Lights on chime

[aldive]

I recently replaced the multifunction switch in my '99 ( ).

Since the installation, several mysterious things have occurred: (1) the seat belt alarm started working again ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137840 ) and (2) the lights on chime sounds whenever the door is open with no key in the ignition.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions how to remedy the lights on chime situation? Its not only annoying, but also it does not remind me to turn off the lights.

Help ............

 

[aldive]

Anyone?

 

[TTG]

Break the switch again.

I would imagine that there's a way to do it in the owner's manual if you can even do it. It might just be a toggle thing stock.

 

[aldive]

Anyone else???????

 

[TechGuy82]

Mine does the same thing if the ignition switch it turned back to far, almost like it's in the accessory postion. No matter what, everytime I turn off the car it gets turned "Too Far". I just have to wiggle the ignition switch and it shuts off, maybe the same issue with your ride?

 

[aldive]

Mine does the same thing if the ignition switch it turned back to far, almost like it's in the accessory postion. No matter what, everytime I turn off the car it gets turned "Too Far". I just have to wiggle the ignition switch and it shuts off, maybe the same issue with your ride?

My problem is different; the chime is on when the drivers door is opened with no key in the ignition.

Thanks for the suggestion anyway.

 

[aldive]

Mystery somewhat solved or at least identified:

At least I now know what is triggering the chime; I can even silence it by using my finger.

There is a blue colored “switch” of some sort on the ignition key cylinder ( lower left side ). By pressing in on the blue thingy with my finger, I am able to silence the damn chime. Further, the lights on with no key in ignition and drivers door open works perfectly as long as I am pushing in on the blue thingy.

QUESTIONS:

(1) What is this blue thingy?
(2) Is it replaceable independent of the ignition key cylinder?
(3) Ideas or suggestions??????

Thanks in advance; that chime is driving me nuts ….

 

[aldive]

Here is a better picture of the blue thingy .........

 

[EMG7895]

Its probably just worn out/loose, i have to wiggle my igntion sometimes to get it to stop beeping when the door is open even when theres no key.

 

[aldive]

Problem solved, really:

At first when I reinstalled the covers, the chime still sounded, however, after repositioning the covers and tightening the covers, the sound ceased.

 

[spindlecone]

But what in the world is the name of the Blue thingy?

 

[witchdoctor]

If I remember right, when I had to change my clockspring, my chime sounded constantly. Right where that blue thingy is was a black wire that plugged into the ignition assembly. I just took that wire loose, and now I get no chime at all as far as doors being open. The door ajar still lights, and if I leave the headlights on with the ignition off the chime does sound.

 

[josh40601]

Problem solved, really:

At first when I reinstalled the covers, the chime still sounded, however, after repositioning the covers and tightening the covers, the sound ceased.

If I remember right, when I had to change my clockspring, my chime sounded constantly. Right where that blue thingy is was a black wire that plugged into the ignition assembly. I just took that wire loose, and now I get no chime at all as far as doors being open. The door ajar still lights, and if I leave the headlights on with the ignition off the chime does sound.

You both are now my new favorite people

 

[Queensboy]

Almost 10 year old thread, but still no answer to what that blue thingy is called. I replaced my mfs today and when reinstalling the column cover I noticed that thing hanging by its wire. I put it where it looked like it fit and closed it up. Now I have the chime with key out, lights off and door open. Chime silences when door is closed. I would rather repair properly with a new part if necessary.

 

[unka2m]

Almost 10 year old thread, but still no answer to what that blue thingy is called. I replaced my mfs today and when reinstalling the column cover I noticed that thing hanging by its wire. I put it where it looked like it fit and closed it up. Now I have the chime with key out, lights off and door open. Chime silences when door is closed. I would rather repair properly with a new part if necessary.

Here are pictures of when I replaced my lock cylinder on my "94 Ranger.
First picture is key in key on. Notice that copper contact with black end is in the lowered position.

This next picture is key in key off. Notice that the copper contact is now pushed up near the black end.

This next image shows more clearly the plunger that is lifting the copper contact beneath the black end.

This next image is key out key off. Copper contact is back in the down position.

The plunger that raises the copper contact can be seen in the top of the key slot where it is lifted by the upper edge of the key when inserted. A small drop of lube can help make sure that this plunger moves freely. It can sometimes stick in the up position after the key is removed which would keep the copper contacts touching which would make the chime stay on even though the key has been removed.

The copper contact inside the lock switch on the left side of this next image is where the copper contact that is on the lock cylinder comes in contact when the key is inserted and causes the chime to initiate. Cleaning this contact lightly with emery cloth can help with some chime issues.

 

[amj441]

to answer the blue thingy question. That is you PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) Exciter ring. It is what talks to a security chip in your key. Your truck will broadcast a radio frequency that energizes a small coil of copper in your key that energizes the chip in the key. The chip then sends a small code broadcast back to the truck. The range in which this works is very short, and so it is important for the key to be as close to this ring/antenna as possible.

 

[unka2m]

I don't know if the PATS name is correct for the older vehicles that don't have a chip in the key, but I see some listings labeled

"Ford Key In Cylinder Warning Buzzer Chime Alarm Wire"​

or

"RANGER MUSTANG KEY BUZZER WIRE"​

on ebay so for anyone looking to replace one, you might want to start there to find a replacement.