Keyless entry not working right

[Explorer96xlt]

Keyless enty just stopped working, replaced batteries, still the same problem, im willing to buy a new one if neccissary, but if i can fix this one, id like to do that. anyone have any ideas what the problem could be?

[ssjrsw]

Have you tried to reprogram it? The book says turn the key on and off 7 times (I had to do it 9 times on my 98) until the door locks open and close. Then hit any botton on the remotes you want to use within a few seconds and it should work. If not recheck the battery.

Scott

[sparky2263]

Article No.
97-11-5

05/27/97

REMOTE ANTI-THEFT PERSONALITY (RAP)
TRANSMITTERS - REPROGRAMMING INFORMATION

FORD:
1996-97 TAURUS
1997-98 ESCORT

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1996-97 SABLE
1997-98 TRACER

LIGHT TRUCK:
1995-97 EXPLORER, RANGER
1996-98 WINDSTAR
1997 EXPEDITION, F-150, MOUNTAINEER
1998 NAVIGATOR

ISSUE:
This TSB article contains information on reprogramming Remote Anti-Theft Personality (RAP) transmitters and how to diagnose if the transmitter needs reprogramming.

ACTION:
Refer to the following text for Diagnostic and Reprogramming information.

DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION

If any one, but not all, remote entry transmitter button performs a function properly, then that transmitter is already programmed to the receiver module and does NOT require reprogramming. Check the functions that do not operate properly on the vehicle itself by referring to the appropriate model/year Service Manual.

If a remote entry transmitter battery requires replacement, the transmitter does NOT require reprogramming. The transmitters use an industry standard battery No. 2016 - 3 volt. Alternative battery manufacturer sources are Duracell # CR2016; Radio Shack # CR2016H or # BR2016H; and Sony # CR2016.

If there is reduced range performance or the transmitter will only function close to the vehicle, make sure the external antenna connection is made to the receiver module (if equipped).

REPROGRAMMING INFORMATION

NOTE :WHEN ENTERING PROGRAM MODE, ONCE THE FIRST TRANSMITTER BUTTON IS PRESSED, THE RAP MODULE ERASES ALL PREVIOUSLY STORED TRANSMITTER CODES IN MEMORY. ALL TRANSMITTERS MUST BE PRESENT AT THE SAME TIME TO BE PROGRAMMED TO THE VEHICLE, WITH A MAXIMUM OF FOUR (4) TRANSMITTERS BEING ABLE TO BE PROGRAMMED.

NOTE :WHEN PROGRAM MODE HAS BEEN ENTERED, ANY TRANSMITTER FUNCTIONED WITHIN 30 METERS OF THE VEHICLE CAN BE PROGRAMMED TO THAT VEHICLE, AND IN THE PROCESS, ERASE OUT ALL PREVIOUSLY STORED TRANSMITTER CODES. MOST FORD TRANSMITTERS CAN OPERATE IN ANY VEHICLE.

1. Enter Program Mode:

a. For Model Years 1995-97: Cycle the ignition from OFF to RUN/ACC five (5) times within 10 seconds, ending in RUN/ACC, or cycle the ignition from OFF to START three (3) times within 10 seconds, ending in RUN. The power door locks should cycle LOCK to UNLOCK to confirm entrance into Program Mode.

b. For Model Year 1998
(Windstar/Escort/Trace/Navigator): Cycle the ignition from OFF to RUN/ACC eight (8) times within 10 seconds, ending in RUN/ACC, or cycle the ignition from OFF to START four (4) times within 10 seconds, ending in RUN. The power door locks should cycle LOCK to UNLOCK to confirm entrance into Program Mode.


2. Press any button on a remote entry transmitter. The power door locks should cycle LOCK then UNLOCK to acknowledge transmitter code.

3. Repeat Step 2 for any additional remote entry transmitters that need to be programmed to the vehicle.

4. Turn the ignition switch to OFF to exit Program Mode. To confirm Program Mode has been exited, the power door locks will cycle LOCK then UNLOCK one last time.


FOR ESCORT/TRACER VEHICLES ONLY:

NOTE :ESCORT/TRACER OFFERS TWO SYSTEMS FOR NORTH AMERICA AND ONE FOR MEXICO ONLY. FOR NORTH AMERICA, THERE IS A FULL FOUR-DOOR REMOTE ENTRY WITH PERIMETER ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AND A SINGLE DOOR REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM WITH NO PERIMETER ANTI-THEFT. THE SINGLE DOOR REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM OPERATES THE DRIVER'S DOOR ONLY AND NOT THE PASSENGER DOORS.

NOTE :THE RHEOSTAT DIMMER SWITCH MAY CAUSE RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE ISSUES WITH THE REMOTE ENTRY TRANSMITTERS. WHEN FUNCTIONING TRANSMITTERS, MAKE SURE THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE OFF TO VERIFY PROPER FUNCTIONALITY. INFORM CUSTOMERS OF POSSIBLE ERRATIC/NO OPERATION OF REMOTE TRANSMITTERS WHEN THE SWITCH IS TURNED ON.

CAUTION :LOOK FOR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR RODS IN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS NOT BEING CONNECTED PROPERLY. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT ON SINGLE DOOR REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM VEHICLES WHERE ONLY THE DRIVER'S DOOR HAS A POWER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR. TO DETERMINE IF THE TRANSMITTER IS OPERATING PROPERLY, PRESS THE TRUNK BUTTON TO VERIFY IT RELEASES THE TRUNK.

NOTE :WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO PERFORM THE PROGRAM MODE SEQUENCE DUE TO THE IGNITION LOCKING FEATURE. IT WOULD BE EASIER TO CYCLE THE IGNITION FROM OFF TO ACC RATHER THAN TO RUN.

[ssjrsw]

That is good info. My book said 5 times to reprogram a flob and 7 times to set new codes for all flobs. After trying several times with no luck I just keeped turning the key on and off until the locks opened and closed. Thought it was 9 times but it must have been 8.

Scott

[Lenair]

I'm having the same issue. I bought 2 fobs off eBay and tried to program them last night but to no avail. The only thing I see different in the TSB is that I've not been leaving the key position at Run/ACC which is probably my problem. I'll try it tonight when I get home.

[rgoers]

When you're ready for a new one... go to eBay. I bought 2 new units for around $20 total. You can program it yourself very easily.

[Lenair]

Yep. Making sure the key position was in Run/ACC was the trick. Both remotes (picked up on eBay) work great!