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Does anyone know if I can rewire something to allow me to leave my key in the ignition with the truck running. Right now with the truck running you can't unlock the doors, I leave the key in the truck with it running and its an inconvenience.
Do you have the keypad entry system - on my '99 you could lock the doors from the door panel switch, close the door with no problem. On my '03 you cannot do that, you need to hit the 7 and 9 buttons on the keypad with the door already closed and you can leave it running and locked.
I am an EMT/FF and when I go straight to the scene I leave my truck running. I sometimes don't have my keys on me. The inside door locks work, somebody hit my locks in my truck and shut the door. That time I had my spare key on me but I am looking to remedy the problem by being able to use the wireless key fob/ keyless entry with the truck running.
You MIGHT be able to pull off the steering column cover and cut one of the wires that goes to the contacts in the ignition switch that senses when the key is in the lock. With the wire cut, the keyless entry system will never know the key is in the ignition. But I can't say for 100% that it will work. Of course if you do this, the buzzer will not sound with the door open and the key in the ignition.
The other thing you could do is purchase a Secure Idle unit. We install these devices into police cars. How it works is once you are in park, push a small button to activate the system, turn the key off, and go! The engine stays running, allowing you to take your keys with you. The vehicle cannot be driven. You can try your hardest, but until the system is deactivated, the gear selector shifter will NOT come out of park. To deactivate the system, put the key back in the ignition, turn it to "run", foot on brake, put trans in gear, and off you go. System restored. Beautiful unit and would work quite well for your application as an emergency responder. I used to run with a volunteer FD (20+ years experience) so can relate to your needs in keeping the engine running. You can check out their products at www.secure-idle.com
They must have changed it between 98 and 99, my key pad worked with the truck running in 99. I'm a FF and used it the way you want to without issues. I was pissed I couldn't do it that way when I got the 03, but someone here was nice enough to point out the 7-9 button push to lock it (it was in the manual, I just over looked it). As far as the fire service goes my Explorer was the best because it had a separate lock button in the cargo area, so you didn't need to go back to the drivers door after you were geared up.