For context, the fob that came with it never actually worked. I tried a new battery in the spring to unlock the doors when I locked it, the key wouldn’t unlock the doors and the fob wouldn’t either, so I just carry the ignition key on me.

Now, I can’t disable anti theft because I have non-functioning fob.

Should I hit the dealer today for a new fob? I tried the battery terminal hack, no luck.

Thank you for your guidance! -S

 

"The key wouldn't unlock the door" ??

Did you try reprogramming the fob to the RAP Module?
Key on/off 8 times?

 

You’re right my friend it wouldn’t. Maybe someone changed the ignition tumbler along the way before I got it.

The fob doesn’t seem to do anything period, even with a new battery. I’ll hook the cables back up and try it, but it is possible that the fob is either not from this truck or has ceased to work.

 

The fob for unlocking the doors doesn't have anything to do with the key based anti theft system. Sounds like you have a hardware issue in your PATS system.

Replacement keyless entry fobs are about $10 on Amazon for a 2 pack:

If you need to replace any of your ignition keys, you can order a couple of Strattec H72 key blanks for about $10 each. A while back I wrote up instructions for getting them working using Forscan:
https://www.therangerstation.com/for...orscan.173705/

 

Have you tried reprogamming the Fob?

This is for 1998 Ranger keyless entry, 1997 used 5 key on/off not 8


Turn key on and off 8 times and end up in ON position the 8th time, do this within 10 seconds, so FAST

Door locks should cycle once, i.e. lock and unlock <<< this means you are in "Programming mode"
If door locks do not cycle then you are NOT in programming mode, could be RAP module is bad or you didn't cycle key fast enough

Once in Programming mode, Press any button on the Fob
Door locks will cycle again to confirm it "hears/sees" the Fob's radio signal

If no reaction then you need a new Fob its bad, assuming battery in the Fob is OK

If door locks cycle then Fob has been added to memory

Turn key off

If you have more than one fob then press any button on the other fob before turning key off, door locks will cycle again, then turn off key, both have been added

Test fob(s)

 

Thanks for the advice. Mine is not a keyless model (I wish) I tried the method and unfortunately, nothing. Tomorrow I visit the parts counter to get some advice from them as well. Appreciate you all. -S

 

Interesting - my understanding was that the power lock package always included keyless entry. I'd be very tempted to spend ten dollars on a replacement fob just to test it.

 

You don't have a Ford Alarm system then, it will be 3rd party

You will need to dig around under the dash to find the Control box and get the name and model number of the system the previous owner installed.

In 1998 keyless entry was optional
There was Power Equipment Group(power windows, door locks and mirrors)
And the optional Power Security Group(power windows, door locks and mirrors + keyless entry and alarm)

 

Paperweight no longer. The keyfob method eventually worked! Now for the first time I can lock and unlock my driver door, and lock my passenger door from what I thought was a worthless fob. It just needed to be added as the sages in this thread mentioned. A HUGE thank you to all of you. Truck drives, and now unlocks from the fob for the first time since I've owned it! -S

 

Good Work

Thanks for the update and the FIX

 

You should also be able to unlock the passenger door, usually requires a 2nd push of the unlock button on the fob.