1993 Ranger won't start - Red light blinking...

[Jerry]

My 1993 Ranger won't start. I believe it is the security system but I don't know how to disarm it reset it, or disconnect it.. There is a small red light on the dash left of the steering column. The light is off when I'm driving and on when the truck is parked. Over the last couple of years there have been several times when I get into the truck and that light is blinking (I believe this is telling me the security system is armed). When I turn the key the indicator lights on the dash come on but that's it, no reaction from the starter.

I don't need a security system and I would like to just disconnect the whole thing.

I have tried the remote but no luck. The only thing that seems to work is leaving the battery disconnected for 60 minutes or more.

 

[john112deere]

I assume it's an aftermarket security system? Doesn't sound like factory.

Do you know what brand the system is? Professional installation?

Could be any number of things- far beyond what I know about, but maybe i can at least help ask the right leading questions... (I'm thinking either a connection that's gotten corroded, or a dying "brain box" for the aftermarket security...)

*A friend had a Ranger with an aftermarket alarm, that had a toggle switch under the dash near the hood release. Come to think of it, Mom's Explorer had an aftermarket alarm (Apache brand) with a switchbox there, too. Might try looking there, and pushing/flipping whatever switch you find?

 

[Jerry]

I have not found a switch or a reset button. Any ideas where I might look for this "brain box"?

 

[john112deere]

If it's an aftermarket system, it could be anywhere, unfortunately.

(I'm assuming it's aftermarket because I don't know of a factory system for that year truck, but I may be mistaken.)

Most professionally-installed systems I've seen (which isn't many) put the components on the inner fender near the battery and/or in the driver's footwell somewhere. But there's no telling what somebody might have done.

I guess I'd start looking for non-factory looking wires, too...trace the starting circuit, since that what it's interrupting. Wish I could be more help.

 

[slmann]

you might trying posting your question in this forum too for some extra exposure.
http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=20

 

[racsan]

must be a aftermarket security setup, my '93 has nothing like that.