Leaving it running but prevent theft?

[negativez0]

2018 Explorer Platinum.
When I park the vehicle at a store or school I like to be able to keep it running but prevent someone from taking the vehicle by forcing their way in through the locked door or window.

Is there a way to keep the Explorer running, but move it back to the "remote start" function where it requires you to have the keyfob and press the start button?

Is there some other way to prevent someone from being able to drive away the running vehicle?

Thanks!

 

[peterk9]

Given where you live, I'm guessing it's to keep the interior warm but it doesn't take long to get that done, especially if it was driven.
I'm not aware of any settings that can be selected to do what you want.

Peter

 

[J_C]

There's no way (that I know of) to put it in remote start loop with it running, seems like turning it off then remote starting would be the least intrusive way to go.

I imagine there's a way to use a switch to break the circuit to one of the transmission wires to keep it from going into gear, but I don't know which one, and don't know if that would generate an error code and/or limp mode until reset.

Wait, maybe it's easier than that. Don't you have to put your foot on the brake pedal to shift into gear? An added switch in series on the brake pedal switch wire, to disable it might work, but I'd want it to be done with utmost reliability in mind, considering that if you lose that switch signal, it could stop your brake lights from working and result in a rear-end collision.

 

[metroplex]

There's a setting in FORScan called Secure Idle. Enable it, and you will need the intelligent access fob in the car in order to shift out of gear. It comes from Ford disabled by default for some reason. I believe this is a different Secure-Idle from the terminology used for Police Interceptors.

 

[boominXplorer]

To keep it simple you could wire a hidden switch to disconnect the shift interlock from actuating.

 

[peterk9]

Better yet, turn it OFF.

 

[DogRunner2]

Better yet, turn it OFF.

^^ This.

 

[metroplex]

Just use FORScan and enable Secure Idle. Problem solved and there's no need to use a funky wired up switch. That said, some states have ordinances against leaving your vehicle running while unattended and this is different from remote started vehicles. You could also just remote start your vehicle which will run for a max of 15 minutes. If you don't have factory remote start, you can install a Ford VSS and use your existing fob to remote start.

 

[J_C]

2018 Explorer Platinum.
When I park the vehicle at a store or school I like to be able to keep it running but prevent someone from taking the vehicle by forcing their way in through the locked door or window.

This is the part I'm wondering about. If you leave the vehicle running, it must not be the most secure area to worry about someone forcing their way into a locked vehicle, so no matter what you do to prevent a drive-off, you are still enticing someone to try to break in if you leave it running.

Why at a school? I could see in the winter, if I'd just driven a mere mile to the local gas station and wanted it to keep warming up and deicing the windshield for the minute I was inside, but I don't make short pit-stops at schools. I mean if it's dropping the kids off or picking them up, isn't there a designated pickup area where there is supervision and parents are encouraged NOT to leave their vehicle parked there taking up space, instead the briefest time in line possible?

 

[metroplex]

So I provided actual solutions. We could debate the why till the cows come home. I use Secure Idle as an additional safety feature.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Why not just shut it off, and remote start it when you leave it?

 

[peterk9]

Why not just shut it off, and remote start it when you leave it?

Even that will result in the engine shutting OFF after a predetermined time period. I also see that the OP hasn't commented since the initial post.

Peter

 

[PlatinumOwner]

Just use FORScan and enable Secure Idle. Problem solved and there's no need to use a funky wired up switch. That said, some states have ordinances against leaving your vehicle running while unattended and this is different from remote started vehicles. You could also just remote start your vehicle which will run for a max of 15 minutes. If you don't have factory remote start, you can install a Ford VSS and use your existing fob to remote start.

Secure Idle is the best way to achieve this, you can take the key fob with you and lock the doors as well while it is running. You will also want to disable the double-horn honk.

 

[Justinwht]

Some states may still have a law against leaving the key in ignition and engine running.

Texas enacted such a law in early '70 that prohibited key left in ignition (but didn't specify engine still running).

My college buddy had an old Buick with dash mounted key assy worn out and he used a stubby flat blade screw driver. He parked next to police car at convince store with engine running and office reminded him of new law. My buddy waved his key ring at the officer - the key was not in the ignition as the law prescribed.

Likely such laws were dropped with introduction of remote start.

 

[J_C]

^ There's still states (maybe more than half of them) where it's illegal to leave the vehicle running unattended and it often doesn't depend on whether the keys are in the ignition because it's meant to cover environmental pollution too, not just theft.

Here's an EPA list but it doesn't include my state which also has a statute, and it's been around for decades so not sure how carefully this list was compiled. Granted the list is from 2006 but the statute in KY even older than that:

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/CompilationofStateIdlingRegulations.pdf

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My state:

KRS 189.430 - No person operating or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, and removing the key, nor allow it to stand upon any perceptible grade without effectively setting the brake and turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.

There was an attempt to amend that to a 15 min. limit (with doors locked) in 2017 but it didn't pass. I vaguely recall there are or at least were states where there is a time limit, maybe 10min or 15min.

I included the part of the statute about parking on a grade because not only is it in the same section, it is something never enforced, at least I've never heard of anyone ticketed or even warned about it and almost nobody parks with their wheel turned here. An officer may not enforce idling unattended either unless something about the situation stands out... but you never know these days, with the Green Movement and all.

 

[Mbrooks420]

So it’d be totally legal to leave and lock the car and restart it with the remote starter and go about your business.

 

[peterk9]

I didn't want to bring it up before, but many jurisdictions also have 'Idling' bylaws.

Peter

 

[Mbrooks420]

A lot of the local idling rules are geared more towards commercial and heavy vehicles. The rest usually have a minimum time before it’s an issue. I can’t imagine an idling Ford Explorer would ever end you up in legal trouble.

 

[peterk9]

So it’d be totally legal to leave and lock the car and restart it with the remote starter and go about your business.

You would have to overide the automatic engine shutdown feature in order to do that. Also, that doesn't prevent someone from breaking in and driving away.
You can temporarily switch off the
shutdown feature any time the ignition
is on using the information display.
It might be helpful if the OP would jump in and reply to some of these posts.

Peter