SOLVED: High pitched alarm on startup

[ginosega]

See the video: When I start the truck I get a high-pitched, whistling alarm that sounds like it's coming from a speaker under the driver's side dashboard. It doesn't happen on every start, maybe only 50% of the time. Anyone know what this is and what it means?

2021 Lariat Powerboost, 502A.

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[ginosega]

I should add that nothing shows up on either screen when this happens, and there are no DTCs in FORScan. I have searched the forums and cannot find any reference to this, so I am completely befuddled.

 

[FirstFord]

Have you owned the truck since new? I ask because to me, the alarm sounds more like an aftermarket accessory alarm than a factory Ford alarm. My truck has never made a sound like that.

 

[ginosega]

That was my thought as well - this sounds like nothing that I have heard from a Ford. I just recently bought this truck used, and the only aftermarket accessory that it has is a tonneau cover (Pace Edwards UltraGroove Electric). I looked down in the footwell area and I don't see anything out of the ordinary.

 

[FirstFord]

I can't help but wonder if the previous owner didn't add something that is tied into that alarm. Now you have a treasure hunt on your hands....

 

[Aron]

Buckle your seatbelt and I bet it goes away.

 

[ginosega]

Buckle your seatbelt and I bet it goes away.

I will try that, but I'm curious: is that a sound you recognize as a seatbelt alarm?

 

[fmdog44]

I will try that, but I'm curious: is that a sound you recognize as a seatbelt alarm?

The seatbelt chime is the same for everyone. I think ( I emphasize "think") it's a mod installed maybe as a additional reminder. Fasten er belt then start the motor

 

[Aron]

I will try that, but I'm curious: is that a sound you recognize as a seatbelt alarm?

Wait, no. I didn't watch enough of the video the first time to hear the siren at the end. I don't know what that is. The "do-do-do" is the seatbelt alert.

One thing that you might want to check: there have been other situations where mystery audible alerts only provide visual cues on some screens. For example, when towing, there are alerts that show up on the on-board navigation screen, but if you don't have that screen turned on, you'd likely never know why your truck is beeping at you. I would recommend scrolling through some of the other screens on the center console while you hear that sound, and maybe you'll stumble upon a visual cue?

 

[ginosega]

Thanks, I will try that.

 

[m_bt54]

Have you checked your battery to see if there is anything connected to it that isn’t OEM? It’s also possible whatever it is is connected in your fuse box or there is an aftermarket tap somewhere.

It’s too bad there isn’t an ai solution out there that can take a sound and match it. (think Shazam for non-music audio)I guarantee whatever is making this sound exists in a youtube video. I looked around but didn’t come up with anything.

 

[ginosega]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did check the battery terminals but the only non-stock connections there are the leads from my tonneau cover. So this must be drawing power from somewhere else. I will check the fuse box too. Is that the only other place where an aftermarket accessory can tap into power?

 

[m_bt54]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did check the battery terminals but the only non-stock connections there are the leads from my tonneau cover. So this must be drawing power from somewhere else. I will check the fuse box too. Is that the only other place where an aftermarket accessory can tap into power?

unfortunately no. they could have tapped into any powered wire using something like this. It would be tedious but you could remove your fuses one by one and start your car until you don’t get them sound to narrow it down then use a wiring diagram to track it down.

 

[Kanuck]

I would try to locate where the sound is coming from. Sounds to me like a little Piezo speaker. Stick your head under the dash and start the truck. Might get lucky and find it. You will be able to follow it back to the source.

 

[ginosega]

Update: I found a short video on YouTube of someone posting the same mystery alarm sound from their GMC, and in the comments it was found to be a S.W.A.T. GPS tracker, likely installed by the dealer. I know the two dealerships that my truck has passed through, and am going to contact them both to try and confirm this and see if I can get help removing it.

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