wont start

[RavoHimself]

97 Ranger 4.0 stick has starting issue all of a sudden. For three weeks now intermittent wont start. No clicking or cranking. The parking lights are flashing like in anti theft mode. Previous , all we had to do is disconnect the batt for a couple minutes and then it would start for days in a row. Once in a while some weird sequence would make the horns beep like there is an alarm system in the truck. Our other Ranger (93) has a little horn on the fire wall for the alarm but the 97 has no door switches or speaker to indicate an alarm. The horns and speed control (cruse) stopped working and there is power to the 20 amp fuse in the engine bay. No power to the horn relay and switched relay with another one, still flashing parking lamps. We have no key fob for this truck for door locks or alarm. Any clue as to whats going on or where to look ? Any help would be appreciated . Thanks Ravo

 

[mobileaudio219]

I don't know a lot about the PATS system all of that... but next time it happens, try removing the key and spinning it around 180 degree and then try to restart it. I heard that it sometimes works???

 

[97RangerXLT]

my 97 4.0 auto has a factory alarm. usually I don't have any issues with it, but once in a while it will "arm" itself... once I put the key in the ignition it is fine. Usually to set it I have to hit hte door lock twice on the key fob.

You are in luck, the 97 does not have PATS, so if you can find themodule you might be able to bypass it.

AJ

 

[RonD]

The flashing parking lights and horn are sure signs of an alarm system.

If it is a Factory Alarm system there will be an "alarm" light added in the dash board that will flash(if bulb is good).
A dealer or user added alarm won't have an "alarm" light built-in to the dash cluster.

Here is a thread on where to look for factory alarm
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108482

For dealer or user added alarm you may be better off finding a local car alarm installer that can locate and either disable or repair, with new fobs, the current system.

 

[RavoHimself]

Thanks Ron that link will help i hope. I'll update in a bit with any new info.

 

[RavoHimself]

May your Ranger live on Forever Ron. The link told me how to turn off the alarm and my truck started fine. Still don't know what set it off originally but now at least i can drive it until i find the source of the problem.

 

[RonD]

Good work