Anti-theft system

Tiny
MARTNDALE
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD RANGER
The previous owner lost the keys out camping and tried to dig the ignition out and triggered the anti-theft system. The red "theft" light is blinking on the dash and now it will not start. They then found the keys. I will replace the ignition in the steering column myself and repair any damage to the electrical components. My question is, is that all there is to it? Or will I have to reset the system some how. Is there a way to disconnect this system somehow?
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Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 3:02 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
If they found the correct keys, it should work. As far as your other question, if that light is flashing, I hate to say it but it will need to go to a dealer to have it reprogrammed it will cost about $130.00. And no, there is no way to bypass it. The only thing that will bypass it (if it is still functional) is turning the key to the run position and allowing the vehicle to sit like that. After about 10 minutes, the light should go off and the vehicle should start.

This guide should help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Saturday, September 18th, 2010 AT 10:45 PM
Tiny
BILL_H746
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1999 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
MY 1999 Ford Ranger was recently in the shop to get the oil pan gasket replared and they had to raise the engine a few inches and take off the transmission to do the job. A day or two after this work, the truck started making an obnoxious beeping alarm every time I start it. There is a 1-second beep, 1-second gap, and it repeats 5 times. The 5 beeps repeat 5 times with a 10-second gap between each set. Then all is quiet for 30 minutes and it repeats the sequence. This beep is not at all like the seat belt or open door chimes. I have searched the manual and the web but found no information. All fiuid levels are okay. Before I go back to get the shop to fix it (if necessary) I want to know what is wrong. Thanks for any help.
Ps, I made a donation before writing this but there is no acknowledgement of it.
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BILL_H746
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Mr. Justanold, you got the diagnosis perfect! No light on the old PAD switch and the new switch eliminated the annoying beeps. Thanks for the service. :Lol:
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JPRIDDY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,000 MILES
I have a 1997 Ford Ranger Super Cab 4wd that I just got with body damage on the left side. When the key is not switched, the door alarm is always going on, causing the battery to die unless disconnected. Also has manual locks and windows. What is the cause and how can it be fixed?
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
The switches that control the lights for open doors are made right into the door latches and they have a history of sticking and causing problems like that.

Here is a technique that often works well and eliminates the problem at no cost.

Get a can of spray lube like WD40 or something like it and has a straw on the nozzle. Spray it generously up into the latch mechanism. Now open and close the door numerous times to work it in. Repeat this process several times. Since you don't really know which door is causing the problem, you should do all of them. It's usually caused by the most frequently used door but it's not guaranteed to be that one.
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HAROLDOLSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 FORD RANGER
Electrical problem 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

my anti theft system after 5 years of owning decides to come on and cant seem to figure out how to get it off so I can start my truck. I assumed it was my battery but after replacing it I realized my theft indicator light was flashing. Need help!
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,468 POSTS
What happens is the switch in the drivers door latch goes out then the system thinks the car is getting stolen.

Here is a guide to replace the latch and fix the problem. (below)

You will need to remove the door panel first.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/door-panel-removal

Testing from the book if needed:

TEST C - DISARMING ANTI-THEFT
Arm system. Warning indicator should be on. Press UNLOCK button on remote transmitter. Observe doors. If system disarmed and warning indicator went out, go to next step. If doors did not unlock, repair remote entry power door lock circuit. If system did not disarm, go to TEST E. If doors unlocked, but system did not disarm, call telephone number on RAP for assistance.
Arm system. Warning indicator should be on. Unlock driver's door with key. Repeat procedure for passenger's door and liftgate. If system disarmed and warning indicator went out, and vehicle is not equipped with driver's door keypad, system is okay. If system disarmed and warning indicator went out, and vehicle is equipped with driver's door keypad, go to next step. If doors did not unlock, repair door locks. If system did not disarm, go to step 5).
Arm system. Warning indicator should be on. Attempt to unlock doors with keypad. If doors unlocked and system disarmed, go to next step. If doors did not unlock, repair remote entry door lock circuit. If doors unlocked, but system did not disarm, call telephone number on RAP for assistance.
Enter RAP, PID/DATA. Select IGN_RAP. Turn ignition off. NGS tester communication may lost be after a few seconds. IGN_RAP state OFF should be displayed. Turn ignition on. IGN_RAP state RUN/AC should be displayed. If displays are as specified, disarm circuit is okay. If displays are not as specified, repair defective ignition switch circuitry, or replace defective ignition switch. See Fig. 1.
Enter RAP, PID/DATA. Select DR_DARM. DR_DARM NOT ACT should be displayed. Unlock each door and liftgate with key. DR_DARM ACTIVE should be displayed. If NGS tester displays both states, call telephone number on RAP for assistance. If both states are not displayed, inspect all switches and associated wiring for shorts or opens. Repair as necessary, then retest system.

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 AT 1:47 PM (Merged)

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