2004 Aftermarket red light in dash | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

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2004 Aftermarket red light in dash

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mikrisr
  • Start date Start date
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Mikrisr

Bronze Member
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Thunderbird Year
2004
Does anyone know what this light indicates, there is no mention of it in the Owner's Manual? It started flashing sometime after I connected a battery maintainer and the engine won't turnover. The battery is fully charged and everything else electrical appears to be working--I can hear the fuel pump run when I initially turn the key on.

T-bird dash.jpg

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Last edited by a moderator:
Mikrisr said:
It started flashing sometime after I connected a battery maintainer and the engine won't turnover.
Click to expand...
Disconnect the battery terminals, leave them off a while, turn on headlights etc to pull any residual energizing. Hook back up the battery and see if that resolved.

That light is getting power somewhere, you are going to have to find out where. Probably some sort of security system. Also research PATS on the forums
 
Thanks for the responses. Unfortunately, disconnecting the battery this morning didn't resolve the problem, and the red light started flashing as soon as I reconnected the battery. I went through the documentation I got with the car and discovered there was a dealer installed remote start on the car, which I wasn't aware of. I assume that is what the indicator light is for. The problem is definitely in the wiring before the starter relay. I pulled the starter relay and jumped between terminals 30 and 87 and the engine cranked and fired up. My next move is to locate the remote start component and see if I can remove it from the system. Thanks again.
 
If you have the installation documentation maybe it states the product used (e.g. VIper, etc) and then you can move forward with getting information from the vendor for troubleshooting.
 
Unfortunately, there are no details, simply an entry on the original invoice indicating a charge for a dealer installed remote start. I did get the bottom of the dash pulled off and I'm in the process of tracing the wires that feed the light.
 
Mikrisr said:
Unfortunately, there are no details, simply an entry on the original invoice indicating a charge for a dealer installed remote start. I did get the bottom of the dash pulled off and I'm in the process of tracing the wires that feed the light.
Click to expand...
Was it a Ford-Lincoln-Mercury Dealer? What you want to do is look for time period remote start systems for the Lincoln LS like- https://fortin.ca/en/vehicles/lincoln/ls/2003-standard-key/

They would have used a bypass for the PATS anti-theft system like this one- https://ebay.us/XSiBA9

This one was also used DEI XPRESSKIT XK05-
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On a side note, you might even be able to get it working again if you can get the FOBS and have remote start!


bulldog.webp
 
I found the remote start module under the dash and Googled the P/N on the module. It is a dealer installed factory part. I'm waiting for a digital shop manual before I go any further. I tried both keys and fobs and it won't turn over. Holding the start button on either fob results in the turn signals, headlamps and alarm light on the dash flashing.
 
I haven't received the shop manual yet, but I did find the owner's manual for the remote start on line. The LED light is a status indicator that when flashing indicates "Starter interrupt is armed". The procedure to disarm the starter interrupt is to turn the ignition key on and press the programming/override button. I found the button at the top of the drivers side kick panel and pressed it. The engine cranked over and started. I have to do more research as to why the starter interrupt is armed, but at least now I know how to override it. Actually, I'd like to remove the remote start kit since I have no intention of ever using it.
 
Mikrisr said:
Thanks for the responses. Unfortunately, disconnecting the battery this morning didn't resolve the problem, and the red light started flashing as soon as I reconnected the battery. I went through the documentation I got with the car and discovered there was a dealer installed remote start on the car, which I wasn't aware of. I assume that is what the indicator light is for. The problem is definitely in the wiring before the starter relay. I pulled the starter relay and jumped between terminals 30 and 87 and the engine cranked and fired up. My next move is to locate the remote start component and see if I can remove it from the system. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Excellent diagnosis. Probably better off without the remote start.
 
Yes, unless I install such an aftermarket item personally; I consider it just another point of potential failure and it makes it hard to troubleshoot other problems. I'd get it out of there.
 
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