Another Door Lock Problem

[kware1]

I'm new to this site and noticed within the first five minutes that door lock problems on Ford X's are very common.

My issue is that all locks started locking and unlocking for about five minutes after starting the car and sometimes intermittently after that. After disconnecting the battery, that issue went away.

But now, the door locks seem to work fine, but the rear window will not open, the auto lamps do not come on by themselves, and the interior dome light will not come on with the doors open. In addition, there is a static-like sounds emitting from the passenger side quarter panel area.

Is this the Central Security Module?

 

[rrgone]

Welcome aboard. What's your build date (mo/yr)?

 

[kware1]

Hi-
It is a 2002 Eddie Bauer Explorer. It has a factory alarm, but I had a Viper with remote start installed. In a sense, it seems as though the car thinks the doors are always closed because the dome light does not come on when I open the door and the delayed shut off on the radio stays on when I leave the car. (It is supposed to shut off when I open the door).

 

[rrgone]

Did everything work right before the aftermarket alarm/remote start was installed?

The reason I asked about the build date is early build '02s have a GEM that controls the stuff you're having problems with. The build date is on the tag found on the end of the driver's door. If it's before 03/02 it's an early build.

On the other hand, gremlins with the interior lamps, puddle lamps, and delayed accessories are often traced to a wire that's broken or chaffed inside the rubber boot between the drivers door and frame. You can check that out but it sounds like you have more going on than that.

 

[kware1]

Oh, Okay. I thought you were looking for model and year. I have to check the door to find the build date.

From what I've read thus far, it sounds like cars with the GEM, it is found somewhere behind the dash or towards the front of the car, and those with Central Security Modules are found by the C-Pillar. I hear a lot of static coming from behind that panel.

And yes everything did work right before the install

 

[kware1]

I found the build date is 03/02. Would that make it an later build?

 

[Donner]

(Sorry guys, quick questions for Kware1: what happens when you put Viper in valet mode?

 

[rrgone]

Allright, when I read the first post I thought the static noise was coming from up front on the passenger side. That's why I was thinking maybe you had an early '02 with the GEM. But if the noise is coming from the passenger side C pillar behind the lower trim panel then that's where the Security Module is. If it started acting up right after the alarm was installed then it seems pretty likely that's what caused it. Who did the install? I don't know anything about Viper, but like Donner said can you disable/disconnect it to see if problem solved? Hopefully the module isn't fried.

 

[Donner]

I'd disable it to see if everything works still... just do valet to check. It sounds like whoever did the install did some type of splicing. I have a viper alarm and a factory - long story short - use the factory alarm. Viper is good, but if it's causing problems, get it fixed or get it removed. It sounds like it's being used mainly for the remote start feature.

 

[kware1]

Thanks for your help guys. I will try the Valet mode and see if that helps. If not, I'll go back to the installer for them to disable and check it again. I have 2 questions.
1. If it is the CSM, do have to get it from the dealer and does it need to be programmed?
2. The remote start is very important to me and I paid over $600.00 installed. Can it really not be used with my car?

 

[DavidS]

Does your auto headlights and auto drivers seat also work? How about the key fob door locks and liftgate release? Mine had a complete GEM module failure that's estimated at $600 plus the mandatory $100 diagnosis fee. No word if it can be reprogrammed for $250 or if a replacement is required. My diagnosis that Ford electronics suck big time.

 

[kware1]

The liftgate and auto lights do not work, but the seat does. I don't use the factory key fob.

The interior lights do not come on when the door is opened.

Did your problem develop after an aftermarket install?

It looks like I better
get ready to spend 700 hundred.

 

[vp6799]

Putting the Viper into Valet mode will "NOT" do anything about solving your issue. You can still lock and unlock the doors with the Viper in Valet mode. All Valet mode does is disable the alarm system. The remote start, lock, and unlock features are still in the active circuit and can be used as normal. The only way to rule out the Viper is to disconnect the brain from the harness's.

kware1; your problem sounds like the CSM. That controls all of the features that your having problems with.