cdelta1975

I bought a 1993 Ford Explorer about 2 years ago and it is a great car. The only problem is that it came with some sort of old school immobilizer system where you have to push a button under the dash and then turn the key to start the car. When I first got the car it had a crazy electrical problem were it sounds like it wants to start but it is just not getting the spark it needs to turn over. I changed the battery and thought I had the problem licked but it has popped up again and I am really starting to believe it is this immobilizer system that is the culprit.
Let me give a description of what it looks like (I would do pictures but I'm at work right now). Ok beneath the drivers side dash under the steering wheel there is a button/led assembly. The red led faces forward and the button is on the back of the led. To start the car I have to reach under and hold the button while I turn the key. When I cut the car off and let it sit the system will give and audible "beep" every 3-5 minutes. Sometimes when I push the button to lock the door the system will beep also. Under the dash there is a black box with lots of wires going to it and a fuse wired into the wires. The box has no serial or model numbers on it of course, all it has on it is a white sticker that saids "VEHICLE PROTECTION SYSTEMS VPS XCL". There is also a black circular disc wired in kinda looks like a small hockey puck with holes in it.
If anyone has any idea what this is or how I can go about getting it uninstalled I would appreciate the help. I know I will probably have to take it to a car toys or something, but I would like some info on it because the car won't even start if I push the button. Thank for the help

unknown123

Hey! did you check to see if your kill switch is on?

cdelta1975

If you are talking about the one for the fuel pump...yes that is fine. It just started this morning no problems.

unknown123

Hey so is the car not starting right now, or do you just want to remove it?

If you want to remove it, then you cant because there is no bypass on it

The reason why is doesnt start sometimes is because it never turns off
Make sure the connection on the battery are clean

cdelta1975

The car is not starting right now. It makes noise like it wants to start but it won't crank over. I just want to get it started then I will take it to a pro to get it removed.

unknown123

hey man, if you can, try getting a jump start, i was just reading that this type of immobilizer drains your battery. See if it will start up!

cdelta1975

Tried the jump this morning when it wouldn't start..but I can try it again. Where did you read this info about the immobilizer sound like it might be good info for me. Thanks

unknown123

Hey man, just a simple search of VPS XCL gave me some info. When you turn the key/press the button does the check engine light come up

cdelta1975

didnt check the check engine light or anything, but I will when I try and start it again. I also heard that disconnecting the battery might help to rest the system...any thoughts on that?

unknown123

Hey man, depends on the car, on some cars it may actually trigger the alarm. I was reading up on the alarm system, they said you have to said for the fuel pump to prime up. You have to wait for the check engine light to stay lit. After you try that let me know!