Question I have a 1994 mercury cougar and I lost the remote to the alarm, but the alarm could be turned off with the keypad on the door. I just changed the door with one I bought used and now I can't turn off the alarm. how do I reset the keypad on the door or just disable the alarm?
AnswerHi Anthony,
Here's some stuff I found from Ford:
1. If issues are experienced with Keyless Entry keypad operation (located on driver door):
a. Look for any signs of water intrusion.
b. Look for proper wiring connections/connector seating.
c. Check for proper keypad backlighting by pressing a button to verify the light turns on.
d. Most vehicles equipped with a keypad incorporate a security feature called Anti-scan mode. Inform customer they have 7 attempts at inputting a valid keycode before the keypad will be locked out for one minute. (Only the lock function operates while in this mode). This one minute anti-scan mode is indicated by the keypad light flashing rapidly.
And this was of particular interest. It's a recall on the transmitter:
Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345
Ford Motor Company is providing a special no-charge Service Program 95B79 to owners of certain 1994 and 1995-model vehicles equipped with the Ford Remote Keyless Entry System.
Reason For This Program:
Battery contact corrosion inside the small rectangular shaped Ford Remote Keyless Entry System transmitters (with your vehicle's keys) may cause the system to operate intermittently and possibly result in unnecessary battery replacement.
No Charge Service With Drop-In-The-Mailbox Convenience: At no charge to you, Ford Motor Company will upgrade your remote transmitters for proper trouble-free operation via a special mail-in service program. This special mail-in program is designed to provide you with a quick, convenient way to upgrade your remote transmitters and is available to you through October 31, 1996. (If you desire, you could have this service performed by your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.)
Return Transmitters In Special Prepaid Mailer:
Use the enclosed prepaid mailing envelope to return all of your remote transmitters for the vehicle identified by the serial number above. Just drop the envelope (with the transmitters enclosed) in the mail. For your security and protection, the prepaid mailer does not require your name or address. The bar-coding on the label will enable us to identify you.
Return Only The Transmitters:
Please return the remote transmitters only. Detach them from the large key ring. (During the time that your transmitters are being upgraded, remember that you will have to use your key; we apologize for this inconvenience.)
Processing Time:
Counting mail time to and from our service center, we expect your transmitters will be returned to you within 10 working days. If you have not received your transmitters back by this time, please call the following toll-free number: 1-800-490-4288.
Changed Address?
Please fill-out the enclosed postcard with your new address and return it in the prepaid mailer with your transmitters.
Sold Your Vehicle?
Do nothing and discard this communication.
Questions?
A special toll-free number (1-800-490-4288) is available if you have questions on this program. Ford representatives are available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Have your vehicle serial number ready when you call. It is printed above.
We are taking this action as part of our on-going efforts to maintain owner confidence in our products. We hope this special mail-in program will confirm your continued satisfaction with your Ford Remote Keyless Entry System.
Though this recall has expired 10 years ago the transmitter is still available through Ford. They are about $30.
The alarm is disabled in three ways. Keyless, keypad and key. If the alarm is not deactivated by your key in the door lock, then whom ever installed the door did not connect the electronics correctly or has pinched/broken a wire. You might try unlocking the passenger door to see it it deactivates, but I can't be sure. Ford doesn't supply me with this type of information because then it becomes a security issue if you didn't happen to own that car! There is no way to disable the system from inside. I just got off the phone with Ford and they tell me that you will need to take it to a Ford dealer and have them reprogram your alarm system controller. They also told me that it still could be a wiring issue in the door because changing the door/keypad does not effect the anti-theft system settings.
