Getting into a locked Ranger
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: formerly Brooklyn NY now
Originally posted by AlfredB1979
98 model 4 cylinders did NOT have PATS.
The v6s did....then all the engine offerings from 99-on have PATS as well.
.
98 model 4 cylinders did NOT have PATS.
The v6s did....then all the engine offerings from 99-on have PATS as well.
.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Coastal North Carolina
I dont think there is an easy "trick" to get into a locked cab (but if there is PM me)
This would have helped 2 days ago. I arrived at work (straight from school) and had to put my work shirt on. Well i always just change it in the parking lot. So i was changing and i turned around and there are two girls staring at me. Well they said hey so we started talking. I was already late so i went in. Looked at my wrist to see how late, but no watch. So i went back out to get my watch and shut the door. Started talking to the girls again and walked in. Touched my pocket and no keys. So 2 girls are trying to help me (but they, nor i know what to do) so i went ahead in work. ON my break i came out and unlocked it and got in. Only took me 2 mins., but the humiliation lasts a life time. (not really the next day the girls came to see me at work)
Sorry about the long story, but i thought it would brighten up somebodies day.
This would have helped 2 days ago. I arrived at work (straight from school) and had to put my work shirt on. Well i always just change it in the parking lot. So i was changing and i turned around and there are two girls staring at me. Well they said hey so we started talking. I was already late so i went in. Looked at my wrist to see how late, but no watch. So i went back out to get my watch and shut the door. Started talking to the girls again and walked in. Touched my pocket and no keys. So 2 girls are trying to help me (but they, nor i know what to do) so i went ahead in work. ON my break i came out and unlocked it and got in. Only took me 2 mins., but the humiliation lasts a life time. (not really the next day the girls came to see me at work)
Sorry about the long story, but i thought it would brighten up somebodies day.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
slim jims
Slim jims don't work. I tried one on mine when I locked myself out at the police firing range. As it goes in Washington State at least - One, the police won't use a slim jim on your car because of liability issues, two, at least on my truck there were wires in there and the slim jim could probably rip them out so fast it would make your head spin, three a locksmith is just as easy and if bonded will have to payback any damage he causes to your truck.
I just make a copy of the key and hid it real well on the truck. There's no way a thief could possibly find all the places the hide a magnet.
I just make a copy of the key and hid it real well on the truck. There's no way a thief could possibly find all the places the hide a magnet.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
I agree - it's much easier to hide a key copy (not a functional ignition key) on the truck than to learn how to break in. Even if somebody were to search your truck long enough to find the key, they could only break into it, not steal it. And if they're dedicated enough to look around for a key underneath, they're going to get in whether they find it or not.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Orem, Utah, USA
eigenvector: What do you mean "Slim jims don't work"? I just saw a slim-jim work the other night!
True, a locksmith might have been safer, but I don't know any locksmiths, I know a several cops. I did what I did, and nothing bad happened, so all's well that ends well. (Knock on wood.)
And yes, fastpakr, it's much easier to hide a key, but I just got the thing last week - I haven't had a chance to get any more keys made. Life happens.
I do plan on getting a few other keys made; hiding a non-programmed one is a good idea - I think I'll do that for both of my Fords.
However, now that somebody was kind enough to email me the information (without passing judgement on me - thanks again, Pete), I know just how easy it is to break in to my Ranger and I'll be more careful from now on.
Many thanks to johare for posting his question. Kudos to him for thinking ahead.
True, a locksmith might have been safer, but I don't know any locksmiths, I know a several cops. I did what I did, and nothing bad happened, so all's well that ends well. (Knock on wood.)
And yes, fastpakr, it's much easier to hide a key, but I just got the thing last week - I haven't had a chance to get any more keys made. Life happens.
I do plan on getting a few other keys made; hiding a non-programmed one is a good idea - I think I'll do that for both of my Fords.
However, now that somebody was kind enough to email me the information (without passing judgement on me - thanks again, Pete), I know just how easy it is to break in to my Ranger and I'll be more careful from now on.
Many thanks to johare for posting his question. Kudos to him for thinking ahead.
Last edited by Seronac; Feb 15, 2004 at 11:58 PM.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Spring Hill, KS
I have a 94 without PATS (thankfully!). I have to keep a spare in my wallet and one next to the TV. BUT when I do have that dreaded lock-the-keys-inside moments, I have to dismantle the back window. Trust me, not an easy way in, nor it is quick! I would surely would be caught if it wasn't mine!
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Coastal North Carolina
Seronac, would you mind forwarding me that info?
By the way welcome to FTE.
So, youve only had the truck a week, and you locked the keys in. LOL
I had mine for about 3 months before it happened to me. Im just glad my tool box was unlocked so i could actually get into it. All it took was 2 screwdrivers, and a pair of Vice-gips.
By the way welcome to FTE.
So, youve only had the truck a week, and you locked the keys in. LOL
I had mine for about 3 months before it happened to me. Im just glad my tool box was unlocked so i could actually get into it. All it took was 2 screwdrivers, and a pair of Vice-gips.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Orem, Utah, USA
99xlt4.04x4,
I'd like to send you the info, but as a new user, I can't send emails to members yet. If you send me an email, I'll reply with the info. I don't think it's as easy as some were saying, but it should work.
Yep, only had it a week; I was laughing too. At least I got home with it.
Many years ago, we bought a new car as a very bad snow storm blew in. By the time they were done with all the paperwork and junk, the streets were slicker than snot. On the way home from the dealership, I lost control and crashed into a concrete retaining wall - $1300 worth of damage on a brand new car. I was *really* ticked-off. I still feel stupid about that one, too. So there's a new thread for somebody to post: new car nightmares.
I'd like to send you the info, but as a new user, I can't send emails to members yet. If you send me an email, I'll reply with the info. I don't think it's as easy as some were saying, but it should work.
Yep, only had it a week; I was laughing too. At least I got home with it.
Many years ago, we bought a new car as a very bad snow storm blew in. By the time they were done with all the paperwork and junk, the streets were slicker than snot. On the way home from the dealership, I lost control and crashed into a concrete retaining wall - $1300 worth of damage on a brand new car. I was *really* ticked-off. I still feel stupid about that one, too. So there's a new thread for somebody to post: new car nightmares.
Last edited by Seronac; Feb 16, 2004 at 12:41 PM.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Down the road,Tx.
I have a aftermarket alarm system but when i got this truck i disabled the speaker so i could at least start working on it and the alarm isn't a big deal with me but i left it armed except the speaker.After reading these posts and i do start it in the morning to warm up i never close the door tight but would dread thinking of you guys so i went to walmart and had a spare key made,cost a whole $.97 and well worth it.The alarm i have disables the ignition but i just wanted a extra key.No pats on mine either but without the clicker it wont start easy.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 1
Originally posted by AlfredB1979
98 model 4 cylinders did NOT have PATS.
The v6s did....then all the engine offerings from 99-on have PATS as well.
My 94 obviously doesn't have PATS, but I pull this chip out from under the dash and the truck goes no where....if I lose that, well, I can turn the ignition and hear the injectors buzz to life for a moment.....and savor that.
98 model 4 cylinders did NOT have PATS.
The v6s did....then all the engine offerings from 99-on have PATS as well.
My 94 obviously doesn't have PATS, but I pull this chip out from under the dash and the truck goes no where....if I lose that, well, I can turn the ignition and hear the injectors buzz to life for a moment.....and savor that.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Mountains
Will some kind soul on this thread e-mail me the secret to getting into a locked Ranger? I have a '95, but it has no bells and whistles and manual door locks. Will this secret system work for me as well? A little knowledge is a powerful tool. Thanks!
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Little Rock
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 3
From: Belleville, Ontario
I'd love to know a new secret!!! Email it to me as well please.
I pretty much stopped doing lock-outs after I heard about a few guys being killed by the slim-jim when they set off the side air bags.
A repo bar works just fine on my 97 Ranger.
I pretty much stopped doing lock-outs after I heard about a few guys being killed by the slim-jim when they set off the side air bags.
A repo bar works just fine on my 97 Ranger.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Orem, Utah, USA
THE SECRET
Dealford, RVBfordman, Donald;
I'd like to send you the info, but as a new user, I can't send emails to members yet. If you send me an email or PM, I'll reply with the info. I don't think it's as easy as some were saying, but it should work. (But you must promise to only use these powers for good, and not evil.
)
It's actually not much of a secret: you could probably figure it out. Just lock yourself out of your Ranger, with the engine running, and your keys and cell phone inside, and then think about it for a while. That's what I did, but, fortunately, I had my cell phone with me. (See previous posts.) After Peter sent me the "secret" it seemed fairly obvious.
I'd like to send you the info, but as a new user, I can't send emails to members yet. If you send me an email or PM, I'll reply with the info. I don't think it's as easy as some were saying, but it should work. (But you must promise to only use these powers for good, and not evil.
)It's actually not much of a secret: you could probably figure it out. Just lock yourself out of your Ranger, with the engine running, and your keys and cell phone inside, and then think about it for a while.
That's what I did, but, fortunately, I had my cell phone with me. (See previous posts.) After Peter sent me the "secret" it seemed fairly obvious.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Central Iowa
Try the back window. It's always worked for me. My window was a 3 pane slider. In fact i used a piece of wire from a bbq grill, bent it to slide in past the weather strip and hook the latch. And me being the scrawny guy i am, i had to send a smaller guy in to get my keys. I was also about a mile or so from the nearest farmhouse, and didn't feel the urge to walk.
Although, it isn't a slider anymore. A friend of mine felt he had to fall through it one day while riding in back.
BTW, what year(s) does this "SECRET" work?
Although, it isn't a slider anymore. A friend of mine felt he had to fall through it one day while riding in back.
BTW, what year(s) does this "SECRET" work?
Last edited by 79redranger; Feb 21, 2004 at 10:22 AM.