Recently I have had a number of false alarms with the trucks passive alarm system. Mostly occurring at an hour between 2 and 5 in the AM...the trucks alarm goes off for no apparent reason (no broken windows or signs of attempted forced entry). The last time was half and hour ago and I was right there watching absolutley no one trying to get into the truck. Since this annoys me and most likely the neighbors, I would really like to get to the bottom of this. I hate alarms anyway, but I really hate to not see my truck in the AM when it should be there.

Has anyone else had a problem with their PATS doing the false alarm thing? Any fixes anyone knows of???

'97 4.6L Supercab 4x4 Offroad

 

I'm going to show my ignorance here. But isn't the PATS only an ignition security feature? I'm not aware of any audible alarm with the PATS. I don't think the system would do anything if anyone were to break in. They just wouldn't be able to start it.

 

Thanks for breaking the ice . . . ! I thought the same thing.

Rotties150,

Could you have a dealer installed alarm system that just needs to be adjusted?

Bob

 

Whoa... that is the strangest thing. My Celica's alarm does that too... Well, it doesnt go off completely, but its a dual-stage shock sensor type alarm like my F-150 (warning for light shock, alarm goes off for heavy shock). And it does the warning beep every once in a while even if the car is just sitting there untouched and no noisy Civics are driving by.

I would try to figure out if its a dealer installed alarm, if so have one fix it.

Also, PATS is the PASSIVE system. All it does is it will cut the fuel going to your engine unless you are using a properly programmed key. It has nothing to do with the "alarm".

Laurence

 

When the old dog barks, check it out.

 

I guess its not a passive alarm then....cuz this one makes lots of noise (horn honks, lights flash...).

I set it with the inside door lock and not with the remote. I know it will shut the engine off but also sounds the alarm.

None the less, it still goes off without apparent provocation. Anyone else have this annoying problem at all???

Thanks for the help...

 

Ummmm... You got a '97? With PATS? I don't think so. PATS started with the '99 model year.

 

my 97 has "remote k/less entry/anti theft" option-not PATS. If a locked entry is attempted, the horn sounds & lights blink. My guess would be a door switch (dome lite & dinger normally) is breaking contact & triggering the anti theft when locked. spray penetrating oil in the door latch has fixed similar problems.

 

I too have false alarms all the time when it's colder/damp weather...sometimes at 4 in the morn, sometimes minutes after pulling in the driveway.

I thought I found a way to lock and not enable the alarm by pushing the lock plunger down manually...the THEFT light in the dash doesn't light when you do this, but I still get false alarms!

I've not had any other symptoms of the typical door switch failure (ie the dome light isn't coming on when driving, etc.).

Any info on what went wrong with yours?

Neighbors are getting pissed. Is there a way to disable the alarm system until a solution can be found?

Any and all info appreciated,
-Woovis-
'98 F150 5.4 OffRoad SC FS

 

Sorry to post this in another thread too but I'm desparate. The problem has never been resolved. Alarm continues to sound for no reason, right after parking or 4 in the morning, doesn't seem to matter.

With all the trucks that do this, I'm surprised there hasn't been an answer. A tech at one dealer finally found a code "ignition tamper" but didn't know what to do about it.

I've resorted to pulling the horn fuse, but the soccer moms putting makeup on while attempting to drive minivans has me wanting it back!

Thanks for any and all info,

 

The dealer should be able to use a diagnostic tool to identify what has set the alarm off - the Remote Anti-Theft/Personality module (RAP) stores this for the last 8 Alarm events.

If it indicated 'Ignition Tamper' I believe there is a switch on your ignition switch that sets this code. If the alarm is set and this switch is tripped (i.e. it thinks somebody is trying to bypass the igntion) it will sound the alarm. From your description it sounds like this switch is getting flaky - the dealer should be able to check it out for you.