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2003 Ford Explorer with Anti-theft system. Can I ...
Sent to Car Experts October 12 09:45 AM

2003 Ford Explorer with Anti-theft system. Can I deactivate it? What happens is my wife will lock the car using the remote, then when I get in I use the door push button unlock. After I do this, when I put my key in, the car will start and so will the horn. The only way I can stop the alarm is by hitting the buttons on the other remote. Why doesn't the door key pad deactivate the alarm? What am I doing wrong? Can I just deactivate the alarm system all together?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
October 12 10:26 AM (41 minutes and 9 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Ford anti theft systems are fun. (pain in the butt). The easy way to research this out is to go to the library and use the online all data (free). I've read several times about various reseting procedures for the vtd (Vehicle Theft Deterent system) and I am not 100% sure if you can deactivate the whole system. I do not believe you can because the actual key itself is a transponder. It is matched to the transmitter located in the steering column and it sends a signal to the computer telling it that the right key is in the ignition and it's ok to start. For some reason I think the problem is in the GEM module because it is not recognizing that you have opened the door using the key pad and sholud deactivate the alarm. The remote portion of the system is working, the key identification system is working (or it wouldn't start) but it's not telling the vtd to shut off the alarm when you open the door via the pad and that is controlled through the GEM module - hope this helps point you in the right direction

Wes Harrison
Above and Beyond Auto Repair
Wes Harrison -- Owner/ ASE Master Tech -- 100% Positive Feedback on 17 Car Accepts
22 Years of providing for my family by helping others when their vehicle is broke
Reply
October 13 9:35 AM (23 hours and 8 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
Reply to Wes Harrison's Post: Thank you Wes. A few things 1. "use the online all data". I am not sure what that is, do you mean get a service manual from the library? Also, "GEM" module, not sure what this either. Also, my car only has 29,000 miles so is that something that may be covered under warranty?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 13 10:31 AM (56 minutes and 17 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
The warranty factor - yes, call ford with your complete vin # and see. I believe that those vehicles are covered 3 yr 36,000 for electrical.
#2 Online all data is a resouce available at the library on their computer that you can use for free. If you would like to have it available on your home computer they are charging 24.95 for a subscription to their service for your vehicle. The GEM module is a control module that controls several options on your veh. It controls veh theft det. sys, windshield wiper delay, interior light dimming, etc.. (all kinds of stuff) For calls it the GEM module (I can't think of what the initials stand for right noe -Aughh!)

Wes Harrison
Above and Beyond Auto Repair
Wes Harrison -- Owner/ ASE Master Tech -- 100% Positive Feedback on 17 Car Accepts
22 Years of providing for my family by helping others when their vehicle is broke
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