Alarm Triggered on Exiting Vehicle

[BraveUlysses]

2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L SOHC V8

Longtime forum reader here, joined to try and get some help with an alarm problem that has reared its head.

I have recently begun to have an issue with my February '02 production explorer where the alarm system will trigger upon exiting the vehicle. I have previously had the common 'Door Ajar'/'Alarm going off on its own' problem which was due to a faulty door jamb switch in the passenger front door.

Since correcting that issue I also added a generic keyless entry remote that works as expected. After completing some other maintenance tasks, I noticed that the alarm system now triggers when exiting the vehicle from locked state. This happens after driving regardless of whether the door unlock button (on the vehicle) is pressed prior to exiting. The only way I have found to disable this is to use the keyfob to disarm the alarm from inside the vehicle before exiting. I have tried to disable the auto locking feature and the driver door keep unlocked feature, to no avail.

The alarm triggers with the key in the ignition in all positions and with the key removed. Before replacing the switch I do not remember ever having this issue in 9 years of ownership.

Interestingly, my explorer's wiring seems to match the fuse boxes shown in the 4th printing of the 2002 manual, although the one I received with the vehicle was a 6th edition (which wasn't released until April 2002). I'm guessing the previous owner picked up a newer version at some point from the dealer, but the fuse box (at least the main distribution panel) changed drastically from the 4th to 6th edition. I've been unable to find a 5e from Ford's website or otherwise. The discrepancy in the fuse layouts has made me hesitant to try and do any detailed electrical troubleshooting without more concrete documentation.

Any help or tips are greatly appreciated. I apologize if this has been answered elsewhere, as I searched best I could for another post with a similar issue.

 

[amj441]

2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L SOHC V8

Longtime forum reader here, joined to try and get some help with an alarm problem that has reared its head.

I have recently begun to have an issue with my February '02 production explorer where the alarm system will trigger upon exiting the vehicle. I have previously had the common 'Door Ajar'/'Alarm going off on its own' problem which was due to a faulty door jamb switch in the passenger front door.

Since correcting that issue I also added a generic keyless entry remote that works as expected. After completing some other maintenance tasks, I noticed that the alarm system now triggers when exiting the vehicle from locked state. This happens after driving regardless of whether the door unlock button (on the vehicle) is pressed prior to exiting. The only way I have found to disable this is to use the keyfob to disarm the alarm from inside the vehicle before exiting. I have tried to disable the auto locking feature and the driver door keep unlocked feature, to no avail.

The alarm triggers with the key in the ignition in all positions and with the key removed. Before replacing the switch I do not remember ever having this issue in 9 years of ownership.

Interestingly, my explorer's wiring seems to match the fuse boxes shown in the 4th printing of the 2002 manual, although the one I received with the vehicle was a 6th edition (which wasn't released until April 2002). I'm guessing the previous owner picked up a newer version at some point from the dealer, but the fuse box (at least the main distribution panel) changed drastically from the 4th to 6th edition. I've been unable to find a 5e from Ford's website or otherwise. The discrepancy in the fuse layouts has made me hesitant to try and do any detailed electrical troubleshooting without more concrete documentation.

Any help or tips are greatly appreciated. I apologize if this has been answered elsewhere, as I searched best I could for another post with a similar issue.

My second gen behaves the exact same way. Typically its when I lock the door with the interior locks without the key in the ignition and then try and open the door.

You may want to see if the switch is reading whether or not the key is in the ignition. you can use a scan tool to do this or if you get the door chime reminder when you have the keys left in the ignition and the driver door open it should chime.

I dont know if its like the second gen where they have a factory aftermarket module for the alarm in which it is tied into ignition circuit.

If this showed up after you replaced the ignition switch, double check that the lock cylinder actuates correctly, if its like the 1st gen escapes then a small pin should pop out at the base of the lock cylinder when the key is inserted which presses a button on the ignition switch. if its like the second gen it should have a small reed switch thats contact closes when the key is inserted(if I remember mine correctly).

I hope this gives you somewhere to start.

 

[BraveUlysses]

Thanks for the reply! I believe that the switch is reading the key correctly in the ignition based on the reaction of the chimes, etc. I will break out my scan tool and do some more investigating.

I have not touched the ignition switch, but I could be experiencing the issue you describe from age/wear and tear.

I'll keep troubleshooting and see if I can get some sort of logic on what triggers it.