1996 Ford Escort 4 Door Logo
Posted on Feb 14, 2013
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

How do I disconnect the anti-theft system in my 96 Ford Escort?

My 1996 Ford Escort was parked in the garage and unlocked last night when the alarm started going off, I went and turned it off just to have it happen again about 45 minutes later. The doors were all unlocked and I have never had an issue with the electrical components in the car before. I've since resorted to disconnecting my battery every time I turn my car off to stop this from happening. I've read up on a few different posts that say I should disconnect the horn relay from the RAP module however I worry that this will only stop the noise but allow my lights to flash all night and leave me with a dead battery come morning if the issue continues. Does anyone know what could be the cause or if there is a way to fix this without completely disconnecting my anti-theft device and if they don't then how can I go about disabling the system entirely?

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

Hot-Shot:

An expert who has answered 20 questions.

Corporal:

An expert that has over 10 points.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

  • Expert 42 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 14, 2013
Anonymous
Expert
Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

Hot-Shot:

An expert who has answered 20 questions.

Corporal:

An expert that has over 10 points.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

Joined: Jul 16, 2009
Answers
42
Questions
3
Helped
12084
Points
116

On some cars and jeeps you can lock the car with the key and unlock it to disable the alarm. hope this helps.

1 Related Answer

wfservices

Wayne Fellows

  • 262 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 11, 2010

SOURCE: 1996 Explorer anti-theft system won't disable

Try re-setting the computer...Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and leave off for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the computer to reset. The charger may have interupted the signal or something.

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

2009 Ford Flex. How to take off theft mode off 2009 Ford Flex?

Question edited for clarity and toss in some CAPS.
Question moved to model category.

You can't if by 'take off', you mean bypass or disable it. The anti theft system is there to stop what you are trying to do, drive the car without the correct credentials, key chip to the ECM. Just reset it.

How do i perform the 2009 Ford Flex anti theft reset?

Vehicle History https://www.vehiclehistory.com > questions > how-do-...
Jul 16, 2020 - Resetting the anti-theft system in Your 2009 Ford Flex is easy to do, and will take around 8 to 10 minutes of Your time. People also ask
How do I get my Ford out of anti-theft mode?"); display: inline-block; height: 24px; width: 24px;"> How do I clear my anti-theft system?"); display: inline-block; height: 24px; width: 24px;"> Can you get a car out of anti-theft mode?"); display: inline-block; height: 24px; width: 24px;"> Why is my car stuck in anti-theft mode?"); display: inline-block; height: 24px; width: 24px;"> Feedback

I have a 2009 Ford flex that's stuck in antitheft mode. What

JustAnswer https://www.justanswer.com > Ford Repair
Oct 30, 2022 - 1-Disconnect both battery cables, positive & negative. 5- Reconnect battery positive first, then negative post.

1 answer · Top answer: Hi! Welcome to JustAnswer.Thank you for contacting us for assistance with your vehicle. I'm ...
How reset anti theft alarm in 2009 ford flex - JustAnswer
Jun 3, 2014
Security system went off last night. now the 2010 ford flex
Jul 12, 2012
I have a 2009 ford flex that will not start. all of the - JustAnswer
Jan 29, 2018
My Ford flex is in anti theft mode, and it is preventing me
Jun 10, 2023
More results from www.justanswer.com

0helpful
1answer

2009 Ford Flex. I have 09 flex, it cranks starts but starter keeps engaging and will shut off. No codes.

Question edited for clarity and toss in some CAPS.
Question moved to model category.

When you changed, or even disconnected the battery, did you reset the anti theft system and engine immobilizer?

How do i perform the 2009 Ford Flex anti theft reset?

Vehicle History https://www.vehiclehistory.com > questions > how-do-...
Jul 16, 2020 - Resetting the anti-theft system in Your 2009 Ford Flex is easy to do, and will take around 8 to 10 minutes of Your time.

I have a 2009 Ford flex that's stuck in antitheft mode. What

JustAnswer https://www.justanswer.com > Ford Repair
Oct 30, 2022 - 1-Disconnect both battery cables, positive & negative. 5- Reconnect battery positive first, then negative post.

1 answer · Top answer: Hi! Welcome to JustAnswer.
Thank you for contacting us for assistance with your vehicle. I'm ...
How reset anti theft alarm in 2009 ford flex - JustAnswer
Jun 3, 2014
Security system went off last night. now the 2010 ford flex
Jul 12, 2012
I have a 2009 ford flex that will not start. all of the - JustAnswer
Jan 29, 2018
My Ford flex is in anti theft mode, and it is preventing me
Jun 10, 2023
More results from www.justanswer.com

..
0helpful
2answers

1995 Ford F-150. I just replaced battery and alternator but battery is completely dead when I turn engine over.

Question edited for clarity, typos and words that are incorrect 'automator' to 'alternator'.
Question moved to model category.

Put a battery charger on it for at least 8 hours on 6 amp charge. Make sure the battery ground has a good contact using a digital multimeter. After 8 hours, start the car and run it.

Next day, try and start again. If the battery is flat, you have parasitic draw.

https://www.fixya.com/cars/r29903527-parasitic_draw_car_batteries

One further thought, does this old vehicle have a security system and engine immobilizer? Do you have a steady or flashing red light anywhere. You may be locked out of starting the engine because you disconnected the battery. In fact Goggle says it does have anti-theft.

1995 f150 theft light flashing, cannot start!

Ford-Trucks.com https://www.ford-trucks.com > forums > 1190498-199...
Sep 18, 2012 - Driver's door is unlocked by pressing the UNLOCK button of a remote entry transmitter. Two minutes and 45 seconds after the system has been ...

Dashboard Theft indicator. Anybody knows how it works?
May 27, 2010
HELP!! Im stuck!! How to reset antitheft on 96 f350
Dec 6, 2012
How to remove anti-theft 95 F150? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Jun 18, 2005
1995 F-150 Ignition/Alarm Problem - Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Aug 27, 2018
More results from www.ford-trucks.com
It's easier than you might think. In most cases, the anti-theft system on a Ford F-150 can be reset by turning the vehicle to "accessory" mode and leaving the key in the ignition for several minutes until the anti-theft light shuts off.

Feb 10, 2021

Ford F-150: Resetting the Anti-Theft System - VehicleHistory

..
0helpful
1answer

How do you disconnect a factory alarm on a 96 Cadillac Eldorado

You can't just disconnect the anti-theft system ! . If the modules on the vehicle don't receive a coded response form the anti-theft system the vehicle will not work , no start ! This coded response is send on the class 2 serial data communication bus to the PCM - engine computer , if it doesn't see it the fuel system , fuel injectors won't be turned on ! an in some cases the engine won't even crank over !
I have read of a way to by pass the system ! If you google GM vats an pass key by pass , you will see how to do it . Don't know if this works or not ! Haven't tried it !
0helpful
1answer

Flashing lights on security system for 1993 ford escort wagon

usualy there is a switch on the driver and passener side, try disarming by unlocking drivers door with the key to disarm the factory alarm, or the passenger door. this should turn off the alarm if it is not aftermarket. the factory alarm will arm any time the door is locked by key or power door lock. good luck
1helpful
1answer

How do you know if you have anti theft on 96 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer? Don't see any flashing light.

Roll down the windows then lock the vehicle.

After that go to passenger side an attempt to open from inside. Alarm should go off if any.
1helpful
1answer

Car won't start.Theft light blinks,clicking sound under hood and thumping like horn wants to go off.Seems like it's stuck in anti theft mode

anti theft light should blink every few seconds.

try disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes.

Anti-Theft-Perimeter The perimeter anti-theft system consists of the following components:
  • anti-theft indicator (THEFT)
  • remote anti-theft personality (RAP) module
  • hood switch
  • keyless entry remote transmitter
  • deck lid ajar switch
NOTE: The remote entry features will not function when the ignition switch is in the RUN or ACC position.
Up to four keyless entry remote transmitters (15K601) can be programmed at one time.
The keyless entry remote transmitters :
  • Are programmable.
  • Must be set at the same time.
  • House four buttons.
  • House three buttons (Mexico Anti-Theft System only).
Programming
Refer to Section 501-14B.
Inputs and Outputs
The remote anti-theft personality (RAP) module receives input from the following components for anti-theft operation:
  • Hood switch.
  • Deck lid ajar switch.
  • Keyless entry remote transmitter.
  • Power door lock switches (LH and RH).
  • Door courtesy input.
The RAP module distributes output to the following for the anti-theft system:
  • Power door unlock relay.
  • Power door lock relay.
  • Liftgate unlock relay (Wagon)
  • Park lamps relay.
  • HORN relay.
  • Dome lamp.
  • THEFT indicator.
  • Deck lid release.
Arming
The anti-theft system can be armed if:
  • The ignition switch is in the OFF position.
  • The panic alarm is off.
  • All doors are closed.
NOTE: If a door is open, the anti-theft system is prearmed and waiting for all the doors to be closed. The THEFT indicator will remain illuminated for up to 30 minutes waiting for all the doors to be closed. If a door remains open after 30 minutes, the THEFT indicator will turn off and the system will return to a disarmed state. After all doors are closed and the 30 second prearm (continuous THEFT indicator illumination) is complete, the system is armed.
NOTE: If the theft LED does not flash after 30 seconds, check the LED FLASH PID to see if the feature is enabled.
The anti-theft system will be armed when the lock button on the keyless entry remote transmitter is pressed, all doors are closed and 30 seconds have elapsed.
When the system is armed, the THEFT indicator will flash quickly until the system is triggered or disarmed.
Disarming
NOTE: Using a key in a door lock cylinder to unlock is not a valid method of disarming the anti-theft system.
Untriggered System
NOTE: If the driver arms the system and remains in the vehicle, an untriggered system can be disarmed by turning the ignition switch to the ON position.
An untriggered alarm system can be disarmed by pressing the unlock button on the keyless entry remote transmitter.
Triggered System
NOTE: If the hood or trunk are open when the system is armed, it must be closed and opened again before it can trigger an alarm.
An armed anti-theft system can be triggered by the following conditions:
The deck lid door, liftgate, hood or any door is opened using a key, inside door handle, hood release, etc.
  • The keyless entry remote transmitter can activate a panic alarm which is similar to the anti-theft alarm, but does not cause the THEFT indicator to flash.
A triggered alarm system can be disarmed by:
  • Pressing the unlock or panic button on the keyless entry remote transmitter.
  • Turning the ignition switch to the ON position.
Alarm State When Battery Power Is Cycled
When the RAP module is supplied power the first time at the vehicle assembly plant, the system will be in the disarmed state. The RAP module will remember whether it is armed, disarmed or triggered in its non-volatile memory. When the battery positive cable is removed and then reconnected, the system will return to the state it was in just before the battery was disconnected. If the system is in any prearm state, then the system will return to a disarmed state when the battery is disconnected and then reconnected.
6helpful
3answers

How to disconnect anti theft system in my 1996 ford explorer

How to disconnect anti theft system in may ford explorer 1996 v6
4helpful
2answers

1996 Explorer anti-theft system won't disable The anti-theft system on my 1996 Ford Explorer will not not turn-off with any normal method. Electronic keypad unlock on driver's door will not disable,...

Try re-setting the computer...Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and leave off for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the computer to reset. The charger may have interupted the signal or something.
1helpful
1answer

VEHICLE WONT START

Section 13-11: Anti-Theft System, Active 1998 Windstar Workshop Manual DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Anti-Theft Alarm System NOTE: The system immediately monitors the ignition key lock cylinder upon removal of the key from the ignition. It is not necessary to arm the system for ignition key lock monitoring.

The anti-theft alarm system:
  • protects the vehicle from unauthorized entry into the passenger compartment, engine compartment and cargo area.
  • monitors the status of the ignition key lock cylinder.
  • is controlled by a remote anti-theft personality (RAP) module. The remote anti-theft personality module also controls the electronic door lock functions. Refer to Section 01-14B for more details.
  • when armed, detects unauthorized entry into the passenger compartment by using an input from the GEM module regarding the state of the door or liftgate (open or closed).
  • protects the engine compartment with a hood switch which is located on the LH cowl vent panel and is part of windshield wiper motor wiring (17A477) .
  • triggers an alarm if the ignition lock cylinder is forcibly removed from the steering column.
Once triggered, the system responds by:
  • flashing the low beam headlamps, the parklamps, rear lamps and the alarm indicator warning light emitting diode (LED).
  • sounding the horn (13832).
  • disabling the starter circuit until the system is disarmed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remote Anti-Theft Personality Module
  • The remote anti-theft personality module is located behind the instrument panel (04320).
  • It contains a radio receiver that receives the RF signal from the keyless entry remote transmitter (15K601) through the alarm and lock system antenna (15603) and sends the appropriate command to the power door locks, the horn relay, or the generic electronic module.
  • The remote anti-theft personality module is equipped with an internal backup power supply which holds the programmed code in memory in the event the vehicle battery is disconnected.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remote Anti-Theft Personality Module Removal
  1. Disconnect battery ground cable (14301). Refer to Section 14-01 .
  1. Remove radio. Refer to Section 15-01 .
  1. Remove lower instrument panel center finish panel. Refer to Section 01-12 .
  1. Lower glove box.
  1. Remove two remote anti-theft personality module bracket retaining screws.
  1. Disconnect electrical connectors and alarm and lock system antenna (15603).
  1. Remove remote anti-theft personality module and bracket.
  1. Remove remote anti-theft personality module from mounting bracket.
Installation
  1. To install, follow removal procedure in reverse order.
  1. Tighten remote anti-theft personality module bracket retaining screws to 6-8 Nm (54-70 lb-in).

    34bdf35.gif
Components The system is composed of the following components:
  • remote anti-theft personality (RAP) module with integral antenna
  • alarm indicator LED
  • door lock cylinder switch RH, door lock cylinder switch LH
  • liftgate door lock cylinder switch (220A40)
  • hood switch (part of windshield wiper motor wiring (17A477))
  • ignition lock anti-theft switch (19A438)
The following vehicle components are also used by the anti-theft alarm system:
  • generic electronic module
  • power door lock switch (14028)
  • door open warning lamp switch (14018)
  • autolamp relay (14N089)
  • horn relay and bracket (13853) and horn (13832)
  • low beam headlamps
  • rear lamps (13404) and parking lamps (13200)
  • starter relay
  • door lock relays
  • keyless entry remote transmitter (15K601)
--------------------------------
Disarming an Untriggered System NOTE: A perimeter alarm will "shut off" after 165 seconds, but the system is still triggered and is not disarmed.

An armed but untriggered perimeter anti-theft system can be disarmed by one of the following four events:
  1. Unlock the doors by pressing the keyless entry remote transmitter (15K601) UNLOCK button once.
  2. Unlock any door with a key.
  3. Turn ignition switch to RUN or ACC.
  4. The remote entry PANIC button will disarm the anti-theft system only when the perimeter alarm is triggered and sounding.
------------------------------------------------
System Triggering NOTE: Although the remote entry PANIC alarm is not associated with the monitoring of the vehicle, the user will frequently say that the theft system was triggered when actually the keyless entry remote transmitter PANIC button was inadvertently pressed. A panic alarm will not flash the THEFT indicator.

The alarm can be triggered by the following events if the system has been armed and has not been disarmed first:
  • Open any door or liftgate.
  • Open the hood (16612) (if the hood was open when the system was armed, it must be closed before it can trigger the alarm).
  • Dislodge the ignition key lock cylinder.
  • The anti-theft system may be triggered inadvertently when the module is disconnected and then reconnected. To avoid inadvertent alarm triggering, disconnect the smaller 22-way connector first.
When the system is triggered the perimeter alarm will operate as follows: The remote anti-theft personality module will pulse the following outputs at approximately 1.3 Hz, 50 percent duty cycle for two minutes 45 seconds for North America. NOTE: Other perimeter alarms can be programmed for the system.

  • low beam headlamps
  • parking lamps
  • horn
  • THEFT indicator
The perimeter alarm can be retriggered, after a perimeter alarm has sounded for 165 seconds. After a perimeter alarm has timed out, if any trigger input is first seen as normal and is then seen in its trigger state, the perimeter alarm will be retriggered. The perimeter alarm can be triggered a total of three times between an arming sequence and a disarm event. An active panic alarm will be deactivated when a perimeter alarm is triggered (a perimeter alarm overrides a panic alarm).
Not finding what you are looking for?

616 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Ford Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

xxxxxx xxx

Level 3 Expert

5117 Answers

Are you a Ford Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...