Truck –

’97 Lauriat, 4X4 extended cab. Keyless remote – standard key – key does NO have a chip.

I needed to get a jump start. The truck started, however, the THEFT light remained on. I needed to drive the truck for a while to charge up the battery but the theft light remained on and remains on now at all times – tuck running or off.

Now – my keyless remote no longer works and when I turn the key to start – the engine starts fine – but I hear a rapid clicking noise either in the mid forward section, underneath the dash – or perhaps in the engine compartment – haven’t had a chance to diagnose it much further yet. The clicking noise stops when the key is not in the start posiiton.

I’m certain that my remote batteries are good.

I’m thinking of disconnecting the battery – then connecting it again – hoping it will “heal” itself.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated.

DRP

 

I got lucky.

I tried the idea of disconnecting the battery and it worked. I am pretty sure that the clicking noise was coming from the Battery Fuse compartment located on the Firewall. It sounded like a very rapidly oscillating relay (but the starter worked fine and it was clicking faster than a starter solenoid when it’s acting up).

I let it sit for a few minutes with the battery disconnected – reconnected it – the Anti-Theft warning – horn going off & on – came on – I inserted the key started the car and all problems disappeared. No THEFT light – remote works – life is good.

Evidently removing the battery allowed a reset of the system and “fixed” the relay.

Sometimes luck is better than skill and knowledge. Probably would have been an expensive visit to the dealer.

DRP