Anti-theft System doesn't work!

[NHarris]

This is on a 05 Explorer XLT.
I just figured out tonight, after finally sitting down to read the owners manual, that my anti-theft system does not work! The "theft" light does not blink...at all After I lock my X, I can reach in and open the car. On my old 98 X the alarm would go off.
Any ideas on whats wrong, and if I can fix it... Or do I need to take it to ford. I'm going to go talk to a ford technician tomorrow and see whats happening with it.
I appreciate any input on this.

-Nate (icecube498)

 

[cmk0808]

the 05 does not have an alarm per say. it is just keyless entry with a panic feature. the only anti theft is the chip key. thats it.

 

[NHarris]

the 05 does not have an alarm per say. it is just keyless entry with a panic feature. the only anti theft is the chip key. thats it.

Hmm...the owners manual says it does. I've talked to ford, the guy is supposed to ask the tech.

 

[cmk0808]

i install remote starts and none of the 05 i have done from xls, xlt, eddie bauers to limiteds had no alarms. The earlier years had them. they are annoying anyway. you could get a nice remote start alarm installed instead.

 

[NHarris]

Currently mine has the CSI Trace alert one it.

 

[cmk0808]

?

 

[NHarris]

I'll Post a picture that would be best....

 

[cmk0808]

ok

 

[NHarris]

Garage is a bit messy...

 

[cmk0808]

you have something aftermarket (alarm?) on it already. the led at the top of dash is for the chip key. it flashes when car is off and lights up solid for a couple of seconds when car is turned on.

you could take out the csi thing if you wanted to.

 

[muzzymaniac]

LOL! you don't have an alarm. The LED is stock and is only for the PATS system(chipped key). The sticker you see is a body marking label that has a number that glows under a black light. It's similar to etching your VIN number on your windows. Here's a link to the company...
http://creativestencil.net/BODY_MARKING_LABELS.html

 

[NHarris]

Nope as far as I know there isn't any aftermarket alarm on this. Bought it as-is, and all i've done is an airbox mod, and some billet grilles. The number is on the tag, but i just whited it out. I don't think that the parts watch tag does anything..
Seriously I have no alarm!?! I would think with this SUV being a rental it would have an excellent alarm on it!

 

[cmk0808]

add the remote start/ alarm and you will be very happy.

 

[NHarris]

I got to see what the tech from ford says. They guy said he'd call me back never has. I've tried to call him and he never is at his desk or he never answers his phone. Then I can make my choice on an aftermarket alarm

 

[muzzymaniac]

Nope as far as I know there isn't any aftermarket alarm on this. Bought it as-is, and all i've done is an airbox mod, and some billet grilles. The number is on the tag, but i just whited it out. I don't think that the parts watch tag does anything..
Seriously I have no alarm!?! I would think with this SUV being a rental it would have an excellent alarm on it!

Never seen a rental have an alarm. Why would it? Do you know how many people would screw it up? You don't have an alarm. We all have the pretty little light. Not sure why yours isn't blinking though.
As for the tag - all that does is provide a number for law enforcement use to link a stolen vehicle to it's owner. The LEO calls the 800 number and gives them the code and the company provides contact info for the owner.

 

[NHarris]

Hmm....must have changed that now. My 98 was bought from Hertz Car Sales in 1999, and it has one of the most sensitive alarms there is. You mess with anything inside that X, and the alarm will go off.
I agree that people would go messing around with an alarm.
I guess I'll have to go have ford install an alarm on it. Probably will be expensive...

 

[cmk0808]

the ford alarms are junk- believe me a big waste of money.

look at a viper system at a local mom and pop shop. not best buy

 

[matt0248]

Fords have TWO anti-theft systems. PATS (chip in the key) and CTD (content theft deterant). CTD basically works with the door locks and door switches. it is automatically turned on when you lock the doors with the key fob. If the doors are opened with out using the key fob to unlock the horn goes off. You can try this be rolling down the windows and closing all the doors and locking it with the key fob. reach through the open window and open the door. See if the horn sounds.

 

[NHarris]

If the doors are opened with out using the key fob to unlock the horn goes off. You can try this be rolling down the windows and closing all the doors and locking it with the key fob. reach through the open window and open the door. See if the horn sounds.

Thats what I do and nothing happens. I just talked to the service advisor at ford, and he talked to the tech that specializes in this, and said the PATS is working, but the CTD is not. So I am going to be taking it in soon. Thanks for all the advice. Any more input is appreciated.

 

[matt0248]

Probably one of the door switches not working. There is no door ajar light on the instrument panel is there?