get the driver's door lock / unlock with the key fixed
That is the circuit the alarm uses (driver's door)
Program new fobs if you have to
Easy as all getout
Most, you just cycle the key on and off 8 times (or so) quick and the doors lock / unlock
Then you hit any key on the remote
Program as many as you want
Watch out for the China ones (NONE work has been my experience)
 
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Old Oct 16, 2024 | 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by manicmechanic007
Get the driver's door lock / unlock with the key fixed
That is the circuit the alarm uses (driver's door)
Program new fobs if you have to
Easy as all getout
Most, you just cycle the key on and off 8 times (or so) quick and the doors lock / unlock
Then you hit any key on the remote
Program as many as you want
Watch out for the China ones (NONE work has been my experience)
Pulled door apart tonight, didn't find much of anything in the way of wiring or switches related to the key cylinder. Obviously will replace though, need to get in through that door., especially if I can't get rke working.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2024 | 04:11 AM
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The door ajar and unlock switches are on the latch
WD-40 fixes most of the switch malfunctions
The lock actuators will need to be replaced if inop
We used to replace those switches before finding out the WD-40 fix
Replaced about a thousand switches only to replace 500 more the next week as rechecks
I would not replace anything until I sprayed that latch down real good with the WD and then retest the drivers door alarm function
 
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Old Oct 17, 2024 | 03:29 PM
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I had a similar issue on my '98 E150. after running through the wiring and finally checking the RKE module located on the left side inner panel I had a look at the Capacitors and ALL of them were below rated stats on the label I got a multipak of Capacitors from EBay and after replacing them everything was fine.... for about 4 months. Only then I discovered that Capacitors, like everything else are being counterfeited by those unscrupulous Chinese companies.. Eventually I'll purchase Capacitors from Digikey or Mouser and fix it properly.
 
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