That does not look like a factory module. There is too much flash on the second pic, what does it say?

 

That doesn't look like a stock part at all. Zip ties holding it to a bundle of wires? That's not typical Ford design. What does the red part of the sticker say on it? The second picture almost shows it, but it's too washed out for me to see.

 

Look at the connectors, that's not stock.

 

OK... we're getting somewhere now. I know for a fact that it is part of the security system because it shuts off the ignition whenever it starts clicking and beeping. It has, on a few occasions, started clicking after getting the truck started. It has become a standard issue that every time I shut down the truck and leave it, and DO NOT lock the doors, whenever I go back to the truck and open the driver door the thing starts acting up with its clicking and beeping and I can't start the truck until I cycle through the key fob once or twice.

Here's what the label says....
"These parts covered by manufacturer."
"Do not claim parts warranty on form 1863."
"Call 1-800-FORD-KEY for replacement."

I did a quick Google on the "1-800-FORD-KEY" phrase and it seems that this is in fact an original component in the Ford Vehicle Security System. I'm going to call them tomorrow and see what they say.

As for the connectors.....

The connector on the left is a two-wire connector for the starter (1 for "KEY", 1 for "MOTOR").

The center connector is an 18-wire connector.

You can't see the connector on the right, but it is a 4 wire connector labelled "Shock Sensor".

 

The only thing that comes to mind is that it is a Ford non-OEM alarm. The shock sensor is something the 2002 models do not have from the factory. I think a previous owner had a Ford alarm system installed.

 

It just doesn't seem to be cleanly placed to be a factory Ford part. Maybe it was a dealer installed upgrade to the security system, that is a genuine Ford part? I didn't know the stock security system had a shock sensor.

 

I have to admit that it looks like it has been repositioned from perhaps a different location for "ease of access". I also found some Technical Service Bulletins about the module, but they were in reference to Lincoln's Cougars, Taurus', etc.... not PSD's. I'm beginning to get the impression that someone took a Ford module from another vehicle and installed it on my truck.

I HATE things like that (except for when I'm the one doing it), because I don't know what was done or why or how!!

 

I would say that coincidence is the correct word. How many others are out there that we do not even know about? Sounds like to me that Ford had a problem with this and it should have been on a recall, but I think that there has to be so many vehicles affected before it is a recall. I wonder how long the new one will be good for?

 

For what it's worth, my 2002 F350 is doing all the things that RAMPAGE_F350 mentioned in his post. When I was at the Barre, VT Ford dealer today, the tech first did not even know what a VSM was, then couldn't find it, then couldn't talk to it (with the computer) and didn't have one to swap in to see if that was the problem. On my truck, which is Made in the USA, the VSM is under the dash above the tranny hump. It's got 3 connectors hooked to it. An old crusty guy, that cleans the snow off the cars, heard me haggling about the bill and caught me outside to inform me that, besides the fact that the tech is new, that on some models the VSM was behind the fuseblock and on some it was attached to the fuseblock. The tech did say he was waiting to hear back from Ford Tech Support. I'll post the answer, if any.

What I'd like to know is if anyone has a part number? Can this be bypassed so all the switches act normally. I know I won't have the delays or the keyless entry but that's OK.

 

The VSM is located behind the radio, as you stated, On the trucks that have a GEM it is located on the back of the fuse box. What year is your truck? That determines if you have a VSS or a GEM.

 

OK, I rummaged thru all my documentation and found it. This is exactly what is printed on the repair invoice.

4C7Z 15604 AC : KIT - ALARM / KEYLESS LOCK

The part itself was $140.84, the labor for replacement and programming of the new VSM was $145.00. With tax the total out the door was $299.92.

With all that said, some people have paid upwards of $800 for a VSM replacement. What I did to lessen the labor costs was unbolting the VSM from the firewall and let it set on the tranny hump for easy R&R for the Ford Tech. I also told the Service Manager to tell the Ford Tech to just plug-n-play the new VSM and lay it on the tranny hump and I would bolt it back to the firewall.
Believe me, it's tight but if you lay in the floor board, its doable. A droplight or flashlight, 1/4 inch ratchet, 10mm deep socket and a small extension will get the job done. There are three studs that the VSM is mounted to on the firewall. So all you need to do is remove the three nuts and your good. The studs are great when reinstalling the VSM because they hold it in place so you can start threading the nuts. Hope this helps you out.

 

Just encountered same problems - locks re-locking when at low speed or after stopping at light - then headlights blinking on/off at night when light switch set to Auto on my 2002 [/B]F250 SD Crew 7.3l. Dealer originally set couldn't replicate the problem and that check showed all systems working properly. Made them go on test drive with me then they decided there was a problem BUT took them over a day to tell me what I already knew fro this forum -- VSM had to be replaced.

 

I am having similar problems but my starter is not engageing the switch is not sending power down to my solenoid and my dome light stays lit with door ajar light on; sometimes my key fob does not work properly but it could be battery. any ideas if the vsm controls starter function?

 

They didn't put 7.3's in 2003.

 

yes they did, first part of the year...I own one...
love this thread, started in 2006....

Oh and welcome to FTE Solitairenc