95 XLT Started by itself - Help

[marragtop]

I have a 95 XLT 4.0 AT 180k miles. It had a dead battery this morning (I think my wife probably left interior lights on) so I put a charger on it and went to work. About 6 hours later, the car started by itself. My wife heard it and went out with the keys and tried to turn it off, but it wouldn't stop. 20 minutes later, the car stopped running for no apparent reason. It didn't overheat and the battery was still good. Now it starts and stops just like normal. I will admit there is some play in the ignition switch, but I don't understand why it would start itself, and then not be able to turn off with the key.

Any ideas? thanks

 

[cgolden]

maybe the previous owner had a remote starter put in but never told you?

 

[marragtop]

I've had the truck for 6 years, and it does have a remote start fob but I don't even know where it is as I've never used it. I don't think that would explain the inability to turn it off with the key. I think there is an ignition switch problem, but I have a hard time believing it would start automatically. Keep the replies coming....

 

[budwich]

not sure what else you are looking for... a "faulty" remote starter can do a lot of things when it isn't "feeling well".... like start a truck, not allow a truck to start, not allow a truck to stop, trigger alarm.

 

[James909]

With the remote starter in my truck (yours might be different) the ignition key doesn't turn it off when the remote starter started the truck. I can turn the key to the run position and then back to the off position and the truck will continue running. In order to turn it off when the remote starter is running it I have to press the button on the key fob. Most remote starters are equipped with features to prevent the car from being stolen. Such as, turning the engine off if the car is put into gear, the brake is depressed, or the hood is opened. So if this happens again try pressing the brake pedal to see if that shuts it off.

 

[LBarr2002]

The remote starter I had came with a warning, something along the lines off: "Danger, vehicle may start automatically after dead battery". Of course I'm paraphrasing, but it said that it may start automatically if you replace the battery, or hook the battery back up, charge from dead, etc.

I also didn't hook up the brake cut off wire because I wanted to be able to drive it from the push button starter...wasn't worried about it being stolen. Most come with a hood open switch too, which prevents it from starting with the hood open. I didn't hook that up either, so you can't count on the "safeties".

 

[marragtop]

It sounds like you are describing an after market system. Mine is factory and I don't think it has all of those features.

 

[Gus Gorilla]

It's all because of your remote start system. The battery became charged and as said before, it can do strange things when not "feeling well". Think about it, remote starts work with the ignition switch in the off position. That's the point. They also ALL have a safety limit built in that will kill the vehicle after running idle after a certain amount of time. Say 20 minutes maybe? I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[gold_expl]

If your remote start is factory you should be able to press either lock or unlock (sorry, I don't remember which but I think it's unlock) on your ford key fob 3 times for it to start, But I wouldn't sweat it unless it happens frequently.

 

[CCr]

I also didn't hook up the brake cut off wire because I wanted to be able to drive it from the push button starter...wasn't worried about it being stolen. Most come with a hood open switch too, which prevents it from starting with the hood open. I didn't hook that up either, so you can't count on the "safeties".

why? I'm just dumfounded by this.

 

[LBarr2002]

why? I'm just dumfounded by this.

By what? My key switch was worn out to the point that you could unlock it and pull the key out and drive without the key. I didn't put the brake safety on so that I could push button start it and jump in and go with no key. I didn't hook up the hood switch because it was extra stuff I didn't feel like messing with, and I'd use the remote starter to turn the engine over when I was troubleshooting stuff under the hood.

I wasn't worried about it being stolen cause I live out in the country and nobody really messes with stuff around here, nobody would want it anyway.

 

[CCr]

that makes more sense to me, with the keyed ignition giving you problems.

 

[Brandons]

Hmm, i have the factory remote starter too, never had an issue after dead battery.. however its entirely possible for a stock system, since an aftermarket system would be even more protected from that.....


Just wish it still worked.. think the antenna got cut when the window got replaced..