Anti theft

Tiny
WHITE SETTLEMENT
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD TAURUS
  • 75,000 MILES
My alarm goes off in the middle of the night between 8:00 pm to 6:00 am. Is there a way to fix it?
Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 8:30 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,577 POSTS
A common cause for this is a failing switch in the system, like a door or hood switch. The system arms itself and when the temperatures change or a breeze moves the car the alarm goes off. To discover which one can be a pain because there isn't a way to test them without a scan tool. However with that it is possible to look at the security system and it will show what triggered the alarm. It is also possible it is in the alarm module itself, the scan tool can read that as well. The only downside is it takes a higher end tool like the dealer has to read that system. Some shops can read it as well if they have a higher end tool, the ones most of the places use to scan your car free won't read that information though. Try this guide to help disarm the security.

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 8:38 AM
Tiny
WHITE SETTLEMENT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you sir.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 8:44 AM
Tiny
HELLONWHEELS97
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD TAURUS
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • 179,000 MILES
Theft security immobilized engine won't start. Lost original key. Bought new key, no new fob with it. What to do to start my car? My theft light keeps blinking and my car won't start. Is there a fuse I can disable the security lock system to start my car? Please help.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 3:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Not really, the system needs to work for the car to start. lets try to reset the system by following this guide I also have included how to relearn a new key in the diagrams below.

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

KEY PROGRAMMING USING TWO PROGRAMMED KEYS

NOTE:
- This procedure only works if two or more programmed ignition keys are available and it is desired to program additional key(s). If two keys are not available, follow the procedure in Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment.
- PID SPARE_KY must be enabled for this procedure to operate. If this PID is not enabled, follow the security access procedure above and select Spare Key Programming Switch: Enabled.
- If the programming procedure is successful, the new key(s) will start the vehicle and the THEFT indicator will prove out for approximately 3 seconds.
- If the programming procedure is not successful, the new key(s) will not start the vehicle and the THEFT indicator will flash. If the programming procedure was not successful leave the ignition switch in the RUN position for at least 30 seconds, repeat the key programming procedure from Step 1. If the failure repeats, refer to Diagnosis and Testing to review DTCs and carry out pinpoint tests as required.
- A maximum of eight ignition keys can be programmed in normal mode to a passive anti-theft system (PATS) equipped vehicle. If more are required, refer to Key Programming - Unlimited Key Mode. See: Antitheft and Alarm Systems > Programming and Relearning > Unlimited Key Mode
- If the steps are not carried out as described, the programming procedure will end.
- Ignition keys must be the correct PATS encoded key type.
- If the vehicle is in unlimited key mode, this spare programming procedure still functions. Any two keys that can start the vehicle may be used to program an additional unlimited key.

1. Insert the first programmed ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN (maintain the ignition switch in RUN for three seconds, but no more than ten seconds).
2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the first coded key from the ignition lock cylinder.
3. Within 10 seconds of turning the ignition switch to OFF, insert the second programmed ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN (maintain the ignition switch in RUN for 3 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds).
4. Turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the second coded key from the ignition lock cylinder.
5. Within 20 seconds of turning the ignition lock cylinder to OFF, insert the unprogrammed ignition key (new key/valet key) into the ignition and turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN (maintain the ignition switch in RUN for 3 seconds). This step will program your new key to a coded key.
6. If it is desired to program additional key(s), wait 30 seconds and then repeat the key programming procedure from Step 1.
- If the programming of the new key is successful, the new coded key(s) will start the engine and the theft indicator will illuminate for 3 seconds and then go out.
- If the programming of the key was not successful, the new coded key(s) will not start the engine and the theft indicator will flash rapidly on and off. REPEAT Steps 1 through Step 5. If the failure repeats, refer to Key Programming Using Diagnostic Equipment

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 3:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FLOYD ROEBUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 100,000 MILES
Car will not turn over, theft light blinking, have new battery. Need to reset anti theft.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 3:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

I would remove the negative battery cable end and hold it to the positive terminal for one minute to hard reboot the system, this will discharge the capacitors and allow the system to reinitialize. This guide can help as well

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

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 3:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACKNJIM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 127,000 MILES
The key-less entry would not work and our son used his key to unlock the door and now the car will not start and the anti theft light keeps flashing. He is at college and a few guys tried to help by disconnecting battery and then they also tried turning key on waiting twenty minutes, but still nothing! Any suggestions?
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:02 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TAURUSFAN01
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
You cannot disable the theft light. The key to start the car has a electronic chip in it. If a programmed key is not used to start up the car, it will no start. Check any other keys you have for the car. You may be using an un-programmed key or the chip in it went bad. If you go to the dealer to get the key re-programmed you will probably need all the keys with you in the event they have to totally reset the anti-theft system and re-program the keys. It is usually around $135.00.
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:02 AM (Merged)
Tiny
IGELATO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,500 MILES
I am having a problem with the alarm system. It self arms it self no mater how you lock the auto. Now it is going off which cause the horn to beep even with the drivers door not locked Can the alarm system be disarmed? This is a Taurus SHO
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Before performing any tests on passive anti-theft system, check the following items to eliminate common problems:
Damaged ignition lock cylinder switch.
Damaged encoded ignition key.
Non-encoded ignition key being used.
Fuses No. 15 (5-amp) and No. 18 (20-amp) not blown.
Loose or corroded connections.
Damaged wiring harness.
Damaged ignition switch.
RETRIEVING CODES
NOTE:A New Generation Star (NGS) Tester (007-00500) is required for testing the passive ant-theft control system.

Before beginning any testing, retrieve any existing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) module. Make any repairs that may be indicated. See appropriate code related SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTS.
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
IGELATO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for all the input on checking or repairing the problem but the Question on dis arming the system until it can be fixed was not answered,
Thank You
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
You can NOT disarm it
you need to check the codes
and fix if u disconnect engine will NOT start
good luck
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MAHICKS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
Electrical problem
1997 Ford Taurus 75000 miles

Whenever I lock my car in the cold weather (after it's been in my garage overnight), the car alarm goes off 5-20 minutes after I lock my car. It has been to the dealer, who cannot get it to do this, despite trying to recreate the situation. I took it to them once during an episode, and it did go off then, just wouldn't repeat. They say they can't disconnect it as it would disconnect the horn, but this leaves me with a car that I can't lock when I'm out. Help! This is the first winter that it has done this.
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
First two things I would check are:

The door latches on these need to be well lubed with a thin penetrant like wd-40. The switch does not think the door is shut. Often a symptom of this is the dome light or door ajar light staying on abnormally. After spraying, open and shut the doors ten times or so.

Second is to check for a collapsed grommet in the hood on the left side corresponding with the hood pin switch along the left edge of the fender. They tend to rot through, allowing the pin switch to extend. This makes the anti-theft system think
someone has opened the hood. If you find this to be the case, be sure to replace the grommet with the correct part, which is made of very stiff rubber.

If this is the case you may have to fabricate something out of metal? To keep the height correct as the original part may no longer be available.
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RAIDER68
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
I took the PATS receiver, ignition lock, and ignition switch off of my car. I put them back on and now have a flashing theft light in the instrument panel. The car cranks but dies immediately. How can I reset the anti-theft system?
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
1st step should be to check for codes
Check fuses

Reset and programming keys require dealer equipment or check with local lock smith as some may have that scanner tool too

THINGS TO DO:
Disconnect the diagnostic tool for 20 seconds before cycling ignition to OFF, ACC, or RUN.
When replacing ignition keys, make sure the owner throws out ALL old keys.
Disconnect battery cables when replacing PATS module, ICM, VIC, HEC, SCIL, PCM, or EEC.
Look for fault codes in PATS. The PATS function will store fault codes when the PCM records a P1260.
Be certain of the vehicle model year. Use only parts and keys specified for the appropriate model year.
Check to make sure the issue is not with multiple PATS keys, small electronic devices that can be used to purchase gasoline, or other items on same key ring.
Check to ensure vehicle does not have an aftermarket remote starter. Disable any Remote Starter equipment, especially anything nearby the PATS Transceiver. Ford FCSD Dealer installed Remote Starter systems are approved for use in Ford vehicles.
Check to ensure vehicle does not have an aftermarket engine immobilizer. The Ford FCSD aftermarket remote entry system comes with a starter interrupt that should be disabled on PATS equipped vehicles.
If the Alarm sounds when the ignition is turned to RUN or START, refer to the appropriate PERIMETER ALARM article.
THINGS NOT TO DO:
Do not use aftermarket keys that are NOT Ford qualified.
Do not reprogram keys unless a defective key or control function has been replaced. Reprogramming keys does not fix any known problem by itself.
Do not perform more Security Access functions than required: Perform only the functions specified in the appropriate service information for this repair. Selection of extra functions may continue the no-crank condition.
PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES.
KEY PROGRAMMING USING DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
PROCEDURE #1
1 key required. Cycle key to RUN. Enter "Ignition Key Code Erase." Disconnect Tool and leave key in RUN for 20 seconds. Cycle key to OFF and then RUN.
PROCEDURE #2
2 keys required. Cycle key 1 to RUN. Enter Security Access on the PATS control function module. Select "Ignition Key Code Erase." Disconnect Tool and leave key in RUN for 20 seconds. Cycle key 1 to OFF, then RUN, and back to OFF. Cycle key 2 to RUN.
PROCEDURE #3
2 keys required. Cycle key 1 to RUN. Select "Ignition Key Code Erase." Disconnect Tool and leave key in RUN for 20 seconds. Cycle key 1 to OFF, then RUN, and back to OFF. Cycle key 2 to RUN.
SPARE KEY PROGRAMMING USING DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
PROCEDURE #4
Cycle an unprogrammed key in ignition to RUN. Enter Security Access on the PATS control function module. Select "Ignition Key Code Program." Disconnect Tool and leave key in RUN for 20 seconds.
SPARE KEY PROGRAMMING USING PROGRAMMED KEYS
PROCEDURE #5
1 key required. Cycle key 1 to RUN, then OFF. Cycle new key to RUN.
PROCEDURE #6
2 keys required. Cycle key 1 to RUN, then OFF. Cycle key 2 to RUN, then OFF. Cycle new key to RUN.
REPLACING PATS CONTROL MODULE OR PCM
PROCEDURE #7
Cycle a key in ignition to RUN. Enter Security Access on the PATS control function module. Select "Parameter Reset" and then Exit Security Access. Perform a PCM Keep Alive Memory (KAM).
PROCEDURE #8
Cycle a key in the ignition to RUN. Enter Security Access on the PATS control function module. Select "ICM/PCM Parameter Reset." Select "PCM/TCM Parameter Reset" and then Exit Security Access (type F).
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:03 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TARHEELS1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • FORD TAURUS
My 2004 Ford Taurus, has a factory car alarm. I have noticed that when the outside air tempature goes below 40 degrees, the alarm will go off. I have to go outside turn the alarm off. It maybe another 30 or 45 minutes then it goes off again. What could be causing the problem. Is their away to turn the alarm system off completely? I know my neighbors are getting upset that my alarm keeps going off:(
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

9 times out of 10 it is the drivers door door latch which needs to be replaced because the switch inside malfunctions causing the alarm to go off. You will need to remove the door panel to get to the latch to change it. Here is a guide that will give you an idea of what yo are in for when doing the job.

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

Here is a diagrams to help you see what you are in for when changing the latch.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CCLYDIE1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD TAURUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
My alarms goes off for no reason and the door ajared light stays on. Any suggestions?
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Door switch stuck open
have it replaced
and or try this first
use WD40 and spray the door latch close and open the door few times and spray again and again
good luck
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:04 AM (Merged)

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