I'm wondering about the security system that comes as part of the '03 Expy XLT.

The keys are a combination mechanical lock and electronic transponder.

Sounds nice and secure. But is it?

Does this security system stop the vehicles from being stollen? Or at least reduce the risk?

 

It's my understanding the factory alarm is only the requirement for the transponder chip in your key to start the ignition.

Therefore there are no other features such as opening of doors, hood, and liftgate; motion sensor; glass break; etc.

It merely prevents the novice car thief from hotwiring your vehicle. Bypassing the transponder (PATS) system is not impossible as people in the alarm business and techs would / could have the equipment and knowledge to do so.

Not much of a system so that's why Ford sells a factory alarm add-on! Or you can go aftermarket.

 

thats right most likely people that are stealing cars want to do it quickly and cheap so unless they are just plain stupid about newer cars you dont have to worry about it getting broken into to steal because more than likely they wont be able to

ive got a viper alarm in mine, its nice, has the starter kill, backup alarm battery, glass break sensor, hood sensor, remote start (you have to get an extra module or something to bypass the key chip when using remote start, but the factory key chip is still there protecting your vehicle at all times) all together mine cost about 600-700 depending on stores and areas may be different

 

I have been having issues with my expedition for about a yr and after lots of time and money to dealers telling me things that was wrong that was not, "I" decided to look closer and found issue myself, the vehicle would keep the truck from starting, the blinking red light in center of dash would blink 1000 mph, the Ford dealer put another computer in and long story short, I got a new key and FLASHED a few times only to help for a few months then do it again, then they said it was the battery?? well my truck turned engine over fine, I knew it was not batt, so I got to looking into things myself, after many RELAYS replaced and seen nothing abnormal about the relays themselves I got a flashlight and looked at the fuse panel and low and behold one burnt prong at the ECM relay(computer) power relay, I can pull it out in an angle or hold it cockeyed in the panel and get the blinking red light to go back to normal flashing, while holding the relay, then start the vehicle, I can drive it like that with the fuse panel cover on and as long as I do not shut it off, if shuts off just hold pressure against relay while turning the key over again to get the blinking red light back to normal (about a sec between blinks) then start, so I'm either going to replace the fuse panel or see if I can re wire it myself, I have been trying to find info on this issue for a LONG time and that is why I am posting this, Hope it helps, if you have questions just ask, I might have an answer, Dealerships have just taken my money and keep me coming back but never again!!!