The Ford Transit is the world’s most recognizable van.
Like any modern vehicle, it uses beeps, chimes and noises to alert the driver’s attention.
If you’re Transit keeps beeping and you’re not sure why, then this guide is here to help.
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Ford Transit Beeping
The most common cause of beeping on a Ford Transit is due to a fault with the SRS (airbag system) and it often means the airbag warning lamp has blown in the gauge cluster and the problem is not necessarily related to the airbags themselves. This is a backup tone to indicate the warning light is not working.
There is a quick and easy way to check this:
- Turn the key to the ‘ON’ poistion.
- Observe the gauge cluster.
- All lamps should illuminate, including the airbag lamp.
- If it doesn’t you will hear the beeping noise.
The gauge cluster refers to the collection of driving instruments behind the wheel and includes things such as speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights and tachometer.
If there is no light for the airbag warning in the dash when you turn the key on, then you’ll need to replace the bulb.
By doing so, the beeping should stop, its also important to check for loose connections.
You will need to remove the instrument cluster, open it and in the back it will have all the little light bulbs.
If changing the faulty bulb didn’t do the trick or you’re not confident to change the bulb yourself, we recommend contacting your local Ford dealership.
From the Ford Transit Owners Manual:
Note: The information below is related to the SRS which is the Supplementary Restraint System which is essentially the vehicle’s airbags.
The readiness of the safety system is indicated by a warning indicator light in the instrument cluster or by a backup tone if the warning light is not working.
Routine maintenance of the airbag is not required.
A difficulty with the [SRS] system is indicated by one or more of the following:
- The readiness light (airbag light in the instrument cluster) will not illuminate immediately after you switch the ignition on.
- The readiness light either flashes or stays lit.
- A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem, the light or both are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the supplemental restraint system serviced at an authorized dealer immediately.
Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a crash.
Ford Transit Horn Beeps When Locking
If the horn beeps when you lock your Ford Transit this is to signal that the van hasn’t been locked. If the doors are locked and shut then you should lubricate the door latches with WD-40. Usually but not always it’s caused by the sliding door.
It’s always a good idea to try cleaning the door contact pads and pins first – although they may need replacing.
The pads and spring-loaded pins are to the rear of the door near the locking mechanism.
And if it’s not the side door, the wiring to the rear door is another common point of failure.
One owner found that by re-syncing their sliding door, they were able to stop the horn beeps:
“Mine did this when the van was locked and I opened it from the inside.
For some reason, the lock on the sliding door comes out of sync with the rest.
Try locking it, then from the inside, turn the white little handle to lock from inside, then blip it to unlock and this might solve your issue”
Ford Transit Beeping Noise While Driving
If your Transit beeps whilst driving, check all of the door contacts. If they become dirty or greasy it can trigger a beep as the van thinks the doors aren’t shut properly.
Ensure the latches and locking mechanisms are free from debris too.
Ford Transit Chirping Noise When Accelerating
A common cause for a chirping noise coming from the engine on a Ford Transit is a worn or faulty alternator.
You’ll most likely hear this sound when pulling away or when driving at speed when your foot is down.
While the battery is used for starting your van when the engines off, the alternator keeps your it alive when the engine is running.
The alternator powers most electronic components while you’re driving around or idling and is also responsible for charging the battery of your van while driving.
Ford Transit Beeps Twice
If your Ford Transit beeps or honks twice when you lock it this can be caused by a door that hasn’t been shut properly, a second set of keys left in the van, keys left in the ignition, exiting the vehicle with the engine still running or if the hood is open.
One of the reasons why Ford installed the double honk is to prevent scenarios such as:
- You drive you and your passenger to a location.
- You get out to go to an appointment.
- The passenger gets in the driver seat and drives away.
- Unknowingly you forgot you have the key fob in your pocket.
The double honk is to remind you, you have the key.
It is possible to disable the double honk with Forscan which allows the user to make various modifications to their Ford vehicle.
The double horn beep is a relatively new ‘feature’ that Ford has rolled out across their line-up.
It is a requirement of the FMVSS regulation (USA regulation) that require a warning noise on every car when the key leaves the car while it’s still running
You may also notice two honks if you leave a phone or iPad or accessory plugged in the charging port and walk away from the vehicle, for example, to a gas station.
It’s never a good idea to leave valuables on display especially in an unlocked vehicle.
Ford Transit Beeps While Driving
If you are experiencing beeping whilst driving your Ford Transit this may be caused by a faulty door latch, if you have a ‘door ajar’ light on the dashboard then this is almost certainly the case, these latches can often get stuck.
Faulty latches are very common – you may need to have a latch replaced although you should first try lubricating it with something like WD-40.
If it’s not related to the door sensor/latch then it could be caused by a damaged wire.
A lot of mysterious beeps and electrical issues can be traced back to damaged wire(s) in the boot between the body and the driver’s door.
It could also be related to a faulty door ajar switch.
The beeping could also be caused by a burnt-out SRS lamp as previously mentioned.
Ford Transit Beeping When Door Open
If your Ford Transit beeps when a door is open this can be caused by a faulty headlight switch, a faulty ignition switch or damaged wires. Since the headlights being on, or the key being in the ignition will cause the chime to sound, one of these switches may have a loose connection or be faulty.
It is normal to hear beeping when the driver door is open if you have done any of the following:
- Left you lights on and the driver door is open
- Left your key in the ignition and the driver door is open
If you are experiencing a beep or a ding noise and you have not done any of the above, then it might be caused by a certain blue wire.
- Remove the steering column shrouds
- You will see a blue wire that enters the key switch assembly itself
- This wire is responsible for causing the ‘ding’ noise for leaving the key in the ignition
- It grounds the wire when the key is inserted thus shutting off the alarm
- If the wire comes loose it will never ground out
- So the ding will activate when ever the door is open, key or no key.
- You can use a small zip tie to make sure its kept firmly in place.
- This shouldn’t take more than 15-20 minutes.
Other Possible Causes of Beeps
Passenger Seatbelt
In some instances weight on the passenger seat from a bag, groceries or even your pet pooch can cause the seatbelt chime to go off, in which case you can try fastening the passenger seat belt.
Blown Bulb
Checking for things like a blown headlight or burnt-out brake light bulb is also a good idea.
Fluids
Low fluid levels may also trigger a warning beep, so its worth checking things like windshield washer etc.
Faulty sensors
There could also be a faulty sensor that indicates when a door is not closed or that a seatbelt isn’t connected when it should be.
MyKey
You can set a speed limit for your vehicle.
Warning messages appear in the information display and a tone / beep sounds if your vehicle reaches the set speed.
You cannot override the set speed when using a MyKey.
Navigation
Navigation assist on maps is designed to beep.
You may also be interested in our article: Ford Transit Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs (Complete Guide)
Bluetooth Connection
You will hear beeps when your phone gets connected to the Infotainment system via Bluetooth connection.
Low Tire Pressure
Another common reason for the Ford Transit to beep is due to insufficient tire pressure.
This is detected by the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system). For most Ford Transits, you’ll want 30 – 35 psi for the best balance of comfort, traction, fuel economy, and load-bearing capabilities.
The Transit is fitted with a low-pressure tire light, and so if it hasn’t turned on there might be an issue with the light itself.
Do not drive your Ford van until all tires have the correct air pressure.
Cross-Traffic Alert Indicator
When the system detects an approaching vehicle a tone sounds, the indicator illuminates in the relevant exterior mirror and arrows appear in the information display to show which side the approaching vehicle is coming from.
Related: 9 Best & Worst Ford Transit Cargo Van Years (Facts & Stats)
Low Fuel Level Audible Warning
A warning tone sounds and a message appears in the information display when the distance to empty reaches 50 mi (80 km). A warning tone sounds and a message appears in the information display again at the following distance to empty parameters:
- 20 mi (40 km)
- 10 mi (20 km)
- 0 mi (0 km)
Parking Brake Audible Warning
Sounds when the parking brake is on and your vehicle is moving. If the warning tone continues after you have released the parking brake, this
indicates a malfunction.
Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Smoke Alarm
Some owners have fitted a smoke alarm to their Transit – in which case the smoke alarm will beep once the batteries are low.
Parking Aids (If Equipped): False Alerts
The sensing system warns you of obstacles within a certain range of your vehicle. The system turns on when you shift into reverse.
Accessories that block the detection zone of the system may create false alerts.
Keep the sensors free from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt.
If your vehicle sustains damage leaving the sensors misaligned, this may cause inaccurate measurements or false alerts.
If your Transit sustains damage to the fascia or bumper and you leave it bent or misaligned, the sensing zone may be altered causing inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alerts.
Certain add-on devices installed around the bumper or fascia may create false alerts, such as:
- Large trailer hitches
- Bike or surfboard racks
- Any other device that may block the normal detection zone of the system.
Remove the add-on device to prevent false alerts.
Resources
Ford Transit Alarm Going Off? (15 Common Causes)
https://www.ford.com/support/vehicle/Transit/2020/owner-manuals/
