1999 explorer sport system 1 remote keyless entry

[homerl]

Guys a could use some help.My trucks on the road and my remote is not working. Water got in it,dried out,new battery . My manual says I can override this by pushing the programming button. I've looked under the dash and can't find it.The manual tells me I can switch this remote off with procedures.Where is the switch,please?.Can't move the truck till I reset this button.Thanks in advance.

 

[Chikar]

Hi homerl;

I've got a 99 Sport 4 X 4 with remote key fobs and a keyless entry keypad on the door. I've looked through my owner's manual and can't find any mention of a "programming" button.

What page did you find it on?

 

[homerl]

Hi homerl;

I've got a 99 Sport 4 X 4 with remote key fobs and a keyless entry keypad on the door. I've looked through my owner's manual and can't find any mention of a "programming" button.

What page did you find it on?

Mine is a separate book,I have nothing on the door. I believe my truck is from the US.The manual is straight forward if I could just locate the programming button.Thanks.

 

[Chikar]

I bought my Explorer new in BC but it was built in Louisville, Kentucky It sounds like you've got a different owner's manual than I do though, strange. Mine has everything in one book, no separate book for the remote system.

Is your problem that you can't get into the truck, or it won't start?

Going out for an hour or so. Will check for your reply when I return. I have the Ford Workshop manual on DVD for the 1999s. Hopefully we can figure something out and get you going again.

 

[homerl]

I bought my Explorer new in BC but it was built in Louisville, Kentucky It sounds like you've got a different owner's manual than I do though, strange. Mine has everything in one book, no separate book for the remote system.

Is your problem that you can't get into the truck, or it won't start?

Going out for an hour or so. Will check for your reply when I return. I have the Ford Workshop manual on DVD for the 1999s. Hopefully we can figure something out and get you going again.

Thank you sir,I can get into the truck,and everything works other than the start of the starter,mind you I'm using the key to get in.

 

[Chikar]

I was afraid you had a no-start problem. The anti-theft system reads a code stored in the key itself and if it doesn't match the code in the anti-theft module the engine won't start.

It's not likely but I have to ask. Do you have a second key? If so, will it start the engine?

 

[homerl]

I was afraid you had a no-start problem. The anti-theft system reads a code stored in the key itself and if it doesn't match the code in the anti-theft module the engine won't start.

It's not likely but I have to ask. Do you have a second key? If so, will it start the engine?

No I don't have a second key.The remote after a hour and a half of trying will unlock the door therefore allowing me to start the truck.The remote got wet,the key I keep in the truck during the day.
As we speak remote chip is sitting in a bowl of rice overnight. Hopefully as recommended from another site will remove the last bit of moisture.
I really just want to know where the programming button is hidden,and than I can deactivate this remote and just use my keys to open and close the vehicle and start the car.Thanks.

 

[Chikar]

I'm reading through the workshop manual and it's explanation of how the anti-theft system works.

There isn't an actual button or switch that is owner accessible as far as I can see. Remotes can be programmed, or turned off completely, using a Ford New Generation STAR tester connected to the DLC (data link connector) which on my truck is next to the hood release.

But the remote not working shouldn't stop the truck from starting. The truck electronics reading the code stored in the key itself is what allows the engine to start or not.

Since you said the remote works occassionally and then the truck will start I think what you really have is a problem in the wiring, a bad transceiver in the steering column, or a bad PATS anti-theft module. It's not going to be a fuse if it does work now and then. That module, by the way, is behind the passenger side air bag. The air bag has to be removed to get at the module.

If you have access to a code reader the anti-theft system will normally set codes in the computer which you can use to help locate the problem.

PATS Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index

PATS Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index DTC Description Action
B1213 Anti-Theft Number of Programmed Encoded Ignition Keys Below Minimum GO to Pinpoint Test B1213 .
B2103 or B1232 Antenna Not Connected Defective Transceiver GO to Pinpoint Test B2103 .
B1600 No Key Code Received — Damaged Encoded Ignition Key or Use of Non-PATS Encoded Ignition Key GO to Pinpoint Test B1600 .
B1601 Unprogrammed Encoded Ignition Key (Keycode Format OK) GO to Pinpoint Test B1601 .
B1602 Invalid Key Code Format From Encoded Ignition Key Transponder (Partial Key Read) GO to Pinpoint Test B1602 .
B1681 PATS Transceiver Signal Is Not Received (Not Connected, Damaged, or Wiring) GO to Pinpoint Test B1681 .
B2139 PCM ID Does Not Match Between PATS and PCM GO to Pinpoint Test B2139 .
B2141 No Security ID Exchange Between PATS and PCM GO to Pinpoint Test B2141 .
U1147 Faulty SCP Link or Incorrect PCM Calibration GO to Pinpoint Test U1147 .
U1262 Missing SCP Message REFER to Section 418-00 .

 

[Chikar]

By the way, if drying out the remote overnight in the rice returns the system to normal operation I'd appreciate your posting that information.

Thanks

 

[homerl]

By the way, if drying out the remote overnight in the rice returns the system to normal operation I'd appreciate your posting that information.

Thanks

Will do ,thanks again.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

...... My manual says I can override this by pushing the programming button. I've looked under the dash and can't find it.The manual tells me I can switch this remote off with procedures.Where is the switch,please.......

If you're referring to the programming button on the
keyless entry doorpad, then it's the 7-8 button.

(I recently turned off the auto-lock feature and used
this button to get into the programming mode.)

 

[homerl]

If you're referring to the programming button on the
keyless entry doorpad, then it's the 7-8 button.

(I recently turned off the auto-lock feature and used
this button to get into the programming mode.)

No door pad,just remote hand held three button remote.

 

[koda2000]

Programming button??? I've heard of the programming procedure for remotes, but not a programming button. The programming procedure requires you to be inside the vehicle and you use your ignition key to enter programming mode to program remote entry fobs. More specically it allows the PATS to recognize a remote. You can probably dry out your wet remote, but you'll probably need to replace the battery to get it to work.

 

[homerl]

Programming button??? I've heard of the programming procedure for remotes, but not a programming button. The programming procedure requires you to be inside the vehicle and you use your ignition key to enter programming mode to program remote entry fobs. More specically it allows the PATS to recognize a remote. You can probably dry out your wet remote, but you'll probably need to replace the battery to get it to work.

8hrs of rice last night,better. Overnight tonight in the rice may just get er done.
It's actually in there now giving a additional 12 hours or so.
Talking to people today they use this rice method and works almost every time.Who da thunk it!!! lol.

 

[Chikar]

This is getting stranger and stranger.

I can't see why the key won't start the truck just because the remote won't unlock it. I use a spare key sometimes to unlock the door the old fashioned way then start the truck with that key. With both remotes sitting in the house.

Strange, but if the rice works for you who cares why as long as it works

 

[homerl]

This is getting stranger and stranger.

I can't see why the key won't start the truck just because the remote won't unlock it. I use a spare key sometimes to unlock the door the old fashioned way then start the truck with that key. With both remotes sitting in the house.

Strange, but if the rice works for you who cares why as long as it works

Hope this clears this up a bit. By unlocking the vehicle with the remote,it also allows the key to start to the truck .By using the key I can get into the truck but when the key is turned over no start.It's a anti-theft remote but not alarm.When you stop the motor you have 2 mins to restart it or the starter goes into lock mode(which is normal for what I have)Now the unlock button on the hand held remote when pressed assures the doors are unlocked and truck starter can be engaged at any time.Hope this helps a little better.

 

[Chikar]

Hmmm, that's not at all how my 99 works.

As I said, I can open the door with the spare key and start the truck. If I shut it off I can start it at any time whether it's 2 minutes or 20 minutes later. And it doesn't matter if the doors are locked or not and I haven't used the remote.

Thinking about it the requirement to use the remote makes no sense. If the remote fails or is lost people wouldn't be able to start their truck.

Wonder why your's and mine operate differently?

 

[homerl]

Hmmm, that's not at all how my 99 works.

As I said, I can open the door with the spare key and start the truck. If I shut it off I can start it at any time whether it's 2 minutes or 20 minutes later. And it doesn't matter if the doors are locked or not and I haven't used the remote.

Thinking about it the requirement to use the remote makes no sense. If the remote fails or is lost people wouldn't be able to start their truck.

Wonder why your's and mine operate differently?

Mines a US manufactured truck,but the dealers here know what I'm talking about.Apparently there are a lot like mine here from what I'm hearing.

 

[Chikar]

Mine's US manufactured as well but was built for the Canadian market. If yours was sold into the US market there must be some differences in operation for some reason.

Whatever the case, if drying the remote in rice clears up the problem for you that's what counts.

 

[smclelland84]

Ive got part of the puzzle figured out

Sounds like your keyless entry system is not factory...sounds like aftermarket to me. 99 sports that came the factory keyless entry came as a package with the door key pad and remotes.

Most aftermarkets come with a "Programing" or "Valet" botton.

Best way to find it is to try and locate where the control box is (normally under the dash near the drivers kick panel) and trace the wire from there.

Hope this helps.