Expert: INSTALLSUPPORT - 3/7/2011

Question
QUESTION: My 1998 Ford Explorer door lock recently broke and when I was trying to open the door I set the alarm off.  The alarm is the factory installed model.  I did not shut it off quick enough and now my car is disabled.  I have searched under the dash everywhere but cannot find the valet switch everyone is referring to.  Can you give me an idea where it is?

ANSWER: Please be more descriptive if possible.

"GOING OFF?"

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

Ok let's clear up the terminology glitch here.

1. FACTORY/OEM alarm = Part of the original schematics
and plans from the manufacturer.
(horn honk, head lights flash, Starter may crank and
die, no spark)

2. DEALER INSTALLED alarm = Just that. Once the vehicle
is brought to a dealer, the dealer sub contracts the after market
security out.
(horn might honk, siren and parking lights flash, starter kill relya,
no start, no crank, just dead.)

3. AFTER MARKET alarm: Same as #2 but owner IS AWARE that
the system was put in at the dealership, but may not
be informed of the brand name, or even what it's
total capabilities are.
(siren & parking lights flash, starter kill)

Which one applies to yours?

RM/ALARMTEK
CARALARMMAN.COM

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

QUESTION: Not sure, I bought the car used, I am guessing it is dealer installed from your description.  Horn, siren, tail lights and blinkers flash and now just dead now.  I followed wires through the firewall to siren and it doesn't look factory.  I don't have much access as I can't get the driver door open.  Thanks in advance for your advice.

Answer
Hmmm, might need to be evaluated by a tech to
trouble shoot the issue. Until then, to try to disarm it,
look under the dash area for a button or,
a toggle switch. When you locate it, turn on the
ignition key, press and hold in the button (little
spring loaded micro button, red or black possibly)
until the alarm chirps 1 time. This should over ride
the system, and only the keyless entry part,
if installed, would still be operating.
The LED (light emiting diode) light in the dash
should also go on solid.=VALET/OVERIDE
( if this is a remote starter, the antenna on the
front window glass may also have the over ride
button inset into it.)

This stops the alarm except for the keyless
entry if installed. Once in Valet mode,
it will allow the car to start and operate
like there was no alarm at all.

The next step is if wanting to remove it,
you contact a local technician to
locate it, and affect neccesary service
for you.

That should solve the troubles.

Let me know what you discover.