Alarm System Problem

I own a 2002 Taursus SEL. Recently the alarm system (flashing lights and horn) has been going off all by itself. It goes off for no apparent reason. If the car is unlocked it does not go off. If the car is locked it goes off anywhere from one to fifteen minutes later.

Any ideas what is going on and how to disengage the alarm system?

Sounds like you might have a sticking door pin switch. I'm not sure if in 2002 Ford still used the door pin switch integrated into the door latch. If so, that was a common issue with the Taurus. If the switch sticks, the alarm may be seeing the sticking switch as an opening door when armed. If you leave the car unlocked, the alarm system does not arm, so it doesn't care if a door is opened or not.

Do you ever notice the door ajar light on the instrument panel coming on or the interior lights coming on while driving?

If you have the integrated door pin switch, you can use electrical parts cleaner, spray it into the latch area on the doors, and work the doors a few times.

If it is cold in your area, you may have moisture in the switch assembly which is freezing and causing your issue. If you suspect this might be the case, park your car in a warm area long enough the ice can thaw and flow away from the switch assembly. Then apply the electrical parts cleaner.

Some people suggest WD-40, but WD-40 is a penetrating oil, it is not intended for electrical switches and I've read that it can actually cause contacts to wear more quickly.

-Rod

Rob, I sell electrical contact cleaners so I guess I am in luck! I will use your advice tomorrow. I sure hope that is the case. I am going away for ten days on vacation and don't want my car alarm going off in the middle of the evening bothering the neighbors. If the contact cleaner doesn't work I will have to disconnect the battery until I get home and take the car into the dealer.

Thanks for your advice.

Checkd the door...no pin. Door has a plastic housing (about the size of an oil filter) between the door and the car. It seems to hold all the electrical wiring for the automatic windows/locks, power windows and perimeter lighting. Still can't figure this problem out. I leave on vacation today so it looks like I will have to disconnect the battery.

Checkd the door...no pin. Door has a plastic housing (about the size of an oil filter) between the door and the car. It seems to hold all the electrical wiring for the automatic windows/locks, power windows and perimeter lighting. Still can't figure this problem out. I leave on vacation today so it looks like I will have to disconnect the battery.

The door pin switch is integrated into the door latch assembly on the door, not a pin switch like is commonly used. You can spray the contact cleaner into the latch assembly, or you can disassemble your door, remove the latch, and either replace the microswitch with one from Digi-Key, MCM Electronics, Avnet, etc., or clean the switch with electrical contact cleaner.

I'm guessing that since you leave today for vacation (if you haven't already) you won't be disassembly the door. :)

Have a nice vacation!

-Rod

Did you ever get your alarm system resolved? I'm having the same problem.