Security System Arming Itself?

[djnet5]

I purchased a 2004 Explorer back in November of 2009. About January of this year, I was awoken in the middle of the night to find my Explorer was out on the street where I park it, chirping every 3 to 5 minutes. This is has happens two more times since that night, but never happens during the day.

My Explorer is always parked on the street in front of my house, but I do not live in a city or place where the car would be being tampered with in the middle of the night. So far, I have not witnessed any special conditions outside that seem to warrant the chirping. It's almost as if someone with my remote is standing inside their house at 2am arming my truck's security system every 5 minutes or so.

But, once I get up, find my keys, and disarm & re-arm the security system, the chirping stops, and I can sleep until the next morning without hearing it again.

Could this possibly be a short in wiring somewhere that is being irritated every so often? How can I check on a problem like this? Thanks in advance for any help...it's much appreciated!

 

[jad2411]

What kind of security system do you have? could it be the shock sensor being trggered by cats or something like that?

 

[djnet5]

It's just the stock OEM security system on an 04 Explorer. I thought it could be that too, as some pretty noisy cars/trucks come down my street sometimes.

The only thing that steered me away from that is that everyone in my family has security systems on their vehicles, whether they be aftermarket or OEM...and mine is the only one that seems to always be going off at night. And, the fact that it only happens at night is reason enough to be weirded out.

I could just be paranoid, but I've heard of weirder things...

 

[jad2411]

Well the OEM security doesn't have a shock sensor, so you might have an add on type system, you might wanna look into that.
It taps into your keyless and works from there, that's why you keep the stock FOB'S.

If that is the case, then that system might be failing

 

[djnet5]

Ah! I hate whatever security system is on my Explorer! Now yesterday it was blocking me from starting the truck, but now today its fine. I was told that might be a PATS problem though, but who knows. This alarm seems to be wrecking havoc on the whole truck at this point. Is there anything I can pull or anything to disconnect the add-on alarm? I realize I don't even know what I have, but at this point any help at all is appreciated.

 

[jad2411]

Look under the steering wheel column or on the driver's side kick panel (ties in to the lock to arm and unlock for disarm) for a module. if you find it, you can trace the wires and uninstall it.

 

[jeff4912]

I was told that your car might think a door is ajar because the door open/close sensor wears and may cause the alarm to believe that someone is trying to get in.

Try lubing the door latches and sensors

 

[Allmost 50]

While we're speaking of 04 xls alarms. Twice mine has gone off with a little help from me.

First time I unlocked the door with the fob and within a few milliseconds I opened the door. I think the computer did not have enough time to disarm the system. Maybe I'm faster than electricity. LOL

Second time I stepped out of the xls pressed the door lock button on the door leaving the door open. 30 seconds later I reached across to remove my lunch box from the passenger seat. When my had pressed the drivers seat the alarm sounded off.

I'm not really complaining I just have learned to not do certain things. I would like to know if this is normal or the signs of some type of failure.

 

[djnet5]

Thanks for all the help guys! I lubed up the door locks and hinges and checked to make sure everything's closing properly. I'm sure It'll all work well for a few days - we'll see if it lasts! Thanks again!

 

[aperry]

djnet5 I am having a similar experience with my 02 Explorer. I had the alarm go off in the middle of the night several time, took it in to the dealer, they lubed all of the doors and that stopped happening. However now my issue is that once the car has been unlocked with the key fob and any door is opened, if you open any other door on the car before starting it the kill switch in the OEM system is reset. The dealer simple suggested disconnecting the kill switch. I live in an OK suburb but still I don't much like that Idea. Does anyone have a better suggestion or info on a good not to expensive alarm system?

 

[BigRondo]

djnet5 I am having a similar experience with my 02 Explorer. I had the alarm go off in the middle of the night several time, took it in to the dealer, they lubed all of the doors and that stopped happening. However now my issue is that once the car has been unlocked with the key fob and any door is opened, if you open any other door on the car before starting it the kill switch in the OEM system is reset. The dealer simple suggested disconnecting the kill switch. I live in an OK suburb but still I don't much like that Idea. Does anyone have a better suggestion or info on a good not to expensive alarm system?

aperry, have you checked for broken wires in the boot between the body and the door? A lot of electrical problems can be traced back to this.

 

[rlgdguy]

My "02" is doing just about all of the above. Alarm goes off at night only (neighbors aren't too happy about this), causing me to have to sleep with the fob and jump up when it goes off (I'm getting faster I may add). "Door ajar" ligh stays lit for several seconds after driving away and then goes away. Door locks lock and unlock while driving on their own. Dome light flickers on and off while this is occuring, as well as the chirping accompanied normally with this. Lubed all the door jams and locks and anything else, problem still there. Gonna try taking the boot off this weekend and look for loose or broken wires. Just bought the car 3 weeks ago. Dealer is giving me the runaround, trying to get out of even looking at it, despite being under warranty still. Love the truck, but this sucks!