Remote start decided it doesn't want to work anymore for no apparent reason
Its for a 2008 3.0 Ranger (single button remote) with brand new batteries installed
I push the start button, it begins to communicate with the vehicle with dash lights and exterior lights coming on. Horn sounds once and then no start. When I get inside the security light is blinking
Vehicle battery is fully charged and capable of starting with key, there is no CEL light or door ajar light on.

I have tried a few reset procedure's found online for other ford vehicles F-150 and Explorer from the same years 2008 but nothing has worked.
Is there a specific procedure for the Rangers?

Thank you

 

There are a few reasons
Doors need to be locked, usually that's the first thing remote start does is trigger door locks, as far as you know do both door locks work?
And no "Door Ajar" light unless a door is actually opened?

Trans needs to be all the way in Park, DTR sensor
Hood sensor closed
No CEL

Flashing THEFT light could mean the electronic Key code in Remote Start is no longer working, so PATS issue
The PATS(transponder) keys have unique code in each one, when key is turned on that code is read by PATS and if it is a code in Memory then engine is allowed to start.
Ford Remote start uses an "electronic" key code like having a key in the ignition to pass the PATS test so engine will start
(3rd party Remote starts "clone"/memorizes one of your working keys and uses that to pass PATS test)

It could be the "electronic" key code is no longer in PATS memory or its just not working

Try remote start again while sitting in the vehicle, doors locked
When THEFT light flashes WAIT............45 to 60 seconds and it should start flashing a 2 digit code, 11 to 16
11 Transceiver [transponder coil] not connected, or there is no power to it.
12 Transceiver internal fault.
13 No Key/no PATS key has been used to turn the ignition switch.
14 Incomplete key code received.
15 Invalid key code received.
16 CAN communications error.

I would expect one of these if it's an electronic key issue
13 No Key/no PATS key has been used to turn the ignition switch.
14 Incomplete key code received.
15 Invalid key code received.

 

Wow.. remote start!!! Can this be added to an '06 ranger?

 

Any car any year, automatic transmission installs are much easier than manual

 

I'm talking about factory not aftermarket.

 

First Ranger brochure that lists Remote start as a factory option was 2009
Before that it was a Dealer added option

 

Again.... cant this be added to a 2006 ranger????????

 

Yes, call local Ford Dealer and see if they can still get the Ford Kit

Ford Accessory site doesn't list them for 2006, but Dealer may still be able to find one
Ford generally cuts off stocking products at 10 years and 15 years old, depends on the part/accessory, 2006 is 16 years old

 

Hi Ron
Thanks a lot for the reply and the detail, much appreciated.

I have tried again: this time with the doors locked. The trans is in park, no door ajar light or CEL (this was the case previous as well) I could not locate the hood switch to confirm if closed.
I waited for the security light key code and from what I can tell it blinked only a 5 times

I will try to attach a video of what I am seeing happen unlisted on YouTube
Thanks again for having a look at this for me

 

Have you tried hold the button longer. I know in my GMC i have to hold it down till it starts.

 

That doesn't look like a PATS issue

I would look again for the hood security switch, it has to be there and is a common issue for Remote Start not working
Its generally at the rear side of engine bay by hinges, usually just a plunger type switch

Hood switch is there to prevent accidental start when working on an engine
There may be two switches, one is for engine bay Light bulb, usually standard feature, and the other for Remote start

This is on an Explorer: https://www.explorerforum.com/forums...h1-jpg.155737/

 

I've had this remote start since 2008 and it only recently started to not work, the process you are seeing in the video is correct for the remote. I guess it wouldn't hurt to give that a try anyway and see what happens

 

I took another look for the hood switch and the only thing I could find that remotely resembles a switch for the hood is seen in the pictures below (this cant be it though can it?), I didn't see anything that looks like the one you shared
This is so weird, Ive had this truck since 2008 and the remote start was working fine up until last month. It is possible to completely loose the hood switch and not know? Ive looked around under the steering wheel and found the remote start module and noticed that the security light is blinking constantly and that its a Gen 2 FoMoCo (the driver side door was open at the time)


The codes that you mentioned in an earlier reply start at 11 and go to 16 the one i was seeing the other day only showed 5, do you happen to know what thats for?
I really appreciate your input so far on this

.

 

PATS has 2 digit codes
The 5 flashes just indicate a problem, not PATS related, and I doubt the 5 would mean anything except "a problem"

Not sure if Remote Start can set Trouble Codes, they would be B or C codes, i.e. Body or Chassis codes not P codes


That could be a "mercury" type switch, so closed when "level" to ground, and open when hood is raised?
They often use those in alarm systems as "anti-tow" switch, if front or rear of vehicle is lifted when Parked it triggers the alarm
Not sure how to test that type of switch
See if you can find a 2 wire connector for it

 

Found a part number for the switch and its a hood tilt switch AG3011-98
Could not find a connector, it goes through the firewall and disappears into a rats nest of wires behind the steering wheel. Took the advice of a retired Ford mechanic and cut the wire to the sensor and problem still persists. Another person sugared it may be in valet mode and will need to be reset...now just to find the reset procedure and give that a try. Winter is coming soon lol

 

Did you twist the 2 cut wires together?

Or test the switch to see if it was OPEN or CLOSED when switch was Level?

System may want to "see" the two wires connected for "hood closed"
OR...............
The two wires not connected for "hood closed"

Either way works but its a parameter set by the maker of the remote start unit

Usually its "2 wires connected" for sensors, so an unplugged connector or broken wire would cause a "fault" in the system, which is better than never knowing sensor is not working any more, lol

 

I did twist them together and no change.
Before cutting I tried the remote start with sensor in various positions to no avail as well.

Didnt test switch. I have it put back together now. One thing I noticed though with the 2 wires after cutting was they are both identical color one being a ground other power, it's back together now but unsure if I joined the correct wires

 

Was it 12v power?
If so then there is a resistor in the sensor so twisting wires together wouldn't work

 

I am unsure, electrical is not my specialty thats for sure.