Ok folks; I bought this 98 ranger about a month ago an dI noticed a flashing red light by the driver's side door; it would flash when the truck was turned off. Great so far... The other day I went out to start my truck and it barely turned over, so I figured it was a bad cell in the battery. Took it to Auto Zone and had a new Battery out in. The instant I hooked the + and - up to the battery, this screeching noise scarred the S*&t out of me, and that's when I realized it had a theft deterrent system in it. So I started my truck after shutting off this SOB and drove to the grocery store to get a few things. When I returned, this little light is just flashing away. I got in the truck, and attempted to start it, but nothing happened. And when I say nothing, I mean nothing. I freaked out for a second, then thought to myself maybe that alarm system has some sort of engine disabling system in it. So I pressed the unlock button on my FOB and wouldn't you know, the truck turned over and started. Now, ever since replacing the battery, every time I turn off my truck, whether locked or not, this security system disables the starter after about 5 minutes. Q: Is this factory installed? Q2: Can I disable this thing. I don't know what I would do if the FOB all of a sudden quit working. Any advise out there? Thank you<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

 

Sounds like an after market system, as Fords PATS anti-theft system has the blinking "Theft" light in the instrument panel & uses the vehicles horn as an alert.

Maybe look up the former owner (should be on the title) & find out what brand of anti-theft system it has.

 

Great idea! Thanks for the info. I knew someone would help jog my mind a little.