Failed Attempt to program new key fobs-and ignition cylinder hosed

[Tedybear]

Hiya again!

Thanks to the team guys that are helping me with that engine noise. (I will of course check in manually sense my notice function isn't functionally)


Okay. Picked up a set of replacement fobs from an ebay seller. (went with one store with a very high rating)

Programming instructions:

Turn key to "on-off" 5 times within 10 seconds and finish the 5th cycle leaving the key in the run/on position.

Should hear locks cycle.

Push button on remote(s) to program.

All doors must be closed (verified by making sure interior lights are all off), and foot off the brake while doing this. (This explorer is a 5 speed stick shift)

Here's where this goes pear shaped.

Do the key cycle. For some reason my door locks cycle when I first try turn the key to the 'on' position. (I've never owned an explorer...is this normal?) It powers the locks each time I do this. Heck, after 2 or 3 times the passenger side door power lock sounds like a 50 year old adding machine going "Clunk Clunk Clunk".

So I tried this several times, even went to 6,7,8,9 rotations. I can't get the system to receive the new fobs. It's supposed to cycle the locks on it's own with the key in the 'run/on' spot. Issue is that it cycles the locks each time I rotate that key, and I've waited a few moments after turning the cylinder to the 'on' spot in case it does it again without rotating the key. No dice.

Of course not to be outdone:

I found the cylinder itself is totally screwed. I forgot to insert the key, and it free spins regardless if the key is inserted or not. (tried it that way, without the key just for fun. Same exact result)

Now the guy I purchased this from said to start the truck: Insert key (Duh) Press the unlock on the fob again, and then the truck will start. This again makes no sense.

Not to be outdone:

Open the door with just the key: Hear the alarm "Beep Beep Beep". The last owner claimed "That's the alarm warning. The truck won't start until you press the unlock on the fob".

I hear that same beep sound as soon as you do start the truck! And it stays beeping.

My gut feeling (yeah, like that's been accurate lately) The key cylinder is hosed and responsible for most of this.....

Any ideas? This truck has more quarks then I expected.


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[SoNic67]

That's not normal. The doors should auto-lock only after the vehicle is moving and even that function can be canceled (I did it on mine).
First spray some WD40 (or Silicon Spray) in the key locks and action them to spread the lube inside, it will dislodge a 'stuck' switch.
Second, if you still have programming issues, you can use an OBDII ELM327 clone (eBay, Amazon) and the free ForScan software to read the PATS module codes.

Warning, don't buy a "new" 2.1 version of the clone readers, only the ones with version 1.5 will work with Ford protocol (they messed out either the SAE J1850 PWM protocol or the pinouts)! Ask the vendor for confirmation.
http://obdtester.com/obd2_protocols

 

[Mike M2]

It sounds like you have an aftermarket alarm in the truck that is armed. DEI alarms have a warning pre beep like that and also are designed to lock the doors when the ignition is first turned on....

 

[koda2000]

Assuming we're talking about a '95, the key FOBS are different than the ones used on later models (like the '98-'01+ FOBS). Did you purchase the correct FOBS? I know the newer FOBS don't work with my '97 Sport. I also learned that installing the battery in my '97's FOB the wrong way will make it work sometimes and not at others.

It still seems that there is something weird going on. I've never heard of having to put your foot on the brake pedal to program remotes, that could have something to do with it. The other things you describe having to do seem even weirder, but I'm not a '95 expert. Do you have an OE or aftermarket alarm system? Wasn't '95 pre PATS? I thought PATS began in '98.

 

[Tedybear]

Just got home from the pick and pull yard. Managed to get a lock cylinder with a working key, and the side switch that tells the system when the key is inserted and when it's not inserted.

The instructions I got with the new FOB's state all doors closed, and I'm fairly sure not to step on the brake while doing the procedure.

They do look to be the correct FOB's. This system does not have the PAT's system yet to my understanding. That looks to have kicked in for 1996 and newer. As this truck is a 1995, it does not have OBD II.

The fobs that came with the truck appear to be FORD logo'd. One is totally dead, and the working one has a weak battery.

So the system appears to be factory and not aftermarket, but this truck has a lot of quarks and oddballness to it.

I need to replace that bad cylinder anyway, and nipped up the key insert switch at the same time. That should solve one issue. Once again down the rabbit hole it seems.

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[jimmyznutz]

It sounds like you have an aftermarket alarm in the truck that is armed. DEI alarms have a warning pre beep like that and also are designed to lock the doors when the ignition is first turned on....

^^^ This

The actions you state that are occurring only happen with an aftermarket alarm system.

 

[Tedybear]

^^^ This

The actions you state that are occurring only happen with an aftermarket alarm system.

Interesting.

The key fobs are "Ford" branded (the ones that came with the truck).

And the anti-theft window stickers are all stating Ford product.


We will be replacing the clearly defective key cylinder on either Tuesday or Wends.

I'll nose around a bit more on the aftermarket. Where would the factory alarm module be located? If I can locate it, or the aftermarket alarm that would answer exactly what this thing has.

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[Tedybear]

Pulled apart the dead key fob and put it under the mag glass.

code alarm

Found some basic information online.

I can't understand why an aftermarket alarm would have FORD logo's all over it, as well the window stickers?

At least this gives me a starting point.....

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[Tedybear]

Okay.

This thing was buried pretty darn good up next to the cluster.

It's labeled "FORD Remote Keyless Entry"

I managed to remove the bastage and it's sitting on my desk.

It's okay though, this truck isn't moving anytime soon until the brake parts come in.

Appears that this is in fact a dealership installed keyless entry/alarm. Looks like it's a rebadged "Code Alarm" box, with Ford labels all over it. Main board has this silk screened onto it:

kalex 94v-0

I'm not sure if this would be possible to program another key fob for this, I'm attempting to locate information, but not seeing a lot as this box is old and pretty sure no longer supported by Code Alarm. But as always, I'll keep nosing around.

(everything functions normally with out the box, just the starter wires are disconnected/open circuit until the box is replaced, or the wires jumped.)

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