My truck starts on its own!

HONDUS77

MEMBER
1999 FORD F-150
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
73,000 MILES

My 99 ford f150 4x4 starts on his own and lights flash or strobe! It is equiped with a remote starter- but the keychain remote has been gone for a very long time. One EXAMPLE--- 2am my son woke me up and said my truck was running. I checked it out- it was started and lights strobing. It ran for about 40 min. At that point I pulled the battery cables. It was the only way to turn it off. If anyone has any info -PLEASE share! The ford co. States that it is impossible for this to be going on ! I spent 600$ with phil long ford in colorado springs CO. And my truck still has a mind of its own. PLEASE HELP! Thanks for taking the time.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like the ignition wires might be short circuited and giving you those random starts.

Odd are the issue is the harness that was installed for the aftermarket remote start.
Those aftermarket components taps into the ignition switch as that's how they operate.
However mantises those components can malfunction and it can trigger no start or the intermittent issues and in your case start up without any input, as the remote start module just 'thinks' you have pressed the button to start.

First thing you will have to remove the remote start system, this way you will be able to isolate the factory harness. Care full not to damage any wiring when doing this as it is easy to get a wire damaged enough that the vehicle does not start.

https://www.youtube.com/c/2carpros/featured

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.