Experiencing issues with your 2000 Ford Excursion Key Fob can be frustrating. Whether it’s a failure to lock or unlock your doors, or problems starting your vehicle, understanding the potential causes and troubleshooting steps is crucial. This guide will walk you through some common scenarios and solutions based on expert insights into similar aftermarket keyless entry systems.
Understanding Your Key Fob System
Many older vehicles, like the 2000 Ford Excursion, might have aftermarket keyless entry systems installed. These systems often utilize a valet button and may have a starter interrupt feature. If your key fob isn’t working, it’s helpful to understand how these components might be affecting your system.
Valet Button and System Activation
The valet button plays a key role in toggling the system between active and bypassed modes. Contrary to some installations, the brown valet button wire should not be constantly connected. For many aftermarket DEI (Directed Electronics, Inc.) systems, the valet button is a normally open (N.O.) type.
To check if your system is in a “locked” mode, which could be activating the starter interrupt, try this:
- Disconnect the brown valet button wires if they are connected.
- Turn the ignition key to the RUN position, then turn it OFF.
- Briefly touch the brown wires together and release.
- Listen for horn honks. Note whether you hear one or two honks.
- Repeat steps 2-4. See if the number of horn honks changes.
If the number of horn honks toggles between one and two, you are likely switching between active and bypassed modes. In an RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) system, the difference between these modes primarily affects the starter interrupt. A system in “locked” or active mode might engage the starter interrupt, preventing the engine from cranking unless the system is bypassed or disarmed with the key fob.
Horn Honks as System Status Indicators
Aftermarket systems often use horn honks to communicate system status, especially if there isn’t a dedicated LED indicator. The horn honk test described above is a way to decipher these signals and understand the system’s current state.
Entering Program Mode
If you need to program a new key fob or reprogram your existing one, you might need to enter program mode. While specific steps can vary, a common method for many DEI systems involves:
- Open the driver’s side door.
- Turn the ignition key to the RUN position.
- Push and HOLD the valet button.
- While holding the button, turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
- Listen for horn honks. A horn honk should indicate that the system has entered program mode.
Caution: If the brown valet button wires are permanently connected, the system might enter program mode every time you turn the key off. This is not the intended operation and could lead to unintended programming issues.
Starter Interrupt and Programming Considerations
Many keyless entry systems include a starter interrupt, typically wired with two red wires in a separate connector. This feature prevents the vehicle from starting when the system is armed.
If you are having trouble programming your 2000 Ford Excursion key fob, bypassing the starter interrupt can be helpful. You can do this by:
- Locating the two red wires of the starter interrupt.
- Carefully splicing these two red wires together.
By connecting these wires, you are essentially bypassing the starter interrupt, allowing the engine to crank regardless of the keyless entry system’s state. This can simplify the programming process by eliminating a potential point of interference. Remember to restore the original wiring configuration of the starter interrupt after successfully programming your key fob if you want to retain this security feature.
Final Thoughts
Troubleshooting a 2000 Ford Excursion key fob, especially with an aftermarket system, can require some investigation. By understanding the function of the valet button, interpreting horn honk signals, and temporarily bypassing the starter interrupt, you can systematically diagnose and potentially resolve key fob issues. If these steps don’t resolve your problem, consulting a professional automotive electrician or key fob programming specialist may be necessary to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.
