Theft System?

[RandomNerd2000]

So, I've got the parts truck home at last, it's a 99 Mountaineer, 5.0, AWD, 124, 338 miles on the cluster, complete from end to end minus the radio. It has some weird theft system in it, when I got it I put the battery in and hit the keys, the PATS does check out but it refuses to do anything starter related, and upon sitting there about five minutes messing with the power windows and locks (they're amazing if yours don't work too good), it had several series of dings, like a ring tone, then I hit the key outta curiosity, it then engaged the starter only to go "dong" and disengage after a solid half second. I'm presuming it's got some system in it to prevent theft, and even though I have the keys I don't have the transponder thing. Where's a good place to look for one of these?

 

[J_C]

Look for an aftermarket anti-theft module? Under the dash (or behind the radio or glove box) or under the hood. Are the dings the factory chime module or possibly that unit? If that unit, look for the thing that dings.

If you mean look for a remote control transponder to keep using the aftermarket anti-theft, you'd have to ID it then look on the manufacturer's website or ebay.

If all you need is the starter working and it isn't otherwise interfering with the use of the vehicle, how about just wiring around it? Trace the starter circuit to see where the juice is live and where it stops, which is probably easier with a helper donating a 3rd hand to turn the key while probing the circuit, OR check for continuity between each two points in the circuit instead of voltage then you don't need the key held in start position, except to check the ignition switch itself.

I am assuming the ding dong sound is foreign, that it definitely isn't just a bad starter?

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’d start under the cover beneath the wheel. I’ve seen a few tucked in there, as it’s where a bunch of the ignition wiring lives. Unless someone was really good, aftermarket stuff should be fairly apparent.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

Well it's definitely aftermarket, I've had counting this truck five 2nd gens and it's a different ding. As for why I'm not just hotwiring it under the hood being as though the PATS clears itself, I do want the truck to be as working as possible before parting out so I know for 100% sure what's working and what's not. I've established whatever system it is though, it has a 3 amp draw with the truck switched off, which isn't so good, neither of my other trucks register more than .5 amps switched off.

If it wasn't for caring about the starter a bit and soaking the nut with PB holding said signal wire on I'd just employ the classic switch it on and run a signal wire to the battery positive and connect it to crank it.