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We just had our expe broken into with no visable signs of entry. all the seemed to do was go through the truck looking for somthing. left the cd's mag light and the wifes purse and her set of keys. I would like to know if anyone knows if the expedition is a secure vehicle or if its a high risk to theft? I know that if they want it they will get it, I would just like to get some fedback on peoples experiences. thanx
Your truck will not start without your key.
The keys are programmed to the trucks computer system. If the computer don't see or reconize the key your computer will disable the car. The ford system is very difficult to defeat it is a very secure truck.
In fact don't loose your keys- they are expensive to replace. they run 75.00 to 100 dollars to replace cut and program at the dealer only
No sign of damage- no window broken? mabye you left the door open
If I remember right, you can get into the Expy with the radio antenna and poking it up the door handle. I can tell ya where you can get more detail on how this is done if you want. I just didn't want to post it since I don't want it to be general knowledge.
All it takes is a screwdriver to break in to your truck. It happened to my 02' F150. The a-holes just stick a screwdriver into the lock and then knock it in. The handles are all plastic and very flimsy. There is a metal plate you can install behind the handle inside the door to keep this from happening, its called a "jimmy jammer". But if they want to get in, they still will some other way.
Still, once inside to steal the car it must start. They can use the diagnostic tool and defeat the pats system, but it takes nearly 15 minutes to do so. Theives want quick in and out.
However, the radio, air bags, and other items are still of intrest.
Did you buy it used? And if you did how long ago. The code for keyless entry could have been used by a previous owner looking for something they thought they left in the car.
I don't know if it would take 15 min. for an experienced thief to bypass the PATS, but I doubt it. In anycase, I think the PATS is a good deterant for car thieves, but it does nothing for the smash and grab thieves. I would install a good alarm for some extra protection and never leave your stuff in plain view (CD's, purse, cell phones, ect.)
Originally posted by triton_2002 I don't know if it would take 15 min. for an experienced thief to bypass the PATS, but I doubt it. In anycase, I think the PATS is a good deterant for car thieves, but it does nothing for the smash and grab thieves. I would install a good alarm for some extra protection and never leave your stuff in plain view (CD's, purse, cell phones, ect.)
I agree, I just added an Entertainment system with 3 screens, etc.. Along with that I purchased an aftermarket alarm system. It nothing else it serves as a deterent. All I need for it to do is wake me up to go out there and bash someone's head in. It will take someone more than a couple of minutes to pull my stuff out. That's all I need.
If they REALLY want it (truch or system) soneone out there can get it. But I'm more worried about the smash and grap guys.
The best security system is removing the temptation. Don't leave stuff laying out. Also, a little red blinking light on the dash doesn't hurt either. A good security system is a must too, one with a cell dialer if it is that important, and GPS locator. Then you'll be sure to get your t**** back.
Originally posted by turbo497 Your truck will not start without your key.
The keys are programmed to the trucks computer system. If the computer don't see or reconize the key your computer will disable the car. The ford system is very difficult to defeat it is a very secure truck.
In fact don't loose your keys- they are expensive to replace. they run 75.00 to 100 dollars to replace cut and program at the dealer only
No sign of damage- no window broken? mabye you left the door open
The computer can't "disable" your truck...it just won't start w/o the proper code programmed into the key.
FYI, you don't have to go to the dealer for keys. The keys can be bought on ebay for about $15 each and programmed at most any locksmith for $30 or so. I recently purchased two keys for $25 off ebay w/free shipping. Got them cut and programmed for $25.
As far as getting in to the truck, it does sound like maybe someone used the keyless entry or the door was left unlocked and the thief was kind enough to lock it for you when he was done...
Not sure why someone would want in your truck and then not take anything though. Did your wife have keys to the truck in there? Just curious but could it have been one of the kids or something? I have teenagers so that thought did occur to me...
Check your liftgate lock mechanisms. On my exp., the lock actuator failed. I could hear the motor when I used the fob, but the actuator rod was not moving to lock or unlock the liftgate, yet I could lock and unlock the liftgate with the key. I don't know how long the condition existed, but I happened to check one day and when I turned the handle the liftgate was not locked. I replaced the actuator and it works fine. Now I routinely check the liftgate manually to be certain that it is locked when in high crime areas.
I just found out the hard way, it's possible to open the doors on the truck by getting under the door handle (not sure how though) Had my truck broken into the other night, luckely the only thing they took were some CD's I had in the truck.
It would of been better if they would of just broke the window, cheaper to replace, now the paint on my drivers door is chipped and peeling away from where they stuck in the screw driver. I guess it can match the customization someone has already done with their keys.