Dealer Installed Door Lock Remote & New Ignition Switch

[Conniption]

Both my 1995 Explorer and 1995 Ranger have the same issue. The Dealer Installed Key Fob remotes had stopped working some time ago. I bought new ones, reprogrammed them correctly, but they never worked. I had previously programmed spare remotes with success as the originals became damaged or lost so I am confident it wasn't a programming issue.

THEN - I got around to replacing the ignition key switches in both as they were getting pretty sloppy. Bingo!!! The remotes started working again so new batteries for the remotes, new spare remotes, etc., etc. Very happy.

AND THEN - about a week after the new ignition switch install the fobs suddenly stopped working. Worked when I got out of the vehicle, locking the doors and setting the alarm. Wouldn't work to unlock or any time thereafter including complete reprogramming.

Anyone seen this problem and have a solution? I've owned both vehicles since they were new.

 

[koda2000]

On vehicles with OE remotes, the thing that receives the wireless remote signal is the RAP module. It has separate relays it actuates for locking and unlocking the doors. It's really strange that both of your vehicles have the exact same problem and that replacing the key lock cylinders had anything to do with remotes working, as the key lock isn't an electronic component. It's just mechanical. Maybe you disturbing wiring in the steering column had some effect? Do you have tilt-wheel? Sometimes the wiring in the column gets pulled by the steering wheel being moved up/down, but I'll never heard of that issue having anything to do with key-less remote operation. Very strange.

As your key-less remotes were dealer installed, I have no idea where your problem might be. I'd start by looking for added wiring around the ignition switch (located on the steering column near the firewall) for added wiring and an aftermarket receiver. It has to be getting power from somewhere.

 

[Conniption]

I had assumed there must be some sort of key position indicator in the alarm system, but if not, then who knows. I routinely adjust the steering wheel position in the Explorer as my wife and I occasionally drive it. However, the Ranger is pretty much never adjusted so don't know if the column adjustments would have an impact. The coincidence seems beyond coincidence that both would be affected the same way within the same time frame. Where would I find the RAP module for these dealer installed remote units and what does it look like? Perhaps I can just replace the module.

 

[koda2000]

I had assumed there must be some sort of key position indicator in the alarm system, but if not, then who knows. I routinely adjust the steering wheel position in the Explorer as my wife and I occasionally drive it. However, the Ranger is pretty much never adjusted so don't know if the column adjustments would have an impact. The coincidence seems beyond coincidence that both would be affected the same way within the same time frame. Where would I find the RAP module for these dealer installed remote units and what does it look like? Perhaps I can just replace the module.

On the Explorer the RAP module is located in the extreme front of the jack compartment. It's a cream colored box. The door relays are also located in this area. You'll need to remove the trim panel to access the module and relays. As your key-less entry was dealer installed, I don't know it the RAP module has anything to do with the way your remotes work. On your Ranger I don't know where Ford stuck the RAP module, but I'm guessing it might be located in the dash over the glove box (that's where it's located on my '01 Sport Trac behind the passenger side air bag, though apparently on some Sport Trac's it's located behind the rear seat in the jack storage area).