2002 Explorer. Alarm sounds when locked.

[anneluna26]

Just bought a used 2002 Explorer from a private seller and found out that the alarm goes off about 10 minutes after locking the car in any way. If I dont lock it, there is no problem... other than it being unlocked. HELP?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 2002-2005 section.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard anneluna26!


I had similar electrical issues with my 02 xlt. The dome lights would stay on until the battery saver feature turned them off, the accessory delay wasn't working, the driver side puddle light didn't work, the keypad on the door would set off the alarm when I pressed it, the door ajar light would flash and beep at highway speeds, the radio would shut off as soon as I turned the key off, etc. Most recently all 4 windows stopped working.

A lot of electrical issues can be traced back to broken/damaged wire(s) in the boot between the body and the driver's door. I found 2 broken wires and repaired them. The thin black ground wire was broken and after repairing it all was back to normal. When the windows stopped working, I repaired the thick black ground wire and the windows now work like a champ.

Could also be related to the door ajar switch.

Here is the thread for removing the door panel: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=303524

Here is a great thread for checking/replacing the door ajar switch, thanks to borland for the awesome write-up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=249253

That is a great write up.

On a side note, before going through a complete replacement of the switch, you can spray WD40 into the door latch opening on each door, as these become stuck sometimes....and this can alleviate the issue.

This worked for me, after going for more than a year of the "door ajar" light coming on occasionally...mainly after a car wash, high humidity, or rain....making me unable to lock/arm the vehicle from the door keypad and keeping the dome lights on. Worth a try....it worked for me

Here is a great thread for checking for broken/damaged wires, thanks to synyster for this awesome write-up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=270081

Be sure to take your time when looking for broken/damaged wire(s). Check all the wires for breaks/damage. When you think you're done looking, look again, and again, and again. A bright flashlight can be very helpful.


Hope this helps out and be sure to keep us posted! :biggthump

 

[D Hook]

Just bought a used 2002 Explorer from a private seller and found out that the alarm goes off about 10 minutes after locking the car in any way. If I dont lock it, there is no problem... other than it being unlocked. HELP?

Is this a factory alarm? Or is it an after-market system?

 

[Doomstang]

My factory alarm would randomly go off at night. When you lock the doors it arms the alarm. It progressively got worse and my neighbors got more and more pissed (my apartment was in the back so I couldn't hear it going off at night) so I eventually pulled the horn fuses. When I got back to my parents house my dad and I had a look at it and found it was the drivers door causing the problem. We pulled it all apart until we got ahold of a piece that had a little metal ball bearing type thing that is spring loaded. It was all gummed up so after adding some lubricant to it...he was satisfied that it would be ok. We put it back together and it's been fine since.