Your Ford F-150 has many sophisticated electronic systems such as instrumentation, vehicle stability control, engine management system, and an anti-theft system. We don’t usually think of these crucial components unless something goes wrong. One of the systems most taken for granted is the anti-theft system. Here, we’ll take a look at what the anti-theft system does and how to reset it when it goes wrong.
How Your Anti-Theft System Works
The Ford F-150 is equipped with a passive anti-theft system (PATS) which is an alarm and engine immobilization system. It’s designed to help stop your truck from being stolen by preventing the engine from starting unless a correctly coded integrated keyhead transmitter is used. The keys are also known as transponder or chip keys.
Your truck comes with two transponder keys that are electronically programmed to your engine management system. If you try to start your vehicle with any other key, the system won’t recognize it and the engine won’t start. However, you can buy additional keys and easily program them yourself.
When PATS is activated, an anti-theft indicator light will flash every 2 seconds to show that the system is functioning and to act as a theft deterrent. When you turn the ignition to the on position, the light will glow for three seconds and then go out. If the light stays on or flashes rapidly, it’s an indication of a problem.
Problems With the Anti-Theft System
Occasionally, you can experience problems with PATS which cause the alarm to go off and prevent you from starting your truck. Sometimes, a loud bang such as a firework or thunderclap can set off the alarm. Even somebody accidentally bumping into your truck can trigger the system.
If the battery in your transponder key is getting low, the alarm can start to go off randomly. If that happens, try using your spare coded key. If the problem stops, you know that you need to replace the battery in your primary key fob.
You should avoid carrying large metal objects, electronic devices, or a second coded key on the same keyring as your main key as they can cause issues when starting your truck. Be sure not to allow these types of items to touch the programmed key while you start your engine. While they won’t damage the coded transponder, they could cause a temporary issue. If you have a problem, turn off the ignition, remove all items on your keyring away from the programmed key and try starting the engine again.
Quick Solutions to a False Alarm
Fortunately, if you experience a false alarm or you can’t start your truck, you have several options for resetting the system. The first and easiest thing to try is pressing the alarm button on your key fob which should deactivate the alarm and reset the system. If that doesn’t work, the anti-theft system could have been triggered for a different reason.
The next thing you should check is the door lock cylinder to make sure it isn’t damaged. The cylinder is on the inside of the door where it latches to the body of the car. If it looks damaged or isn’t latching properly, then that could be the cause of the alarm being triggered because the anti-theft system might think someone is trying to pry the door open.
Additionally, check under the door handle where someone might try to force a screwdriver through to open the locked door. If this area is damaged, it could be causing the alarm to go off. If the door lock cylinder or door handle looks damaged, contact your Ford dealer to have them replaced.
Check that you are using the right key. It might sound obvious, but when you’re in a hurry, it’s easier than you might think to pick up the wrong key and that will trigger your truck’s anti-theft system. This is because the vehicle will think you are trying to use a fake key.
Programming Or Resetting Keys
If you need more transponder keys, you can program them to your vehicle yourself. This method will coordinate the coding of both the engine immobilizer and the remote entry system with your key and your vehicle.
To program a new transponder key, you will need both of the originally programmed keys and the new uncoded key on hand. If you don’t have two original coded keys, you’ll need to bring your vehicle to your local Ford service center to have the new key coded. To program the key, follow these steps:
- To start, put the first previously coded key into the ignition. Turn the ignition to the on position and keep it there for at least three seconds and no longer than 10 seconds.
- Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key. After three seconds and before 10 seconds, put the second previously coded key into the ignition and repeat the first procedure.
- Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the second coded key from the ignition. After three seconds and before 20 seconds, insert the new uncoded key into the ignition.
- Turn the ignition to the on position and keep it on for at least 6 seconds. Remove the newly coded key from the ignition.
When the key has been correctly programmed it will start your truck’s engine and will operate the remote entry system. The anti-theft indicator will light up for three seconds and then go off to signal successful programming.
If the programming wasn’t successful, the anti-theft indicator light might flash rapidly and the key won’t start your truck or operate the remote entry system. After 20 seconds, you can repeat the procedure, but if it doesn’t work, bring your vehicle to your Ford dealer to have the new key programmed.
You can be confident that you can drive your Ford F-150 without any problems occurring. However, in the unlikely event that you have a fault with your anti-theft system, you can rely on our expert technicians at Wendle Ford to remedy the problem. Contact us today for all of your servicing needs or getting yourself a new car.
Connect with us
