I just got this truck and so far I love it, but there are a few questions that no one seems to be able to answer for me. My keypad does not work and the truck does not illuminate when handle is pulled, where I bought it was useless in finding the problem, any ideas? Also, when truck is put into drive all the doors lock and thats fine.. but do the doors unlock when the truck is put into park? Another stumper for this dealer... and... does anyone have a problem with the rear doors creeping into child safety position. Door can be opened 5 or 6 times from the inside then thats it, has to be opened from outside and switched moved back. Finally... can I get a remote starter for this truck.. I have heard conflicting stories about this one, I figured someone here might know and be able to provide some insight to my issues. Thanks!

 

First of all, I am a novice to the Ford Arena so don’t take me for a pro but what I do know is this...Based on the new ownership of my 99 EB 4.6 Expedition.

The doors should not unlock when the Truck is put into park, as that would defeat the purpose of auto lock. I hear rumors that Ford can reverse the programming to "force" the locks to unlock but from the factory it is NOT set to auto unlock.

My attitude is that I want to stay as far away from someone who has slightly more information on my car but the ability to screw up all programming. Basically weigh the desires for your locks.

As for the lights not lighting up, that is a defect. I am assuming that there is a bulb burnt out behind the keypad. On my 99 EB the keypad lights up and gives me a time window to type in the code.

As for your child safety concern that isn’t normal and I have never heard of the problem so I cant comment. I would fight that to fall under the 5/60 Safety warranty and make Ford fix it.

My final comment, you can totally get the remote start for the truck, actually it is VERY easy there are no key chips to contend with so purchase the alarm and I would have someone install it. Actually I have an appt. to take the truck in to get the alarm / remote start installed next week.

My opinion is that Ford will always give you the basics on your vehicle, for mechanical issues consult the boards to see if it is possible to do it yourself, and for electrical, pay to have someone do it as they are bonded and when they screw up they pay!


I hope that helped! You covered about all I know!

 

Yes that has answered my questions. I am just really surprised that the locks don't unlock. All my other cars did, I might just disable that feature and let everyone lock their own doors. I will now search for a competent person to install the remote start. The other issues, I called and the dealer wants to see the truck so I am going in today. I went around pressing other Expy keypads to see what happens just so I had an idea of what supposed to happen. Thanks for the reply. Lots of good advice/info here.

 

The manual explains how to turn the automatic door lock off and on. You use your door keypad to do it. It is in the EB manual. Mine was locking and I disabled it using the keypad.

 

I don't have the problem with the child lock that you identified, but I do have a solution ... Duct Tape! :P

Red.

(Duct tape is like the force, Luke. It has a dark side and a light side, and it holds the universe together.)

 

Regarding remote starter - I just got one installed in my 2000 XLT. At first they planned to use an 'override module' that would allow the remote starter (AstroStart brand) to work with the built in Ford security, but either that didn't work or they couldn't get one. So instead they installed an uncut Ford key under the dash somewhere (programmed for my truck), using the chip in the key to fool the system into thinking that an authorized key was present.

This is the same method that another shop told me they would have to use to make their installation work (UltraStart brand).

Bottom line, it all works fine now.

There is one difference with the starter to be aware of. The factory remote unlocks only the driver's door on the first press. Remote starters (the ones I have seen anyway) unlock all doors at once every time.

Drive well, Red

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-Dec-02 AT 02:56 PM (EST)]I have an AstroStart in my 1999 Expy that was installed without using a key blank. In your case, I assume that they couldn't find the right module in time.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. Well I have had the truck a full month and all problems seemed to be worked out. I am going to check out the remote starter Friday. But I am glad to know that its possible. Didn't seem likely that you couldn't get one.