How to disable a kill switch on a Windstar 98?

serge_saati · #1 10-04-2009, 08:21 PM

Is it a way to disable the kill switch on a Windstar 98 LX?

To start my car, I have to put to ON, activate the rear defroster, (the red LED stop flashing), then start the car. Then turn off the defroster. I found that annoying.

I don't know if it has an easy way to disable it, without disassembling everything

.

northern piper · #2 10-05-2009, 03:50 PM

umm, what??

serge_saati · #3 10-05-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northern piper

umm, what??

A kill switch is an anti-theft device. It's a switch that prevent the stole of a car. So If a theft want to start my car with a jumper wire, he can't, cause the car will not start.
To start my car, I need to turn key to ON, activate the rear defroster, then start the car. I cannot start the car directly. It's like a password.
So I want to disable my kill switch, cause it's more practical without it.

serge_saati · #4 10-05-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northern piper

umm, what??

LOL, a kill switch is not a switch to make a suicide.
I just understand why you were so surprised when you read the title.

bdahl385 · #5 10-05-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serge_saati

A kill switch is an anti-theft device. It's a switch that prevent the stole of a car. So If a theft want to start my car with a jumper wire, he can't, cause the car will not start.
To start my car, I need to turn key to ON, activate the rear defroster, then start the car. I cannot start the car directly. It's like a password.
So I want to disable my kill switch, cause it's more practical without it.

I can assure you that my 2000 SE does not have that "feature"... Must only be on the Canadian versions of the Winny...

serge_saati · #6 10-05-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdahl385

I can assure you that my 2000 SE does not have that "feature"... Must only be on the Canadian versions of the Winny...

No, it depends of the options included in the model. For example, my previous 99 Windstar LX didn't have a kill switch. But this one have.

Each model and trim came with different option: rear climate, heated seat, anti-fog, CD player, anti-theft... Depending of what you choose.

The only option that only Canadian version have is the Daytime running light.
My headlight are always on.

wiswind · #7 10-05-2009, 09:34 PM

I am guessing that you are talking about a FORD installed anti-theft system....one that was installed when the vehicle was built?.....and NOT a aftermarket system that was added later?

If this is a FORD unit, have there been any modifications to it?
This would include most any add-on, anything added after the vehicle was bought.....what comes to mind would be a remote start, or other things that would alter the wiring.

I do not have a anti-theft system on my '96....from looking at the wiring diagrams for the 1996 windstar on alldata......there are a LOT of "with anti-theft" boxes on the diagrams.....that I can see that doing much modification to the factory original wiring could cause some issues if the vehicle has the anti-theft option.

So....first.....let us know if it is or is not a FACTORY (FORD) antitheft system.
Also let us know if there have been any aftermarket additions, like a remote start system installed.
Then, someone who is familiar with the antitheft system on their vehicle may be able to help.

serge_saati · #8 10-05-2009, 10:27 PM

Actually, I'm not sure if it's Ford anti-theft system or an after market system. I just bought this car on Saturday.

And yes, I have a Ford remote starter installed. But the remote control is lost.

I'm thinking if it's a way to disable it w/o changing the wiring, only unplug a fuse, or program the device with the defroster switch? Or turning off a switch somewhere?

wiswind · #9 10-06-2009, 08:14 PM

If it is a FORD unit....installed at the factory when the vehicle was built, the wiring diagrams that you find on AlldataDIY will be of help......

If it is something that was added later.....good luck......as it will be anyone's guess as to what creative wiring has been done.

I have no experience with this personally, as I don't have the anti-theft system or any remote options on mine.

serge_saati · #10 10-10-2009, 04:17 PM

I was finally able to disable the kill switch.
Just at the right of the hood opener lever, it has a black micro switch.
I turn the key to ON, I hold this switch for 3 seconds, the anti-theft LED blink faster, then stop blinking at all. Then the car can start directly.... Yeah! No more anti-theft.

What is funny, it's that I discover that by chance. I was about to do something else.

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