I have a 1998 F150 4x4 with the factory alarm. The alarm goes off on it's own, whether it is armed or not. The dealer can't find anything wrong. Any ideas? There is a neighbor with a 1997 Exlporer with the same problem.

 

The problem is in the steering column. We have a '97 Town Car that does this same exact thing. There is a brass tab that the key makes contact with inside the tumbler, this controls the key buzzer and a few other things including the alarm module. What is happening is that when armed (the system is always armed unless the key is in the ignition) that little tab moves just right or something, haven't solved that mystery yet, and it sets the alarm off thinking that someone is tampering with the car. We were able to cure it by leaving the steering wheel in the full down position when exiting the car.

 

Thanks! I'll try that. I always move it up when I get out.

 

Watch the ANTI THEFT Light, if it's blinking erratically before you get out move the wheel to where it just blinks normally (on off on off on off, in a steady pattern). That it how we first noticed it was a problem in the steering column.

 

Thanks, again. I'll let you know

 

I don't have a blinking light, just a steady light. Alarm still goes off when ever it "feels" like it. Maybe wiring. I'll check that out this weekend.

 

Your dealer can monitor the alarm data and it should show what caused it to go off, even if the problem isn't occuring while it's in the shop.
That should at least get them looking in the right direction.

 

I had it in the dearler here and "they" couldn't find anything. I bet thay don't have the monitoring equipement. It's a small town in New Mexico, Socorro, Monette Ford.

 

They should have a WDS scan tool that's capable of monitoring it.

 

Thanks, I'll find out. This is a great forum!!

 

I haven't moved the steering whell around and the alarm is not going off on it's own now. I'll tell the dealer about this. Thanks for the Help!!

 

I have the same problem on my 98 f150, I have been leaving a key in the ignition and locking the doors manually. The system does not arm and the horn has not gone off since I began doing this, it has been about a month and a half. It had been going off every few days.

 

I had the same problem but mine was caused by the door switch sticking, i found out that this can be solved by cleaning and lubing the latch on the door with WD40.

 

The first place I always look on factory alarms on a vehicle without a trunk is the hood switch. 90 percent of the time the rubber boot is worn through on the switch and it doesnt completely push in as it used too. If yours is like that replace the hood switch and you should be good to go.

rpford has a good idea too, too lube up the door ajar switches too.