Strange flashing lights (not a UFO either)

[EMC]

I have a 97 Explorer AWD with a 5L V-8 and have an odd electrical problem. For no reason the front lights (all excluding the headlights) and the rear taillights (all except the turn signal lights) come on and flash for no reason (like the hazard flashers would work). They flash for something like 40 flashes then pause about 5-6 seconds and start again. They do this when the engine is running, or when the engine is shut off and the key in the off position.

The brake lights do work, overriding the flashing, and the turn signals on the rear work (flashing at a different frequency than the other lights). Also the dash lights flash in synch with the "pseudo flashers." When I turn on the emergency flashers, they also blink at a different frequency and the entire marker light system starts to look like a disco party.

What is really frustrating is that it does this sometimes for hours on end (starting and shutting down the vehicle repeatedly) and then for some reason it will sometimes stop when I shut down, and then doesn't do it again until I restart the engine.

I do have a trailer and the trailer lights do the same thing when attached.

Any ideas where to look for the problem?

 

[RomeovilleIL]

My first impression would be an aftermarket alarm was installed that has developed an issue. Check under the drivers footbox area for any extra wiring set or a control box tucked up behind the knee panel. Also look for a valet button installed anywhere in the footbox area.

 

[shadowless127]

My first impression would be an aftermarket alarm was installed that has developed an issue. Check under the drivers footbox area for any extra wiring set or a control box tucked up behind the knee panel. Also look for a valet button installed anywhere in the footbox area.

This. Your situation reeks of an old aftermarket alarm that has developed an electric issue.

 

[EMC]

It does have an alarm system, though I have never armed it or used it (I live a hundred miles past the end of civilization and don't even take the keys out of it except when I am in town). I was under the impression that the alarm was a factory installed system as this particular Explorer is loaded (driver's side keyless entry, power everything and the owners manual has the correct key code with it).

I will look for something that appears to be after market, but am pretty sure it is a factory installed system.

This problem appeared for the first time after I had a dead battery and then went away on its own (though not immediately) after I replaced the battery ... but now it has come back with a vengeance.

 

[EMC]

ok. Just confirmed it does have a factory 400K alarm. Cannot find either the Valet switch or the Override switch. Is there another way to disable this if it is the problem?

 

[cwol97401]

The factory key-less system has an ignition tamper wire attached to the key switch, its a loop back system that is only activated (normally) if someone tries to remove the key switch without the key first being in the on position... do you have a factory remote? with a panic button? use it and see if the lights and horn activate. If the horn doesn't activate, then the keyless key tamper wire might be the issue. If it does then its not. and if you do not use the factory alarm (keyless entry) you can always just disconnect the whole thing and not worry about it... if it is causing the problem