1996 Explorer XLT Alarm and Light Issue

[Sharynne]

Hello all! I was soooo happy to find a forum just for Explorers and Rangers! I have a 1996 Explorer XLT 4WD that is giving me some trouble. The truck has 245,000 miles on it, and I bought it for $250, so I cannot complain LOL. I had to replace the radiator and the water pump and viola! awesome SUV! I searched first to see if others were having similar issues, and found several threads - however, I seem to have additional problems that may make a difference. Here is as much detail as I can provide:

About a year ago, the alarm/anti-theft system started acting up. Upon turning off the truck, the theft system would ding and the parking lights would stay on. Quick solution: unplug the battery and it would work fine for weeks. As time passed however, the problem occurred more frequently. Eventually, it was happening everytime I turned truck off during the day. For some reason, it very seldom ever happens at night when I am using the headlights. While waiting for the kids to get off the bus, it would be fine at first with key in accessory mode. After a few minutes, it would make one "ding" and when I returned home, would have to unplug the battery to reset the alarm. This may sound strange, but if I did not set radio stations, use CD player, etc. then it would act just fine. Set one radio station and start all over again.

Now, whenever I hit the brake, I can hear a frying noise in the radio. I am concerned about the wiring - but this is the only vehicle I own. I make $100 a week babysitting for my niece, I have MS and am limited in employment. Taking it to a dealer is out of the question at the moment due to my limited funds. I own tools, a voltmeter, and a code scanner. I can change my own oil, replace most parts and have a basic understanding of mechanics, but electrical issues are not my strong-point. Any and all help with be appreciated more than you know! I am willing to try most anything to try and fix this - just please give me instructions and I should be fine. Thanks in advance and you guys are awesome!

 

[Craigwell]

I hope you have been getting somewhere with your issues. I recently picked up a 96 EB, and have a few minor gremlins myself.

I've been searching the forums here, with the term "electrical" and have been filtering those threads that seem to have a relevant topic, and that are in the 95-2001 explorer section. (This is how I found your post, btw).

I don't have any specific info for you, but the troubleshooting process that I'd suggest from my reading so far:

1) Any fuses blowing - ever? under what circumstances? As soon as it's replaced? Key on? Off? Engine Running? etc etc.

2) Any sign of water leaking into the cabin from the top of the windshield??

I'd have to think you have an intermittant short somewhere - insulation gone from a wire, that touches ground occasionally - and causing you grief.

Not sure what these units have for a noise filter, but that could be part of the noise on braking issue.

I'm learning about the "Gem" module these trucks have, and beginning to understand that once it's cranky - lots of problems follow.

That's all I got so far. Sorry you haven't received any other replies so far, but I hope you're sticking with it to sort it out.