Non-Functional: Keyless Entry, Door Pad, Key Fob, Anti-Theft System

[lashlsufan]

A while back I replaced the battery on my 1997 Ford Explorer XLT. Prior to this, the keyless entry via remote and door panel were functional, as well as, the automatic door lock once driving, and theft deterrent system. However, once the battery was changed it seems as if no power is being supplied to the system. The remote (key fob) is useless and the panel on the outside of the door appears to not be receiving any power. Similarly, the doors used to lock when I started to drive, the anti-theft system would chirp when locked, and I am sure a few other things that I am missing.

It has probably been about 4 years since I initially replaced the battery and have since replaced the battery again. Still no luck on getting the system to work though. I was replacing some fuses today to get the cigar lighter to work again and decided to revisit the problem. When it first happened I read several forums that gave re-programming tips. I tried several different patterns of re-programming to no avail. Today, I was reading about the RAP system and how to change it, but I am not sure if this is the problem since it is pretty ironic that the problem occurred immediately after changing the battery.

I asked our family mechanic if he had any idea of what the problem could be, but he was unsure. I have read several threads with people having the same problem, but unfortunately most of these do not have answers or I have tried the suggested solutions. I understand this is not a dire problem, but it would be useful if the problem could be resolved. Everything is stock on this car, and I still have the piece of paper with the keyless entry code.

 

[Hunter32]

having this problem! anyone?

 

[bobflood]

A while back I replaced the battery on my 1997 Ford Explorer XLT. Prior to this, the keyless entry via remote and door panel were functional, as well as, the automatic door lock once driving, and theft deterrent system. However, once the battery was changed it seems as if no power is being supplied to the system. The remote (key fob) is useless and the panel on the outside of the door appears to not be receiving any power. Similarly, the doors used to lock when I started to drive, the anti-theft system would chirp when locked, and I am sure a few other things that I am missing.

It has probably been about 4 years since I initially replaced the battery and have since replaced the battery again. Still no luck on getting the system to work though. I was replacing some fuses today to get the cigar lighter to work again and decided to revisit the problem. When it first happened I read several forums that gave re-programming tips. I tried several different patterns of re-programming to no avail. Today, I was reading about the RAP system and how to change it, but I am not sure if this is the problem since it is pretty ironic that the problem occurred immediately after changing the battery.

I asked our family mechanic if he had any idea of what the problem could be, but he was unsure. I have read several threads with people having the same problem, but unfortunately most of these do not have answers or I have tried the suggested solutions. I understand this is not a dire problem, but it would be useful if the problem could be resolved. Everything is stock on this car, and I still have the piece of paper with the keyless entry code.

Assuming that your regular door lock switches still work, and the interior lights go on/off as they should, etc, I would speculate that the RAP (Remote Anti-Theft Personality) module bit the dust when you changed the battery, as it controls all of the things that died. The RAP module in a four door is forward of the access panel on the driver's side of the cargo compartment. Mine is silver, and it has the 5 digit code on a sticker on the outside. There are four fuses involved - Nos 12, 13, 20 and 24 - with the RAP module, so verify them first.

I would go hit the JY and get one to see if that reactivates your keypad, anti-theft chirp, etc. If it does, you can then train it to work with your existing key fobs. Good luck.

 

[Hunter32]

interesting that this happened when he changed his battery. I went to start-up my car this morning and nothing happened. I thought my battery died but i messed with the negative terminal and it started right up. Ever since then my key pad wasn't working.

Well later today after I posted my comment I went to finish installing my sub and amp. Since I re tightened my negative terminal while installing the amp, my key pad started working again. So I don't know why but it seems to be all in the negative terminal..