Anti Theft Device HELP!!!

[j0shi3]

We've had problems with our 94 explorer before, with the anti theft system going off regularly(alarm)... the first time all I had to do was stick the key in the lock and press the "2" key on the factory keychain.... the second time I had to dick with it forever unhooking battery terminals, letting it sit, trying this and that... I haven't found a method that works every time ...
This morning it was freezing out, tried remote starting it a couple times... the engine would try to turn over, wouldn't work..... so I went outside, tried cranking it etc etc... engine still wouldn't turn over but it tried....
Finally I tried to crank it and the alarm went off ... after this it no longer tries to turn over but instead the starter just clicks when you turn the key....
any Ideas, suggestions... this vehicle is our only mode of transportation to and from work, christmas is coming up in a few days... I really need help

 

[scrivyscriv]

Check out these two other threads, they may help with the alarm issue:

http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=844623

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227811

Try going off the info in those threads and disconnect the alarm or see if it needs to be dried out.
As far as starting, sounds like you have a battery that doesn't like winter. Probably just needs to be jumped, then leave it on a battery charger for a day.

 

[j0shi3]

tried jumping.... I don't know what it is with the alarm... I know I have poor terminal connections and I'm going to go get terminals today.... its just happened so many times with the alarm being random... no clue :/

 

[scrivyscriv]

Can you clarify your question? I'm not sure I understand what your main issue you are trying to resolve is.

 

[j0shi3]

trying to get the car to start
as soon as the anti theft alarm came on.... the car stopped trying to turn over
and went straight to clicking when you turn the key
the battery is good, power on the battery is at the correct level
anti theft device light is now flashing

 

[j0shi3]

replaced the positive battery terminal or am in the progress of replacing it...
had the wires in apparently not tight enough cuz they came out... BUT as soon as I touched the positive to the post.... the alarm started going crazy......
if it was getting a bad connection could this be the source of my anti theft device alarm going off? if so would the methods used to turn the alarm off(key in door unlock, alarm button) actually work now that I have a better connection to the post?
don't know if i'm wording any of this good enough for you motorheads to read
/ comprehend

 

[scrivyscriv]

replaced the positive battery terminal or am in the progress of replacing it...
had the wires in apparently not tight enough cuz they came out... BUT as soon as I touched the positive to the post.... the alarm started going crazy......
if it was getting a bad connection could this be the source of my anti theft device alarm going off? if so would the methods used to turn the alarm off(key in door unlock, alarm button) actually work now that I have a better connection to the post?
don't know if i'm wording any of this good enough for you motorheads to read
/ comprehend

Yes, a poor electrical connection can cause the problems you're having. Try finding and disconnecting the alarm module as per the two threads I posted earlier up if the normal methods of deactivating the system don't work.

The The X has a history of developing crazy PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) issues related to water entering the alarm module, but I am not intimately familiar with those problems since I do not have a factory alarm.
Let us know how it turns out!

 

[j0shi3]

will wait till tomorrow when its light out and try to find the alarm module, I've had nothing but problems w/ this theft alert device, I've seen so many unresolved posts regarding this matter...
so basically what happened is that after putting the new positive terminal on the wires... the wires/terminal wasn't long enough to connect to the terminal post on the battery so I had to rig that.. and even with a good connection it still just click click click
w/ the anti theft flashing on the dash
and the red led light flashing
....
I call the ford garage and they say "bring it in"
the alarm its self isn't going off....but the lights and indicators are
and I'm pretty sure its the reason for the not starting

 

[j0shi3]

was going to disconnect the module...
decide to check online one more time
found a thread about a valet switch under the dash
turned the key to ON position
flipped the switch under the dash
waited 5 seconds turned key
BAM
started
like a effing champ

 

[fixxxer]

Get your cables and terminals replaced or repaired, a low-voltage condition in the battery will cause issues with the alarm and the PCM

 

[scrivyscriv]

Awesome!! Very glad you got your vehicle in working condition in time for Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

 

[Robrt32]

One of the very first things i done away with on mine was the alarm..... It was doing almost exactly what yours was.......

 

[aut30]

similar alarm issue

I am have a very similar issue

I have a 2002 Explorer that has had an intermittent "door ajar" message for several years. I believe it is a tailgate sensor, but the dealer says that all 5 of the sensors are fine. Recently, however the alarm has been going off (always at night for some reason) by itself. I would also be driving and the door ajar light just keeps coming on and the lights are flashing...very annoying. I am able to turn it off via the remote and reset it or just rip it out and go alarm-less?