1998 Ford Ranger Security system. Aggravating.
 

I've got a 1998 Ford Ranger and the security alarm is driving me crazy. Theres a little red flashing light to the left of the dash that flashes and the truck wont start until a press the unlock button on the remote. I looked it up online and I finally found a switch to shut it off...problem is the person before me tore one off it's wires off. i tried rewiring it but it still won't work. I'm guessing needs a new switch. Any thoughts on where I could find a new switch or bypasses?

Have a read here: http://www.therangerstation.com/foru...d.php?t=129555
Post #4 might be what you want to try if "valet" switch is broken

I couldn't find the purple wire. So instead of the switch I put the 2 pieces of wire together turned the key on and then unplugged them. I figure the switch gives power then takes power away, seemed to work!

Could the "original cable" not have been the actual original? Sorry you had to go through such a hassle!

Alarm/Security system problem
 

I'm having a similar problem. '99 Ranger 4x4, bought it used 5 years ago with one key and no security fob. The truck ran great until last fall. The check engine light came on, so I disconnected the battery to reset the computer. The truck started and drove fine. Later I went to start it and the alarm (horn relay) went off. I am using the only factory key. Disconnected the horn to make it easier to work on. Battery has a full charge. After my son and I played with different combinations of locking/unlocking the doors and inserting the key, the engine started. I drove it for a day, then it wouldn't start and the horn relay went off again. I took out the battery and left it in the garage for the winter. I want to get this nice little truck running again. Any ideas before I have it towed to a mechanic?

Welcome to the forum

You should start your own thread so more people will see it

Google: 1998 Ford Ranger factory alarm

1998 was first year Ford offered an alarm, earlier systems and the one you may have might be 3rd party, not a Ford part.

If horn is used then it is an "alarm" not an "anti-theft system"

Ford also added PATS(passive anti-theft system) which disabled the fuel system, PATS used a Tag built into the key, it did not used the horn or lights, it isn't an alarm system, just prevents engine from getting gasoline so it will crank but not start, later years also prevented cranking.

Alarm system used horn and lights but didn't care about type of key used to start, if activated they may prevent cranking, depends on alarm model


There are a few ways to disable alarms but you need to know which one you have first, so see if you can locate the "brain" for the alarm

1) I would love to start a new thread, but there is (was) no icon to click on.

2) I looked the manual, this truck does have the anti-theft system. I figure that's why it wouldn't start, then it did start - nor fuel. We just happened to hit the right combination of key insertions and door lockings.

I will try again to re-post this as its own thread.