Hum? My 1997 Expo's starter engages by itself

[BAD RONALD]

Could the previous owner have installed a remote starter?

Sounds exactly like a remote starter. Raise the hood and look for a warning decal stating "equipped with remote start, disconnect battery before servicing" or the like.

My '04 E350 is remote start equipped. Bought it used in '10 and drove it for almost four months before I figured that's what the fourth fob button was for. On mine it is blue with a key icon on it. Stepping on the brake pedal without the key in the ignition and turned to the on position will kill the engine as you describe.

 

[Rowan Street]

Sounds exactly like a remote starter. Raise the hood and look for a warning decal stating "equipped with remote start, disconnect battery before servicing" or the like.

My '04 E350 is remote start equipped. Bought it used in '10 and drove it for almost four months before I figured that's what the fourth fob button was for. On mine it is blue with a key icon on it. Stepping on the brake pedal without the key in the ignition and turned to the on position will kill the engine as you describe.

Thanks man. I checked and didn't see a sticker but I suspect it does have the keyless start on it. I will look into it.

 

[Rowan Street]

Yup it's a remote starter. When the car is locked and alarm is set and you press the blue rear window lock it starts the car. Crazy. Thanks for the help.

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

Wish mine had a "surprise" remote start, good to hear you found the issues

 

[BAD RONALD]

Wish mine had a "surprise" remote start...

The "surprise" rs is a nice find I must admit. However...

I am glad nobody was watching at the time when I pushed the blue fob button after four months and my E350 started 50 feet away. IF I had seen one of my sons or brothers do this, the ballbusting would have been merciless.