Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 3/1/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a 98 ford explorer and have had many issues all leading up to what ive been told might be an aftermarket alarm. originally the shop thought it was a fuel issue pump,pressure regulator,bad gas. those were not the problems. one ford dealer actually said the engine was seized but the vehicle starts and runs for about 30 sec. and then dies out a shop said that it was probably the pcm and  it thinks its being stolen thats why it dies out. so that has been replaced and programed at ford not the problem either. a tech at ford suggested that it might be the aftermarket alarm.Im not even sure it has an aftermarket alarm on it.  please if you have any ideas i would really be gratefull thanks so much

ANSWER: I need to determine whether it's a factory alarm
issue or, if it's an aftermarket system you are
dealing with.

Is it: Headlights flashing, car horn honking
and a worded SECURITY" light in the dash flashing?
(doubtfull since none of the notes show this
car as having a factory alarm system)=FACTORY

Or,

is it: flashing parking lights,
an LED in the dash area, and a siren
going off?= AFTER MARKET

Let me know more on this to better
advise you on a course of action
to take.

Best Regards,

Robert Martin
CEO/ALARMTEK
CARALARMMAN.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: neither the explorer just cuts out after about 30 sec. at that point you are able to restart the truck and it runs for another 30 sec. theres no check engine light codes (OBII) and for the short time it runs it sounds great no high or low revs. im just hoping for some ideas as to where or what i can have checked out or what type of shop to take it too to get this thing up and running .The dealer was no help thanks so much again

Answer
Wish I had something to offer, but it does not sound like the alarm
or the PATS system. This is a toughy, and sounds like
a computer issue, not security, allthough it is affected
by the "burp" you are experiencing.

Try re writing this question in my forum if you would
at www.installsupport.com to see if one of my techs
there have some ideas for you.

A.