Alarm Sounds Off after Locking Vehicle

[Sixonemale]

After double clicking my key pad after exiting my 2002 Explorer, the alarm goes off about five minutes aferwards? Has anyone else experienced this, and if so is there a simple solution? Thanks in advance. It seems as though something is tricking it.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome to the forum.

I had similar electrical issues with my 02 xlt. The dome lights would stay on until the battery saver feature turned them off, 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, etc.

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 a broken wire and repaired it and all is back to normal!

Could also be related to the door ajar switch.

Here is a great thread for removing the door panel and 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

Hope this helps out! :biggthump

 

[Sixonemale]

BigRondo, Thanks for the post/reply. I discovered that the back window wiper was on and have since turned it off, in addition to checking all cabin lights and making sure that they were turned off. I also pulled the rubber boot out of the door to take a look at it, no problems thus far today.

 

[BigRondo]

BigRondo, Thanks for the post/reply. I discovered that the back window wiper was on and have since turned it off, in addition to checking all cabin lights and making sure that they were turned off. I also pulled the rubber boot out of the door to take a look at it, no problems thus far today.

Keep us posted!

 

[Sixonemale]

It's been about a week, but last night the alarm went off on it's own. Apparently the problem is not solved!

 

[BigRondo]

It's been about a week, but last night the alarm went off on it's own. Apparently the problem is not solved!

I would check for broken wires.

 

[Sixonemale]

I actually had an expert look at it today and he disconnected the spring loaded hood sensor that is located on the passenger quarter panel just below the hood. He said that more times than not, that sensor is the problem, hence the reason it was going off in the middle of the night when the temperature is close to being it's coldest throughout the day/night time period. I should know within a couple of days and if this is the problem I will post a photo of the exact sensor I am speaking about. If not, I will check for broken wires, etc.

 

[BigRondo]

I actually had an expert look at it today and he disconnected the spring loaded hood sensor that is located on the passenger quarter panel just below the hood. He said that more times than not, that sensor is the problem, hence the reason it was going off in the middle of the night when the temperature is close to being it's coldest throughout the day/night time period. I should know within a couple of days and if this is the problem I will post a photo of the exact sensor I am speaking about. If not, I will check for broken wires, etc.

Thanks for the update. Good luck.

 

[Sixonemale]

Unfortunately, it was not spring loaded hood sensor, but now the problem is solved. There were no broken wires, but a typical electrical expert has a difficult time diagnosing this problem because it is so intermittent. After spending some time on it, my electrical expert that worked on my car recommended that I take my car to Ford. I did and they hooked up a special diagnostic tool, that they only have, and low and behold it was drivers door ajar switch. In retrospect, I should have dove in and replaced it initially, since it's only a $32 part.

 

[BigRondo]

Glad you got it fixed. :biggthump Sometimes your first instinct is the correct one, but hind sight is always 20-20.