Is there a way to disarm the anti-theft system?

Tiny
JENNIFERWATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • 300,000 MILES
Disarm the anti-theft system.
Monday, July 31st, 2017 AT 12:15 PM

22 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,465 POSTS
What is the actual problem? Security light flashing?
The system is spread out among multiple parts so it cannot be disconnected, it would not be very effective if you just removed a box and it was gone. Instead it uses the key, the lock cylinder the dash and the ECM to make it work. If one of those items fails or is changed the system loses the coding for the keys and the vehicle will not start.
You can try doing a system reset:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

If that does not work then more diagnostics will be needed.
The dealer scan tool can pull the codes from the PATS system and tell where the problem is but you need to get it to the dealer for that option.
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Monday, July 31st, 2017 AT 12:37 PM
Tiny
CLAYCAMPBELL25
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 100,009 MILES
I believe that my Anti-theft system has been triggered and I have done everything I can possibly think of to fix it, including disconnecting battery to changing and checking fuses. How can I reprogram the receiver/transmitter?I have original keys to the truck with no damage to them.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Use the key to lock and unlock the drivers door should deactivate the alarm.

Here is a guide that will help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

I have also seen where the drivers side door latch micro switch for the security system goes out and will no allow the security system to be reset.

Here is a guide to help you test the connection.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I will include the security system wiring diagrams (below)

Here is what the book says:

With key in and or cranking do you have a security / theft light on or blinking ?

If not then its not an alarm issue.

Here is a guide on howto reprogram the system

Central Security Module (CSM) enable/disable mode allows autolock feature to be turned on or off. To enter enable/disable mode, close all doors. Ensure ignition switch is in LOCK position. Perform the following steps within 30 seconds:

Turn ignition switch from LOCK to RUN position.
Press power door lock switch UNLOCK button 3 times.
Turn ignition switch from RUN to OFF position.
Press power door lock switch UNLOCK button 3 times.
Turn ignition switch from LOCK to RUN position.

CSM module should chirp horn indicating CSM module is in enable/disable mode and ready to accept program changes.

Press power door lock switch UNLOCK button once to command CSM module to toggle autolock feature on or off. Press power door lock switch LOCK button once to enable/disable autolock feature. CSM module will chirp one time to indicate autolock has been disabled.

CSM module will chirp once, followed by a longer chirp to indicate autolock feature has been enabled. Press power door lock switch UNLOCK button once, then turn ignition switch to OFF position to exit enable/disable mode. CSM module should chirp once to verify a feature change.

REMOTE TRANSMITTER

Cycle ignition key 8 times within 10 seconds and end in RUN position to enter program mode. Doors should lock and unlock to confirm program mode has been entered. Press any button on Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter(s). Doors will lock, then unlock to confirm programming. If door locks do not respond, press button again (3 times maximum) with same RKE transmitter.

Repeat procedure for additional RKE transmitters (4 maximum). If equipped with memory seats, ensure RKE transmitter(s) are programmed according to numbers on back of RKE transmitter(s). Turn ignition switch to LOCK or wait 5 minutes for system to exit program mode. All doors should lock, then unlock to confirm exit of programming mode. Check system operation.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THERMALIMAGE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Happened to me twice. First time 12 years ago and Jan 2020. A bad battery will set your anti theft system off. I changed my battery out and it fixed the problem. If that doesn't work after you change the battery then do the 10 min thing above. Then the program code above. The 10 min thing worked for me once and I thank the person who figured that out. It saved me from leaving my truck at work.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TERILU
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD F-150
2002 Ford F150 Four Wheel Drive Manual 104000 miles

My truck has a factory installed alarm that recently quit working. This also includes locking my truck with my alarm remote. I have replaced the battery in the remote but that did not fix it.
HELP

Teri
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Try to reprogram the transmitter

REMOTE TRANSMITTER
Cycle ignition key 8 times within 10 seconds and end in RUN position to enter program mode. Doors should lock and unlock to confirm program mode has been entered. Press any button on Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter(s). Doors will lock, then unlock to confirm programming. If door locks do not respond, press button again (3 times maximum) with same RKE transmitter. If door locks still do not respond, go to SYSTEM TESTS. Repeat procedure for additional RKE transmitters (4 maximum). If equipped with memory seats, ensure RKE transmitter(s) are programmed according to numbers on back of RKE transmitter(s). Turn ignition switch to LOCK or wait 5 minutes for system to exit program mode. All doors should lock, then unlock to confirm exit of programming mode. Check system operation.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • 108,850 MILES
Problem with the anti theft system
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
If there is a problem with the anti theft system, I recommend you take a look at this guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KELLIBISHOP181
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
After getting a flat tire as I was driving my alarm sounded and would not stop, from the thumping of the flat tire I am assuming. Never had it go off before or even used the key fob or electric locks as they don't work. After failing to get the alarm to stop the battery was disconnected. Once reconnected alarm continued to sound. I then turned key to on position and pressed the reset button on drivers side near fuses. This stopped the alarm from sounding and turned the red light on the dash from on and solid to off. However the truck still wont crank. Already charged battery. Can anyone tell me the proper fuses to pull n check n put back in. I have no owners manual or guide on the cover of fuses. Also, I do have a Ford key which will go in ignition either way.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Here is an anti-theft/security system tutorial for you to view:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Scroll the page to find Ford.Let me know if this works.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PASTORAKS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
I have a f150 that was blinking the theft light. We replaced the pcm module. Some times the theft lights blinks and the engine will not start. If it sets for ten minuets it will start. We put two new PCM units in the truck and It still will stop. I can be driving and the truck will stop. If I disconnect the negative post for some time it will start. What can I do now. I have spent a lot of money so far to fix the problem. Please help I take people to treatments doctors and I really need helpl
thanks. We have checked the wires and they seem ok.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
It could be anything from a bad chip in the key to a sensor in the steering column. I hate to say this, but the only place that will have the proper test equipment to diagnose the problem is a dealer.

As far as the letting it sit for 10 minutes with the key in the run position, that is a means of bypassing the system.

Let me know if you have other questions.
Joe
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BBSODA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 26,000 MILES
1) Does the fuel pump run continuously during normal operation, or is it intermittent?
2) If it does run continuously, it seems feasible that you could run a jumper to the fuel pump and bypass the PAT system shut-off. This being on the "C" PAT system that only disables the fuel pump I believe. The Ford fix for the "crank but no start" problem costs as much as the truck is worth.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Yes, it runs continuously. Pressure is regulated by the regulator. However, if you bypass the PAT system, the fuel pump will not shut down in the event of an accident.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE SHIRLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
My problem is of course the no start, instrument lights flashing, not working. I have tried removing the positive with ignition in run for seems like hours before. I have replaced battery, made the ground better had several keys made at Ford to try and prevent it again even bought a remote start with bypass module but cannot get it to work either because I cannot find two of the wires it needs. Motor lock and alarm disarm.
So my question is, is there a way to troubleshoot the system to narrow the possibility's down or some type of controller or scanner I can plug in to tell me what is wrong. Because I am sure that would be cheaper than the guessing game I have been through. Oh and it is on the side of the road right now.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
You will need a dealer to use their factory IDS scanner and access the PATS section this is a ford dealer only access to change the in and out code if required and to see if the keys are compatible.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE SHIRLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I don't buy that. We r just as smart as the Ford dealership. It's a rip off for my truck to be completely fine yet keeps stranding me on side of the road with same keys since 2002
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the security module is going out not holding the program. Here is a wiring diagrams you can see how the system works. (Below)

Here is information the book has to say.

Note: The Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) module must be reconfigured upon replacement of the instrument cluster. Refer to the diagnostic tool help screen on the configuration card to program.

Connect the diagnostic tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel and select the vehicle to be tested from the vtool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
check that the program card is properly installed.
Check the connections to the vehicle.
Check the ignition switch position.

If scan tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the scan tool manual.
Carry out the DATA LINK DIAGNOSTICS TEST. If diagnostic tool responds with:
CKT914, CKT915 or CKT70 = ALL ECUS NO RESP/NOT EQUIP, refer to Module Communications Network (Information Bus).

NO RESP/NOT EQUIP for instrument cluster module, go to Pinpoint Test A. See: Pinpoint TestsTest A: No Communication With Instrument Cluster Module
SYSTEM PASSED, retrieve and record the continuous Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs and carry out self-test diagnostics for the instrument cluster module.

If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index to continue diagnostics. See: Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures

If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, proceed to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics. See: Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

Check out the diagrams (below).

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CODYASHE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
Recently tried to start truck and it starts to turn over and just quits. More than just clicks like dead battery, I put dry gas in thinking it was water. I locked and unlocked with factory key locked and unlocked with keyless remote and still doesnt start THEFT light blinks really fast when turned in on position. Was wonderin if it was PAT system problem or could be starter problem thank you
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
If the security light is flashing, chances are there is a problem with the factory security system. The bad part about that is the only place that will have the proper test equipment is a dealer.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 6:08 PM (Merged)

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