car alarm, but not Mopar related

[hooD]

1996 Mercury Cougar XR7

The factory theft alarm keeps going off randomly, and sometimes activates every 30 seconds.  Tonight I had to take the neg battery cable off because it wouldn't stop. 

Does anyone know how to disable the alarm?  Horn honks, headlights flash.  I have been to Cougar forums, but can't get any answers.  I'd really appreciate any positive feedback on killing this feature.   

[Supercuda]

I have had similar problems with Ford trucks in the fleet I manage. It is possible that a door switch is failing; these things are tied into the GEM, which controls the alarm system. No good way to disable the factory system without the owner's manual, and maybe a scanner for the car. The door switch is a micro-switch, and can send false signals to the GEM if dirty, or the latch is badly worn, or if they're in a bad mood. The switch should be inside the door, on the door latch.

[ShelbyDogg]

Usually putting the key into the door and turning the key all the way to unlock, disables the factory alarms.

Usually locking the doors with the switch, then closing the doors, activates the alarm.  Try locking your door with a key and that may leave the alarm off.

[hooD]

Thanks for the replies.  Good information.  I found out where the Anti Theft Module was located and was able to unplug it.  Everything is OK now.  Thanks to all.

unplugging the anti-theft module